Los Angeles – 27 May 2024
What began as a routine unboxing video ended in a trip to urgent care. Popular tech YouTuber Matt “TechPals” Rivera found his Samsung Galaxy Ring Samsung’s sleek new health-tracking wearable firmly stuck on his finger after its internal battery unexpectedly
swelled. The incident, captured on camera and now viewed over 2 million times, has reignited concerns about the safety of miniaturized lithium-ion batteries in next-gen wearables, especially as companies race to shrink devices without compromising reliability.“It Felt Like a Vice”
Rivera, known for his calm, measured reviews, described the moment he realized something was wrong. “I noticed the ring felt tighter than usual almost hot,” he said in his latest video, showing his swollen, red finger. “Within an hour, I couldn’t twist it off. It wasn’t just snug it was fused.”
He rushed to an urgent care clinic, where medical staff carefully cut the titanium band using specialized ring cutters. Fortunately, no permanent injury occurred but the experience left him shaken. “This isn’t just inconvenient,” he said. “If this had happened while I was alone or asleep, it could’ve cut off circulation. That’s terrifying.”
Samsung confirmed it is investigating the incident. In a statement, the company said: “User safety is our top priority. We are in direct contact with the customer and will thoroughly examine the device to determine the cause.” The Galaxy Ring, launched globally just weeks ago, uses a custom curved lithium-polymer battery designed to fit its ultra-thin profile a feat of engineering that may carry hidden risks.
A Growing Concern in the Age of Invisible Tech
Battery swelling, while rare, is a known hazard in lithium-based cells, often triggered by manufacturing defects, physical damage, or exposure to extreme temperatures. But in a ring where there’s zero room for expansion the consequences are uniquely dangerous. Unlike a phone that might bulge or shut down, a ring becomes a constricting band with nowhere to go but inward.
Dr. Elena Cho, a hand surgeon at UCLA Medical Center, warns: “Even mild swelling in a digit can lead to compartment syndrome if circulation is compromised for hours. People might not realize the urgency until it’s too late.”
Samsung isn’t alone in pushing the limits. Competitors like Oura and Ultrahuman also use micro-batteries in rings, though none have reported similar incidents at scale. Still, Rivera’s case has sparked debate in tech forums and regulatory circles. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says it’s monitoring reports but has not yet opened a formal inquiry.
Transparency Over Hype
Rivera isn’t calling for a boycott just accountability. “I love innovation,” he said, holding the cut-open ring. “But when you wear tech on your body 24/7, trust isn’t optional. It’s essential.”
He’s now urging Samsung to publish battery safety data, implement thermal sensors in future firmware, and include emergency removal instructions in packaging something no ring maker currently does.
As wearables vanish into jewelry, clothing, and even skin patches, Rivera’s swollen finger is a stark reminder: the smaller the device, the greater the responsibility. Because when technology hugs your body, it shouldn’t ever hold you hostage.
Galaxy Ring battery swelling, Samsung wearable safety, lithium battery ring hazard, tech YouTuber incident, wearable device risks
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