Yearly Archives: 2024

Computers, Gaming

MSI Brings Thin and Light to Gaming and Creator Laptops with the Stealth A16 AI+ & the Creator A16 AI+

Leave a comment

MSI is bringing thin and light to a 16-inch form factor. What’s more, these laptops are not just normal laptops, they’re gaming and creator laptops. The Stealth A16 AI+ and Creator A16 AI+ were both launched at COMPUTEX 2024. These laptops combine cutting-edge AI, impressive gaming capabilities, and content creation prowess in a portable design.

The Stealth A16 AI+ and Creator A16 AI+ are equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Processors, featuring a new processor architecture, integrated graphics, and a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This combination delivers exceptional processor performance, stunning visuals, and robust AI computing power.

MSI Stealth Creator AI

The new XDNA 2 architecture within the processors offers up to three times faster AI performance compared to previous generations. This allows for running generative AI tools or large language models directly on the laptops. The integrated Radeon 800M series graphics boast up to 33% more graphics cores, resulting in smooth gaming experiences on a lightweight chassis. Additionally, the processor unit boasts the latest Zen 5 architecture, supporting up to 12 cores and 50% more on-chip memory compared to predecessors, translating to industry-leading processor performance.

For those seeking the ultimate in AI computing power, both the Stealth A16 AI+ and Creator A16 AI+ can be configured with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards. These graphics cards feature specialized AI Tensor Cores, delivering cutting-edge performance and revolutionary capabilities for enhanced creativity, efficient workflows, and blisteringly fast gaming.

The Stealth A16 AI+ and Creator A16 AI+ feature a lightweight magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, ensuring portability without too much compromise on durability. MSI’s Cooler Boost 5 cooling system keeps thermals in check during demanding tasks. A wealth of ports allows for versatile connectivity options. This combination of features makes these laptops some of the most well-balanced lightweight gaming and creator options available.

In addition to the gaming and content creation focused models, MSI also unveiled the Summit A16 AI+ and Prestige A16 AI+, business and productivity laptops powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Processors. These laptops combine the latest processors with a large 82Wh battery and a lightweight design, catering to mobile business professionals seeking exceptional performance and portability.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the Stealth A16 AI+, Creator A16 AI+, Summit A16 AI+, and Prestige A16 AI+ laptops will be revealed on the official MSI website.

Computers, Gaming

Meet the MSI Claw 8 AI+ with Updates Specs & Intel’s Lunar Lake Core Ultra Processors

Leave a comment

The Handheld gaming PC battle is really heating up! In addition to the updated ROG Ally X, MSI is updating the Claw with a new name and updated specs. The company is showcasing Claw 8 AI+ at COMPUTEX 2024. This is the world’s first Windows 11 gaming handheld powered by the latest Intel Lunar Lake Core Ultra processors.

MSI Claw 8 AI Rodneil GadgetMatch 1
Source: Rodneil/GadgetMatch

The Claw 8 AI+ builds on MSI’s previous gaming handheld, the Claw. This new iteration incorporates the powerful and energy-efficient Intel Core Ultra processors for smooth gameplay and extended battery life for on-the-go gaming sessions.

MSI isn’t making updates willy-nilly. Instead, it has actively listened to user feedback and implemented several improvements in the Claw 8 AI+. These enhancements include:

  • Additional Thunderbolt 4 USB-C Port: This expands connectivity options for external devices.
  • Enhanced LB/RB Button Tactile Feel: Improved button responsiveness for a more satisfying gaming experience.
  • Increased Battery Capacity: Enjoy longer gaming sessions without needing to recharge as frequently.
  • Lighter Wall-Mounted Charger: A more convenient charging solution for users.
MSI Claw 8 AI Rodneil GadgetMatch 2
Source: Rodneil/GadgetMatch

The Claw 8 AI+ has a slightly tweaked design featuring an 8-inch display with better ergonomics. With its 8-inch display and Windows 11 operating system, the Claw 8 AI+ allows for playing a wide range of PC games. Additionally, MSI is boasting that the updated Claw has:

  • Excellent Grip: Ensures comfortable and secure handling during gameplay.
  • Industry-Leading Battery Life: Provides extended gaming sessions on a single charge.
  • Superior Cooling: This keeps the device cool even during intense gaming sessions.
  • Joysticks and Triggers with Hall Effect Sensors: Delivers precise and responsive controls.

