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The Samsung Galaxy Ring introduces a fresh approach to wearable technology. This sleek device combines style and functionality, offering users comprehensive health tracking without the bulk of traditional wearables. It is priced at $400 and provides a unique value proposition for health-conscious users. Let’s dig into the design, ergonomics, performance, sustainability, and overall value of Samsung’s latest innovation.

Designer: Samsung

Aesthetics and Design

The Samsung Galaxy Ring impresses with its minimalist and elegant design. The ring is available in titanium black, titanium silver, and glossy titanium gold and caters to diverse style preferences. The concave shape enhances its aesthetic appeal and helps prevent scratches, ensuring durability. Constructed from high-grade titanium, the ring is resilient against daily wear and tear, promising longevity.

Galaxy Ring: available in titanium black, titanium silver, and glossy titanium gold.

Weighing between 2.3 to 3 grams, the Galaxy Ring feels almost weightless, making it comfortable for all-day wear. This is particularly beneficial for those sensitive to the weight of traditional wearables. The sleek profile ensures it doesn’t catch on clothing or other objects, adding to its practicality. I don’t mind wearing an Apple Watch to track my sleep and other health metrics at night, but I prefer to wear a nice timepiece during the day. Having the best of both worlds is obviously wearing a ring.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Ring

Samsung recommends wearing the Galaxy Watch in conjunction with the Ring since they determine which is more suitable for activities and could increase battery life. For me, on the other end of the extreme, I find myself going watchless – and I love the sense of freedom that the Galaxy Ring affords me that opportunity.

Samsung Galaxy Ring: Titanium Black Size 8

The charging case, reminiscent of those used for earbuds, adds a touch of elegance and practicality. It is designed to be compact and efficient, providing a secure place to store the ring when not in use and ensuring multiple charges without needing a constant power source.

Ergonomics

Comfort is a significant selling point for the Galaxy Ring. Its lightweight design ensures it remains unobtrusive, even for sensitive sleepers. The ring is available in various sizes, providing a snug fit that enhances its ability to track health metrics accurately. Users have noted the occasional distraction from the ring’s LEDs in dark environments, but this minor issue does not overshadow its overall comfort. The device is water-resistant, surviving hand washes and lotion exposure without losing functionality.

Galaxy Ring: Optical Bio-signal Sensor, Skin Temperature Sensor and Accelerometer

With Samsung’s Sizing Kit, finding the Galaxy Ring’s size is straightforward. Upon ordering, if you choose the option indicating you don’t know your size, Samsung will send you a sizing kit with nine sample rings in different sizes. This kit costs $10, which is credited towards your final purchase. The recommendation is to wear the sample ring for at least 24 hours to ensure it fits comfortably and accurately. This ensures that you select the best size for your needs before confirming your order.

I have been wearing the black titanium ring in a size eight on my pinkie finger. It is about a half size too big 70% of the time but fits well enough to get accurate readings. I have requested a size seven from Samsung to see if a tighter fit will change the readings and provide a more secure fit. As someone who doesn’t usually wear rings or jewelry, this has been a new experience for me.

Samsung Galaxy Ring and Fold6

Samsung shared that it doesn’t matter which finger or hand you wear the ring on as long as you avoid the thumb. However, wearing a ring that is too large can pose issues, such as slipping off in the shower or while swimming, and due to its loose fit, it can more easily get snagged on objects.

Performance

The Galaxy Ring excels in health tracking, offering detailed insights into sleep patterns, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature. It synchronizes with the Samsung Health app, providing a user-friendly interface for viewing data. The ring generates an Energy Score, guiding users’ daily activity and recovery needs. This score is useful for understanding how well you’ve recovered overnight and what to expect from your day ahead.

Regarding sleep tracking, the Galaxy Ring offers impressive accuracy. It monitors different stages of sleep, providing detailed feedback on REM, light, and deep sleep cycles. The app offers helpful context, explaining the significance of each sleep stage and providing personalized tips for improvement. For those who struggle with sleep, these insights can be incredibly valuable. Despite some features requiring a Samsung phone, the ring’s sleep tracking and general activity monitoring performance is commendable, making it a reliable health companion.

The Galaxy Ring provides comprehensive metrics for analyzing a specific day’s tracking data using the Samsung Health app. For instance, my sleep score for one night was 49, categorized as “Needs attention,” with 3 hours and 52 minutes of sleep time. The ring detailed my physical recovery at 34% and mental recovery at 48%, based on the amount of time spent in different sleep stages, including REM and deep sleep. It also tracked my skin temperature, which ranged from 92.9 degrees Fahrenheit to 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and my blood oxygen levels, which dipped as low as 81%. Additionally, it logged 1 hour and 36 minutes of snoring. This level of detail helps users like me, who have unorthodox sleep schedules, understand and improve our sleep quality. However, it’s worth noting that the app does not factor in nap times, which is a limitation for those with irregular sleep patterns.

