The second Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024 has concluded, introducing a suite of new Galaxy devices. These range from the anticipated foldable phones to Samsung’s first smart ring, and a response to the Apple Watch Ultra.
Throughout the keynote, Samsung emphasized consumer-focused AI tools for its new devices, aiming to enhance productivity, creativity, health, and sleep. For a detailed account of the event, here are the nine biggest announcements from Galaxy Unpacked 2024.
1. Introducing the Galaxy Ring
The Samsung Galaxy Ring marks Samsung’s entry into a new wearables category. This minimalist, 24/7 tracker features a battery life of up to seven days and several sensors for wellness tracking, such as heart rate, skin temperature, and step estimation. It automatically logs running and walking workouts and integrates seamlessly with the Samsung Health app, offering Sleep and Energy Scores with AI-powered personalized tips. This sophisticated fitness tracker signals a new era for wearables.
2. Galaxy Ring Sizing Details
The Galaxy Ring sizes are based on US standard sizes, ranging from size 5 to size 13. Availability will vary by region, and to find the right fit, you’ll need a free Sizing Kit when placing an order. Note that smaller sizes have slightly shorter battery life, estimated at six days instead of seven.
3. The Galaxy Z Fold 6: Smarter and Sleeker
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 may appear similar to its predecessor but is slightly shorter and wider, making the cover display more user-friendly. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip optimized for Samsung, it features innovative Galaxy AI tools, including a Sketch to Image feature that transforms S Pen doodles into realistic images and an Interpreter app that offers two-way translations on its displays. This makes the Galaxy Z Fold 6 the smartest foldable phone available for pre-order.
4. The Galaxy Watch Ultra: Challenging the Apple Watch Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra enhances the Galaxy Watch 7 for outdoor activities. It boasts a more robust battery, a titanium-armored redesign, a programmable “Quick” button, improved GPS, and new wilderness survival tools. Drawing inspiration from the Apple Watch Ultra, it promises a significant performance boost, making it a reliable companion for both office and outdoor use.
5. The Fun-Focused Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Galaxy Z Flip 6, with its new 50MP camera, faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, larger battery, and improved durability, offers fun and functionality. It introduces new software and AI features and is available for pre-order in four colors: Yellow, Blue, Mint, and Silver Shadow.
6. AI-Powered Galaxy Buds Pro 3
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro feature an AirPods-like design with downward-extending sticks and new pinch-and-swipe controls. Significant sound upgrades include an advanced dual-driver system in the Pro and enhanced noise cancellation powered by AI. They promise improved call quality, longer battery life, 24-bit Hi-Res Audio, and 3D spatial sound when paired with Samsung’s best phones.
7. The Galaxy Watch 7: Enhanced Health Tracking
The Galaxy Watch 7 retains the circular design of its predecessors but includes significant internal upgrades. Powered by a 3-nanometer Samsung Exynos chip and a redesigned BioActive Sensor, it offers an Energy Score feature for more digestible health data. Gesture controls and Galaxy AI features enhance the user experience, with no price increase from previous models.
8. Upcoming XR Platform Collaboration with Google
In a brief announcement, Google reaffirmed its XR platform plans in partnership with Samsung. The results of this collaboration are expected to be revealed later this year, possibly at the Samsung Developer’s Conference on October 3, 2024.
9. Energy Score: Monitoring Your Body’s Battery
Samsung introduced the Energy Score feature for Galaxy Watches, providing a “battery charge” rating for your body. It offers recommendations based on your physical state to help you improve your daily efforts. However, this feature requires a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or newer, excluding older models like the Galaxy Watch 3.