When it launches, MSI will offer a one-month free trial of Xbox Game Pass with the Claw 8 AI+. This will give users access to Microsoft’s extensive list of games including AAA titles both old and new. Xbox Game Pass will renew at RM15 in Malaysia after the first month’s trial.

A Post-Apocalyptic Dream for Fallout Fans

nb 20240527 4 jpg 92

In addition to the high-performance laptops, MSI also unveiled a special edition – the MSI Claw x Fallout Limited Edition – a collaboration with the renowned game studio Bethesda. This limited-edition gaming handheld caters specifically to Fallout fans. The exterior design is inspired by the game’s iconic Vaults, Pip-Boys, and robots, making it a true collector’s item. Beyond aesthetics, the Claw x Fallout boasts features like an excellent grip for comfortable handheld gaming, the largest battery in the industry for extended playtime, superior cooling to maintain performance, and joysticks and triggers equipped with Hall effect sensors for precise control. With Windows 11 allowing access to a vast library of PC games, Fallout fans can revisit the post-nuclear apocalypse world anytime, anywhere.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld and the MSI Claw x Fallout Limited Edition will be revealed at a later date.

Computers, News

MSI Announces New X870 Motherboards Supporting AM5 Sockets and Ryzen 9000 Processors

Leave a comment

Hot off the heels of AMD’s announcement of its new Ryzen AI and Ryzen 9000 series processors, MSI has announced its offerings based on AMD’s X870 chipset. The new motherboards are designed to unleash the power of the upcoming AMD Ryzen 9000 Series processors and feature cutting-edge 4nm CPU process technology, these motherboards promise to deliver unparalleled performance, efficiency, and versatility for gamers and content creators alike.

amd ryzen 20240531 1

The new X870 motherboards support the AM5 socket, ensuring seamless compatibility with the latest AMD Ryzen 9000 Series processors, including the Ryzen 9 9950X, 9900X, Ryzen 7 9700X, and Ryzen 5 9600X. Existing AMD 600 Series motherboards can also be upgraded to support the Ryzen 9000 Series processors through a simple BIOS update that will be made available on MSI’s website.

MSI showcased two X870 models at COMPUTEX 2024: the MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI and PRO X870-P WIFI. The company plans to offer a comprehensive lineup catering to diverse user needs across the MPG and MEG series. Specific details on availability and pricing for all models will be announced closer to launch.

New Features for a Next-Generation Performance

MSI’s X870 motherboards introduce several innovative features designed to enhance user experience. The all-new “EZ PCIe Release” allows for effortless removal of graphics cards installed in the primary PCIe Gen 5.0 slot. Additionally, the upgraded “EZ PCIe Clip II” boasts an improved hooking mechanism for easier removal and installation of graphics cards.

amd ryzen 20240531 2

MSI has also reinforced the PCIe slots on its X870 motherboards with three additional anchor points and thicker materials to address the increasing weight and size of modern graphics cards. This “PCIe Steel Armor” is reported to be 121% stronger compared to the previous generation, offering improved stability and support for even the heaviest graphics cards.

The second generation of “EZ M.2 Clip II” simplifies the installation and removal of M.2 SSD storage. Featuring a screwless design, users can effortlessly open the M.2 Frozr cooler with a simple squeeze and install the M.2 SSD with a push. Removal requires only a slight pull to the left.

amd ryzen 20240531 3

All X870 motherboards are equipped with cutting-edge Lightning Gen 5.0 PCIe and M.2 slots, unlocking the full potential of high-speed storage devices. Additionally, a USB 4 connector now comes standard on all X870 models, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 40GB/s.

amd ryzen 20240531 6

For seamless connectivity, MSI has upgraded the Wi-Fi antenna module with a quick-release mechanism for easy installation. The top-tier MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI and PRO X870-P WIFI models boast advanced 5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 technologies, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted network performance for demanding applications and online gaming.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the entire MSI X870 motherboard lineup, including the MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI and PRO X870-P WIFI showcased at COMPUTEX 2024, will be revealed closer to launch.

Business, Contributed

Bringing the Open Source Way to AI

Leave a comment

Lost in the acronyms and abbreviations surrounding AI, from GP and GenAI to RAG and others, is one specific question:

Can we truly open source AI?

How would the principles of open source, namely permissive licenses, transparent training data and weights and, perhaps most of all, the ability to contribute to an open source model impact the resulting project?