The Samsung Health app provides additional metrics, including stress levels. During a typical day, my stress level varied but remained within the app’s “normal” range, which helped me gauge my daily mental well-being. This feature, along with others like water intake, medication tracking, and cycle tracking, adds to the comprehensive health insights provided by the ring.

Activity tracking is effective, automatically logging steps, walks, and runs. The data presentation clearly shows metrics like distance traveled, calories burned, and average speed. Although some smartwatches offer extensive exercise options, the Galaxy Ring’s simplicity is part of its charm. The absence of a screen reinforces the ring’s “set and forget” philosophy, allowing you to focus on your day without constant notifications.

The battery life of the Galaxy Ring varies by size. The battery life is rated up to six days for a size eight ring. Larger sizes, like 12 and 13, can last up to seven days on a single charge. This variance ensures that larger-ring users can enjoy extended usage without frequent recharges. Something that I’m accustomed to doing with the Apple Watch is tossing it on the charger when I jump in the shower. I did that the first few days with the Galaxy Ring but then stopped. Now, I take it off before I take a shower. I suspect this is because the ring size is too big right now. I’m sure I won’t be taking it off as often once I go down a size. Additionally, I have noticed that hair products can get caught under the ring, which can block the sensors. To avoid this, I take it off and clean it regularly. This is something to note for those who frequently use hair products.

The Galaxy Ring is water-resistant up to 100 meters, which makes it safe to wear while swimming or in the shower, provided it fits securely.

Consistent with 10ATM water-resistance classification (up to 100m of water for up to 10 minutes) and IP68 rating (up to 6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes). Rinse residue / dry after wet.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Ring features the “Find My Ring” function through Samsung Find, which tracks the ring based on its last connected location. This feature is handy for those prone to misplacing small items, providing peace of mind and an easy way to locate the ring.

Sustainability

Samsung’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Galaxy Ring’s design. Durable, scratch-resistant materials like titanium ensure a long product lifespan. Additionally, the ring’s charging case, reminiscent of those used for earbuds, is practical and eco-friendly. It offers multiple charges without a constant power source, reducing the overall environmental footprint.

Charging the Galaxy Ring is simple with its clear cover cradle. LED lights indicate the charging progress.

The ring’s battery life is impressive, lasting up to seven days on a single charge for larger sizes. This reduces the need for frequent recharging, contributing to a lower environmental impact. The charging case is designed to be compact and efficient, providing a secure place to store the ring when not used. While the Galaxy Ring does not boast any groundbreaking sustainability features, its durable build and efficient energy use contribute positively to reducing electronic waste.

Value / Verdict

At $400, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is positioned at the higher end of the market but does not require a subscription fee, adding to its long-term value. The initial cost might be a consideration for some, but the Galaxy Ring provides seamless connectivity and valuable health insights, especially for users integrated into the Samsung ecosystem. Its lightweight design and comprehensive health tracking make it ideal for those seeking a sophisticated and discreet wearable. For Samsung users, the Galaxy Ring offers insightful health data without the bulk of traditional wearables, making it an excellent addition to their suite of devices.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring Review: A Stylish Wearable for Health-Conscious Individuals first appeared on Yanko Design.

Two companies with century-plus histories are selling updates to a decades-old product.

Stanley’s $35 stainless steel Classic Legendary Useful Box measures 25cm / 9.8″ x 16cm / 6.3″ x 5.6cm / 2.2″. Throw it in a backpack, filled with whatever you don’t want getting crushed.

Nowadays it’s offered in neon colors, in case you’re worried about losing it on a jobsite or wherever.

Swiss company SIGG, which has offered a competing product for decades, has upgraded their aluminum Lunchbox L not with new colors, but added functionality: They feature microwaveable silicon inserts. These have been rebranded the Lunchbox Plus L.

SIGG’s product is slightly smaller in depth and width than Stanley’s offering, at 22.9cm / 9″ x 14.5cm / 5.7″ x 6cm / 2.4″. They’re also cheaper at $22.

Both weigh about a pound. It’s subjective, but I think SIGG’s looks better, and to me those latches scream “Switzerland.”

While I think the aesthetics are slightly wonky, this Owlet is an interesting design departure for the e-bike form factor:

It’s sort of like, if you were in a manufacturing facility and wanted to make a bike, but didn’t have access to the right materials.

At this point, details are light; the eponymous startup producing the Owlet hasn’t got a price or production date locked down yet. But here’s what we can glean from their Spartan website:

The wheelbase, which looks awfully short to me, is adjustable from 25″ to 40″ (“Sportbike” and “chopper” modes, in the company’s language). It’s not clear whether you can make the adjustment on-the-fly, or if it’s something you do in your garage with tools. As for why they offer such a short wheelbase, the company points out that “Owlet fits seamlessly into elevators, integrating into [the] urban living lifestyle.”

