AMERICAN fashion brand Fossil has joined the trend of fitness watches with the Fossil Sport Smartwatch.

“For several years, the health and wellness industry has been converging with smartwatch technology — and Fossil knew there was a tremendous opportunity to provide a connected option for the design-conscious consumer looking to bring style to their wrist. We know our consumers want versatility both in their activity and their accessories, which is why we wanted to bring a smartwatch to market that is a fit for every style,” said Steve Evans, EVP Fossil Group said in a press release.

The Fossil smartwatch is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform which allows for extended battery life, a new battery saving mode, enhanced ambient mode, integrated heart rate, NFC, and GPS capabilities. It comes in eight colors, two case sizes (41 and 43 mm), and 28 colorful silicone strap options. Among the 94 sports and workouts it handles data of are badminton, fencing, football, horse riding, skiing, polo, mixed martial arts, stair climbing, tennis, crossfit, dancing, jogging, yoga, and zumba.

“Fashion and form comes together. We really want that versatility to the lifestyle of the consumer… We want to bring a product to each and every one regardless if you are at home or at play,” said Allan Yee, vice-president of distribution of Fossil Asia Pacific Ltd at the launch on Aug. 5 at SM Megamall Fashion Hall.

WHAT’S NEW?
The Snapdragon Wear 3100 Platform allows the smartwatch to last with a day’s worth of battery life (based on usage) and two additional days when in battery saver mode.

The smartwatch is used with the app called Wear OS by Google which allows faster access to the user’s information and workout history. It also receives proactive help from Google Assistant and health coaching from Google Fit. Google Fit shows progress towards activity goals — Move Minutes and Heart Points — designed based on health recommendations from the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association.

“As an early partner of Wear OS by Google, Fossil has brought to life a diverse range of beautiful smartwatches that help people stay on top of their daily lives,” Stacey Burr, vice-president of product management for Wear OS by Google and Google Fit, said in a press release.

“We really wanted to capture the fitness and active person. Previously, our product was focused on fashion and function. And this time, we felt like there was a huge opportunity [with] the active lifestyle consumer,” Justin Paxton, senior regional brand manager of Fossil Asia Pacific Ltd, told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of the launch.

The Fossil Sport Smartwatch’s other features include: interchangeable straps and bracelets (18mm and 22mm); heart rate sensors, GPS, altimeter, ambient light, and microphone; connect via Bluetooth technology; and wireless syncing and magnetic charging.

The Fossil Sport Smartwatch is priced at P13,000. Fossil watches are available at Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Vertis North, Estancia, Festival Mall, Market! Market!, the Marquee Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Clark, SM Legazpi, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Pampanga, SM Southmall, Uptown Mall BGC, and Venice Grand Canal. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

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