Woman Sitting While Operating Macbook Pro
Photo by Christina Morillo

Open models do exist from many of the most notable players in AI, but they aren’t open source or they impose certain restrictions…and that’s a challenge. To create models that really work for specific enterprise use cases, technology organizations need to understand the full scope of a model – how it was trained, what it was trained on, who contributed to it and so on – before they even think about fine-tuning it with their own internal data.

At Red Hat Summit 2023, we introduced Red Hat OpenShift AI, providing the foundation for running AI models at scale. A powerful, scalable and optimized platform for AI workloads, but not focused on delivering actual models. Today, we’ve made it clear that Red Hat’s strategy doesn’t solely exist in providing the backbone for AI-enabled applications – we want to bring the power of community and open source to the models themselves.

In collaboration with IBM Research, we’re open sourcing several models for both language and code-assistance. But what makes this even more exciting is InstructLab – a new open source project that allows individuals to enhance a model, through a simple user interface. Think of it as being able to contribute to an LLM in the same way you would with Pull Requests to any other open source project.

Robot Pointing on a Wall
Photo by Tara Winstead

Instead of forking an LLM, which creates a dead-end that no one else can contribute to, InstructLab enables anyone around the world to add knowledge and skills. These contributions can then be incorporated into future releases of the model. Put simply…you don’t need to be a data scientist to contribute to InstructLab. Domain and subject matter experts (and data scientists too) can use InstructLab to make contributions that benefit everyone. I cannot overstate how powerful this is – both for the community and enterprises!

RHEL AI combines the critical components of the world’s leading enterprise Linux platform (in the form of the newly-announced image mode for Red Hat Enterprise Linux), open source-licensed Granite models and a supported, lifecycled distribution of the InstructLab project. InstructLab further extends the role of open source in AI, making working with or contributing to the underlying open source model as easy as contributing to any other community project.

AI innovation should not be limited to organizations that can afford massive GPU farms or brigades of data scientists. Everyone, from developers to IT operations teams to lines of business, needs the capacity to contribute to AI in some way, in a manner of their choosing. That’s the beauty of InstructLab and the potential of RHEL AI – it brings the accessibility of open source to the often-closed world of AI.

This is where Red Hat’s AI product strategy is going. Our history embodies our philosophy. We enabled the power of open source for Linux, Kubernetes and hybrid cloud computing for the enterprise.

Now, we’re doing the same for AI. Everyone can benefit from AI, so everyone should be able to access and contribute to it. Let’s do it in the open.

PR Newswire

Saasyan Unveils Advanced Web Filter For K-12 Schools

Leave a comment

Supporting On-Premises, Off-Premises, BYOD and School Provided 1:1 Programs

SYDNEY, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Saasyan, a leader in AI-powered online student safety, has today announced the launch of Assure Web Filter, available as an optional module to their cloud-based, online student safety solution, Saasyan Assure.

Developed specifically for K12 schools, the Assure Web Filter empowers schools with advanced web filtering, deep inspection and flexible controls, enabling them to support their students’ learning journey and to protect their students from harmful online content.

Enhancing Digital Safety in Schools with Advanced Web Filtering Solutions

The Saasyan Assure Web Filter is a comprehensive solution comprising two key modules:

  1. A Cloud-Managed Virtual Appliance, for supporting On-Premises and BYOD; and
  2. A Cloud-Managed On-Device Filter, for supporting Off-Premises and 1:1 Programs.

Featuring best-in class functionalities, including:

  • Granular Controls: Set and manage policies with precision, tailored by year, class, or individual student.
  • Time-Based Policies: Flexibly adjust access privileges based on time constraints.
  • Selective SSL Decryption: Ensure security while maintaining privacy with selective decryption capabilities.
  • AI-Prompt Inspections: Detect concerning language or prompts entered by users.
  • Video Controls: Manage and monitor video content access with ease.
  • Wellbeing and Safety Alerts: Receive timely alerts to address potential risks to student safety and wellbeing.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Gain insights into usage patterns and potential risks with detailed reports categorised by year, class, student, and activity type.
  • Configurable Dashboards: Customise dashboards to align with your specific monitoring and reporting needs.
  • 12-Month Rolling Data Retention: Keep historical data accessible for informed investigation, decision-making and compliance purposes.

“As a principal committed to both educational excellence and the safety of our students, I have found the Assure Web Filter to be an invaluable asset in our school’s digital ecosystem.” said Mr Edward Demirdjian, Principal at Galstaun College, a Saasyan Assure Web Filter customer. “It seamlessly integrates with our existing infrastructure, ensuring that every student benefits from a safe and focused learning environment. The flexibility to tailor web access according to specific educational needs and safety standards, without compromising on ease of use or functionality, makes the Assure Web Filter an essential tool in modern educational settings. It’s reassuring to know that we are not only compliant with digital safety standards but are also at the forefront of preventative measures against online risks.”