The Owlet has no pedals, just footrests; I suppose that technically it’s a scooter rather than an e-bike, though the latter is how the company is marketing it.

It tops out at 30 mph, and the company says the removable battery is good for 40 to 60 miles of range.

It looks pretty strange on the road:

What do you think of the form? I find the proportions jarring, but can’t take my eyes off of it.

On March 18th of this year, Infinix unveiled its NOTE 40 series at the iconic Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The choice of venue was no coincidence; the world-renowned Formula 1 racetrack served as the perfect backdrop to showcase the NOTE 40’s speed and performance. Among the NOTE 40 Series announced at the event was the Racing Edition in collaboration with BMW Deisgnworks. Now, the Infinix NOTE 40 Series Racing Edition has become available globally.

While smartphone collaborations with car brands aren’t uncommon, the opportunity to review the Racing Edition as a motorsports enthusiast was irresistible. The Note 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition Gift Box I received included a plethora of speed-inspired gadgets and goodies beside the phone, including the XWATCH 3 WE, XBUDS 3 WE, a 68W GaN fast charger, a USB-C to USB-C braided cable, MagPower wireless power bank, MagWallet, sunglasses, and a keychain. While these accessories undoubtedly contribute to the overall package, this review will focus exclusively on the smartphone itself.

Designer: Infinix

Aesthetics

The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition comes in Racing Gray while the regular model offers a choice of Vintage Green with a vegan leather finish or Obsidian Black with matte texture. The Racing Edition showcases what Infinix calls “Wings of Speed”, featuring dynamic vertical ridges on its back panel that evoke a sense of motion. The sleek ridges are crafted through a UV transfer printing process. Composed of composite materials, the ridged texture not only enhances tactile satisfaction but also captivates with shifting lights and shadows as the phone moves.

The phone sports a rectangular-shaped camera module on its back panel, housing a triple camera setup, an Active Halo, and BMW’s iconic tri-color emblem, as you’d expect. The Active Halo offers customizable AI lighting for notifications, gaming, charging, and more, and can also function as a fill light for enhanced photography and videography. The camera module’s minimal protrusion contributes to the phone’s sleek profile, complemented by the Infinix logo and 5G insignia in grey which are positioned vertically at the lower left of the back panel, ensuring a minimalist and polished appearance.

Ergonomics

Merely 8.1mm thin, the phone is sleek and fits comfortably in your hand. Weighing 190g and measuring 6.47 x 2.93 x 0.32 inches, it’s effortlessly portable. The slim profile, coupled with curved edges and a textured back panel, provides excellent grip without digging into your hands, ensuring it won’t slip out of your hands. While a textured finish enhances grip, it is not free from fingerprints and smudges, although a lot less noticeable compared to glossy non-textured surfaces.

To utilize the phone’s wireless magnetic charging feature, you’ll need to attach the included magnetic case. While the case itself is a simple black design, it thankfully maintains the same leather-like texture found on the back panel of the Vintage Green model, preserving the phone’s overall grip and feel.

As for the placements of buttons and ports, the power button and the volume locker are located on the right side of the phone, and nothing on the left. The top of the device houses the speaker grill, microphone, and IR blaster while the bottom houses the dual nano-SIM card tray, microphone, UBC-C port, and speaker grill.

Performance

Aside from its distinctive Race Edition back panel design and customized UI, the rest of the device is the same as its regular NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G counterpart. Emphasizing speed and performance, it runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 5G chipset paired with a generous 12GB of RAM (expandable virtually to 18GB) and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. This hardware combination ensures smooth multitasking and efficient app handling, making it suitable for both casual use and more demanding tasks.

Running on Infinix’s XOS 14 based on Android 14, the device delivers a smooth user experience. The phone comes with a special Racing Edition wallpaper and UI. While the exclusive wallpaper is a nice touch, users hoping for multiple options might be disappointed. Fortunately, the device offers a vast library of wallpapers both on-device and online. Additionally, Infinix’s AI Wallpaper Generator lets you create custom wallpapers, with up to six daily creations. Moreover, Infinix introduced AI Wallpaper Generator, allowing users to create up to six custom wallpapers daily, enhancing personalization options for users who enjoy changing their phone’s look frequently. As for support, Infinix offers two major Android updates and three years of security patches.

One of the standout features of the phone is the robust battery and versatile charging options. Sporting a 4,600mAh battery, the device supports rapid 100W wired charging and convenient 20W wireless charging. Infinix goes the extra mile by including a 100W charger, a MagCase, and a MagPad wireless magnetic charger in the box. Additionally, Infinix offers a sleek Qi wireless power bank with a 3020mAh capacity. And, if you want to charge your other device, Note 40 Pro+ 5G is capable of reverse charging, although the included MagCase is needed to utilize this feature.

