Fossil launches 7 new fashion-forward smartwatches, trackers

[techbeck]

Fossil Group is hard at work delivering its tall-order promise of launching 100 connected devices by the end of this year across brands like Michael Kors, Armani and Tory Burch. Now, it's 7 devices closer to meeting that goal.

 

The parent company announced on Tuesday a series of fashion-forward activity trackers, smarter analog watches and slimmer Android Wear smartwatches as a part of its growing Fossil brand Q accessory lineup. As of now, it's easy to say Fossil Group is the watch luxury brand with the most aggressive plan to add smarter, fashionable options for customers to choose from this year.

 

Based on photos alone, the Smart Analog Movement devices (pictured above) are some of the more attractive smart accessories we’ve seen — you’d never suspect it pairs with an app and monitors your daily activity. While pricing wasn't shared about the Smart Analog Movement watches, which connect to iPhones and Android devices via Bluetooth, they'll let users see calories, sleep, automatic time zone updates and a second time zone, within a small section of the the analog dial.

Image: Fossil

The company is also expanding its partnership with Google's Android Wear software with the introduction of its Q Marshal and Q Wander smartwatches, aimed to resemble more of a traditional-looking timepiece.

 

Both smartwatches ($275) come in two sizes — 44mm and 46mm -– and feature a touchscreen display, allowing users to tap for calendar and flight alerts and access other apps like Venmo, Tinder and Delta. While the models offer similar capabilities, the designs are slightly different: The Q Wander has a multi-finish case and interchangeable leather straps, and the Marshal touts a slightly rugged case and a navy blue option. Like its Q Founder predecessor, the smartwatches allow users to take phone calls, get alerts (such as calendar reminders) and respond to messages directly from the device. All devices, due out later this year, can work alongside both Android and iPhones and come with wireless chargers.

 

Although the Q Wander and Marshal — yes, that's one "l" — are more technologically advanced, the Motion is the most affordable option at $95 and still lets you get the basics (call notifications, texts, haptic vibrations and multi-color LED lights). It's a fitness tracker disguised as a bracelet, or at least that is the intention.

 

http://mashable.com/2016/03/15/fossil-launches-more-smartwatches-trackers-accessories/

[DSquared2]

Apple has Hermes (http://www.apple.com/apple-watch-hermes/) and Coach, and rumors of other major designers following suit. It's nice to see wearables becoming a little more wearable and stylish. 

[techbeck]

But the basic design of the Apple watches is the same.  I like companies like Fossil as they offer different design options other than just the band.

[DSquared2]

Yeah, true. It will be nice to see some variety that extends past changing the band.