Saasyan’s launch of the Assure Web Filter reflects a strategic response to two fundamental challenges shaping today’s educational landscape.

1.  Meeting the Challenges of School-Issued 1:1 Device Programs

As government and non-government schools increasingly adopt 1:1 device initiatives, they’re not just embracing a new educational paradigm but also grappling with amplified responsibilities beyond campus boundaries. The Assure Web Filter steps in as a proactive solution, ensuring that students’ off-premises digital interactions remain safe and conducive to learning.

“We’re excited to offer a powerful web filter that is quick to deploy, is simple to configure and which supports on-premises, off-premises, BYOD and 1:1 programs”, said Greg Margossian, Founder & CTO of Saasyan. “This is a significant step towards Saasyan’s vision of ensuring every student is safe online”.

2.  Commitment to Equitable Student Safety

As online learning proliferates, students from underprivileged and economically disadvantaged schools face heightened exposure to online risks. The Assure Web Filter provides a scalable and adaptable solution tailored to meet the unique safety requirements of any school, irrespective of its size or demographic. This approach not only enhances student protection but also ensures that every school can feasibly implement robust safety measures.

“All students of all socioeconomic status deserve to be safe and supported” said Sidney Minassian, CEO of Saasyan. “We’re thrilled to launch the Assure Web Filter, a feature rich, best-in-class solution, designed to be affordable and accessible by all schools.”

Unwavering Support for Integrations with Third-Party Firewalls and SASE Solutions

Saasyan remains dedicated to Assure’s existing integrations and interoperability with third-party next-generation firewalls and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions.

Offering the Assure Web Filter as an optional module, Saasyan provides schools with the flexibility and choice to opt for various supported third-party firewalls or SASE solutions that work seamlessly with the Assure Alerting and Reporting module.

By capturing real-time logs from supported third party firewalls and SASE solutions, Assure provides schools with sophisticated safety and wellbeing risk alerts, comprehensive reports and customisable dashboards.

The addition of Assure’s 3rd Party Firewall Controls module further augments the functionalities of supported firewalls, enabling granular web filter controls tailored for K-12 environments.

This module empowers teachers with delegated permissions and IT teams to implement on-the-fly, scheduled, or recurring rules. These rules can specifically allow or block access to particular web pages, categories, or applications for individual students, a class, or selected groups, enhancing focused learning and internet safety.

Today, Saasyan’s integration with third-party firewalls and SASE solutions protects over 400,000 students across 700 schools with an expanding footprint each year.

Intelligent Application of Cloud, Data and AI – powered by Amazon Web Service (AWS)

Saasyan leverages AWS’s secure and scalable services to meticulously analyse vast volumes of student online activity, encompassing web searches, website visits, videos, chat transcripts, emails, images, and documents. This robust infrastructure empowers schools to proactively address a spectrum of online safety and well-being concerns, from cyberbullying and self-harm to threats of violence, online grooming, and image-based abuse.

Saasyan is an AWS ISV Accelerate and AWS Public Sector Partner and was recognised for its innovation in K-12 Education at the AWS Australia and New Zealand Partner Summit 2023.

About Saasyan

At Saasyan, student safety is at the heart of our mission. 

Developed specifically for K-12 schools, our comprehensive suite of AI-Powered Online Student Safety software equips schools with advanced web filtering, real-time safety and well-being risk alerts, and detailed online activity reports. 

Supporting a versatile range of educational setups, including On-Premises, Off-Premises, BYOD, and School-Provided 1:1 Programs, Saasyan empowers schools to enhance their students’ learning experience while ensuring robust protection against harmful online content. 

Seamlessly integrating with the world’s leading identity, cybersecurity, and collaboration platforms already used by schools, our all-cloud solution is quick to set up, delivers immediate value, and significantly reduces workloads for school staff. 

Today, we serve over 400,000 students across 700 government and non-government schools. 

Our mission has just begun. 

Learn more at Saasyan.com

Media Enquires
Meg Hockey
press@saasyan.com
+61 2 8001 6632

Health

You’ll Be Able to Regenerate Your Teeth Soon Thanks to a New Groundbreaking Drug

Leave a comment

A new era in dental care may be dawning, thanks to a revolutionary drug that has been approved for the first time in human trials. This drug, developed by a research team at Kyoto University, Japan, has the potential to regrow teeth – a feat previously only possible in our imaginations.

