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Google may be working on a smart ring behind the scenes. It recently secured a patent for a compact antenna design for small-sized wearable devices, like smart rings. In fact, the patent documents categorically explain applications of the antenna in ring-shaped wearables.
Google patents a compact wearable antenna design
As spotted by MSPowerUser, the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) published a patent application from Google at the end of January 2024. Titled “wearable antenna and wearable device,” it describes a compact antenna for wearable devices for facilitating wireless communication with other devices around it.
Google explains that developing compact antennas for wearable devices is challenging because these devices sit close to the skin or in direct contact with the skin. Since the human body is electrically conductive, it can affect the performance of the antenna. The company’s patented antenna design uses microwave dielectric substrate with a high relative permittivity to mitigate the body effects.
The antenna is 8×8mm or smaller in dimension, making it extremely compact while transmitting and receiving signals better. It can also store electrical energy for better battery life. Google’s patent documents go into detail about the technical tidbits of the product. They also highlight some applications of the antenna, with sketches specifically showing its use in a smart ring.
The company notes that the antenna can also be used in other types of wearable devices, such as smartwatches, smart textiles, and similar products that require a compact antenna with good efficiency. However, Google may be exploring a smart ring itself. These tiny wearable devices are seen as the way forward for fitness accessories that can be paired with smartphones, which are omnipresent in our lives.
Industry estimates suggest the smart ring market will grow exponentially over the next few years. According to DataHorizzon Research, the market was valued at $147.1 million in 2022 and is expected to reach $1,405.1 million by 2032. That marks a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 25.4%. It remains to be seen when Google enters the smart ring market.
Samsung will launch a smart ring later this year
Samsung could be the first big tech company to launch a smart ring. The company is preparing to unveil the Galaxy Ring in the second half of this year. The ring is said to come in multiple sizes with a wide range of health sensors. The Korean behemoth teased the product during the Galaxy S24 launch last month. We may hear more about the Galaxy Ring from Samsung in the coming months.