Equipped with Infinix’s first self-developed Cheetah X1 chip and features All-Round FastCharge 2.0, the device optimizes battery health and charging efficiency. There are three different charging modes that cater to your needs. Smart Charge offers optimal charging speed, while Hyper Charge delivers an impressive 50% charge in just 8 minutes. For those concerned about overheating, Low-Temp Charge gently charges the device to maintain a comfortable temperature. Additionally, AI Charging Protection safeguards battery longevity by learning charging patterns and preventing overcharging. In real-world testing, the battery easily lasted a full day of intense use on a single charge, and charging speeds were remarkably close to the advertised speeds.

The Note 40 Pro+ 5G boasts a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080p, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a peak brightness of 1,300 nits. The display is safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass, although the specific generation is unspecified. While there is no LTPO technology implemented, which is understandable given the phone’s budget-friendly price point, there is an auto-switch option that automatically adjusts the refresh rate to 60Hz or 120Hz based on content and battery life, balancing performance and power efficiency. The dual speakers branded with JBL professional tuning certification deliver good sound, enhancing the multimedia experience with clear audio output and immersive viewing.

While the Note 40 Pro+ 5G’s performance and battery life are commendable, its camera capabilities are less impressive. The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G boasts a triple camera system consisting of a 108MP main camera with f/1.75 aperture and OIS, a 2MP macro with F/2.4 aperture, and a 2MP depth sensor. The 108MP main sensor captures decent shots in well-lit conditions, but color accuracy can be over-saturated. The macro photos are grainy and non-usable, although I’m certain not many people care about this. The 32MP front-facing camera provides passable selfies under optimal lighting conditions but struggles in low-light environments, resulting in softer details and increased noise.

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Sustainability

Infinix has positioned itself as a youth-centric brand with a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The company’s partnership with UNESCO to promote STEM education globally is a testament to this commitment.

While features like the Note 40 Pro+ 5G’s IP53 rating, Corning Gorilla Glass protection, and battery optimization contribute to device longevity and reduce environmental impact, they represent only part of the sustainability equation. A comprehensive approach encompassing material selection, repairability, and end-of-life management is essential for creating truly eco-friendly smartphones. Given Infinix’s established dedication to social responsibility, we hope that the brand will continue to innovate in these areas.

Value

Priced competitively at $329, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition offers excellent value with its combination of design, display quality, and robust performance. Despite some camera performance limitations, it remains a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a stylish and capable smartphone that delivers on speed and endurance. The inclusion of essential charging accessories, such as the 100W charger, MagCase, and MagPad, further enhances its appeal, making it a standout choice in the budget smartphone market.

Verdict

The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G Racing Edition is a stylish and capable mid-range smartphone with strong points in design, display, and battery life. The incorporation of racing-inspired aesthetics, such as the dynamic ridged back panel and the exclusive Racing Edition UI, adds a unique flair that resonates with enthusiasts of speed and performance. While the camera could benefit from improvements, the device’s overall package is solid. Infinix and BMW Deisgnworks have successfully captured the essence of speed and performance with this model, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a reliable, stylish smartphone that embodies the thrill of racing and the promise of speed.

The post Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ Racing Edition Review: A high-speed performance for motorsports fans first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen Showroom: designer Patricia Urquiola has created a curved seat for Spanish furniture brand Andreu World that can be used solo or combined with others to form a modular sofa.

Bolete Lounge Bio chairs have a plump, cushioned seat with a thick backrest. Their armless design allows them to be used as a standalone seat or in tandem with other modules to create customisable sofa systems.

Their fluted bases further their sculptural appearance and are made from Bio Thermo-polymer, which is of natural origin, 100 per cent recyclable, compostable and biodegradable at the end of the seat’s lifespan, according to Andreu World.

“We wanted to create a sofa that would spark conversation, recreate an unexpected corner of intimacy, to conceive a space different from traditional common areas or lobbies,” said Patricia Urquiola.

The seat’s generous size and integrated foam padding create a supportive ergonomic experience for the user.

Finishes for the base include Black, Basalt, Terracotta and Sand, and the seat can be upholstered in a selection of different fabrics.

Product details:

Product: Bolete Lounge Bio
Designer: Patricia Urquiola
Brand: Andreu World
Contact: y.vilar@andreuworld.com

Material: Bio Thermo-polymer, foam, fabric
Dimensions: 920 x 865 x 745 millimetres

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen’s huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.

The post Bolete Lounge Bio seating by Patricia Urquiola for Andreu World appeared first on Dezeen.