The drug works by targeting a specific protein called USAG-1 (uterine sensitization-associated gene-1). This protein acts as a natural inhibitor of tooth growth. By deactivating USAG-1, the drug essentially removes the roadblock and allows for the resumption of tooth development. The deactivated USAG-1 protein no longer hinders the interaction between bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and other cellular processes essential for tooth formation. The activation of BMP signalling then triggers the growth of new bone and dental tissue.

rafael rocha UGFkfsj 4z4 unsplash
Photo by Rafael Rocha on Unsplash

The research team led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi, a molecular biologist and dentist, has been working on this concept since 2005. Their initial research focused on understanding the role of USAG-1 in tooth development. Following these discoveries, they conducted successful experiments in mice with tooth agenesis, a condition where teeth fail to develop naturally. These studies demonstrated that blocking USAG-1 with an antibody could stimulate tooth regrowth.

Building upon the success in animal models, researchers have developed a new iteration of the drug specifically for human use. This injectable drug has now been approved for human trials, with the first phase expected to begin in September 2024 at Kyoto University Hospital. The trial will involve 30 male participants between the ages of 30 and 64 who are missing at least one molar tooth.

It is important to note that this is a Phase 1 trial, the initial stage of human testing. The primary focus will be on assessing the drug’s safety and potential side effects in humans. Efficacy, or the drug’s ability to regrow teeth, will be a secondary objective in this phase. Even if successful, further trials will be required to determine the long-term effectiveness and optimal treatment protocols.

enis yavuz VC5lS43bwJo unsplash
Photo by Enis Yavuz on Unsplash

The potential impact of this research is significant. If successful, this drug could revolutionize dentistry, offering a permanent solution for tooth loss. This could potentially eliminate the need for traditional dental implants, bridges, and dentures, all of which come with their own limitations and drawbacks. However, it is important to manage expectations, as the technology is still in its early stages.

「先天性無歯症の"歯生え薬"開発」第97回 学術講演会 ～医学研究所北野病院（大阪市北区）～

The upcoming human trial will be a crucial step in evaluating the safety and efficacy of this groundbreaking drug. While the potential for tooth regeneration is exciting, researchers emphasize the importance of a rigorous scientific process to ensure the development of a safe and reliable treatment option for patients suffering from tooth loss.

Android, Mobile, News

Honor will be Unveiling its First Flip Device on 13 June 2024

Leave a comment

Honor is set to enter the foldable phone market with the upcoming launch of the Magic V Flip on June 13, 2024. This announcement comes after a period of speculation and rumours surrounding the new device.

Honor Magic V Flip 1
Source: Honor (Weibo)

The Honor Magic V Flip adopts a clamshell design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series. Images from Honor’s official Weibo account reveal a sizeable cover display that occupies more than half the phone’s back when folded. This display is rumoured to be over 4 inches diagonally, potentially offering a more expansive viewing experience for notifications and quick actions without unfolding the phone.

Confirmed Specifications and Potential Features

Honor has confirmed some key specifications for the Magic V Flip. The phone will be equipped with 12GB of RAM and users will have storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. Fast charging capabilities are also confirmed, with support for 66W charging. Previous certifications hint at a 4,500 mAh battery, which could potentially be the largest battery capacity yet seen in a flip phone. While the official camera specifications haven’t been revealed, rumours suggest a 50MP main camera on the rear.

A dedicated launch event scheduled for June 13th in Shanghai, China is expected to unveil the complete specifications, features, and pricing details of the Honor Magic V Flip. Reports suggest three colour options: Camellia White, Champagne Pink, and Iris Black.

Lifestyle, News

Spotify is Now More Expensive than Apple Music+ in the US

Leave a comment

Music streaming service Spotify has announced another price hike for its premium subscription plans in the United States. This increase comes less than a year after the platform implemented a similar rise in July 2023.

Spotify COVER

The new pricing structure affects all tiers of Spotify Premium. Individual plans will increase from $9.99 per month to $11.99 per month, a 20% increase. Student plans will remain at $5.99 per month for eligible students. Duo plans, which allow for two users on one account, will rise from $14.99 per month to $16.99 per month. Family plans, catering to up to six users, will see the most significant jump, going from $15.99 per month to $19.99 per month – a 25% increase.

In a statement, Spotify explained that the price adjustments are necessary “to continue to invest and innovate on our product offerings” and “bring you the best experience”.

Email Screenshot webp 92

The price increase may affect user behaviour, potentially leading some subscribers to re-evaluate their music streaming subscriptions. Competitors like Apple Music, which currently charges $10.99 per month for individual plans and $16.99 per month for family plans, may see an influx of new users seeking more affordable options.

It is unclear how Spotify’s price adjustments will impact its long-term subscriber base and overall market share. The company will likely monitor user response and market trends to determine the effectiveness of this new pricing strategy. However, it is also worth noting that the price increase comes on the heels of layoffs and the potential launch of its lossless streaming offering. While it may seem like Spotify is losing a battle with rights and payouts, the company needs to find a way to turn the tables. These recent increases could be taken as a signal that they may be in dire straits.

Business, Lifestyle, News

Foodpanda Malaysia Expands Grocery Delivery with New Private Label “Bright”

Leave a comment

Foodpanda Malaysia is bolstering its grocery delivery service, pandamart, with the introduction of an expanded private label brand called “Bright“. This move caters to the growing demand for high-quality and affordable groceries among Malaysian customers.

foodpanda bright intgro banner

A Wider Selection Under the “Bright” Label

Bright, stylised as “bright”, was launched earlier in May 2024. Foodpanda will be offering over 200 grocery items across three categories under the bright brand:

  • brightfarms: Focuses on fresh produce
  • brightyums: Includes pantry staples, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and beverages
  • brightspots: Offers household essentials

These products are available on the app under the pandamart umbrella. Of course, availability is also subject to pandamart’s locations across Malaysia. Foodpanda boasts that bright will have the widest variety of groceries at launch.

Screenshot 2024 06 04 at 00 19 12 Order groceries from pandamart Cheras in Kuala Lumpur

The launch of bright expands upon foodpanda’s initial foray into private-label offerings on pandamart. In 2021, “brightfields” debuted with a limited selection of pantry staples like tissues, mineral water, and mixed nuts. The product range has since grown to include fresh fruits like apples and lemons, as well as cleaning products like wet wipes.

“The introduction of bright underscores our commitment to providing customers with the products they need and love,” said Kevin Zagolin, Director of Q-Commerce at Foodpanda Malaysia. He emphasizes that each bright product undergoes rigorous testing and in-depth research to ensure high quality and affordability.

Business, News

Samsung Sues Oura Ahead of Galaxy Ring Launch to Invalidate Patents

Leave a comment

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Ring has sparked controversy surrounding potential patent infringement of health-tracking technology used by competitor Oura. While the official launch date for the Galaxy Ring remains undisclosed, recent legal actions by Samsung raise questions about the technological foundation of the new device.

In May 2024, Samsung reportedly filed a request with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to invalidate several patents held by Oura. These patents pertain to specific functions and design elements used in Oura’s health-tracking rings. The exact details of the patents in question have not been made public.

002 event galaxy ring
Source: Samsung

Samsung‘s legal action suggests that the Galaxy Ring may incorporate functionalities or design features similar to those protected by Oura’s patents. However, the specific nature of the potential infringement remains unclear without official confirmation from either company.

Oura has publicly acknowledged Samsung’s patent invalidation request. The company maintains confidence in the strength of its intellectual property and asserts its commitment to protecting its innovations. Oura has stated that it will “vigorously defend” its patents if necessary.

The outcome of this legal battle could have significant ramifications for the wearable health tracker market. If Samsung’s invalidation request is successful, it would pave the way for the Galaxy Ring’s release without concerns over patent infringement. Conversely, an Oura victory could potentially delay the Galaxy Ring’s launch or force design modifications to avoid patent violations.

005 event galaxy ring
Source: Samsung

The exact timeline for the USPTO’s decision on Samsung’s request is unknown. Additionally, the possibility of a settlement between the two companies cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the ultimate impact of this patent dispute on the Galaxy Ring’s release and market positioning remains to be seen.

While the legal battle unfolds, both Samsung and Oura are likely to focus on user experience in their respective health tracker rings. Consumers will be interested in features, accuracy of health data, battery life, comfort, and overall user experience when making purchasing decisions in this growing market segment.

The potential patent dispute between Samsung and Oura casts a shadow of uncertainty over the upcoming launch of the Galaxy Ring. The outcome of this legal battle will have a significant impact on the wearable health tracker market. However, regardless of the legal wrangling, both companies will likely prioritize user experience in their respective health tracker rings to win over consumers.