The new Fossil Q Founder smartwatch (Fossil)
Fossil is following Tag Heuer into the world of connected timepieces. Its debut smartwatch – the Android Wear running Fossil Q Founder – is now on sale.
Like its (much) more expensive Swiss rival, which retails for $1,500, the Q Founder’s price-tag is more in line with what traditional tech companies have their smartwatches priced at. The Q Founder, with leather strap, costs $275 and it’s $20 more if you want the stainless steel variant.
"Technology is a major disruptor in many industries right now – even fashion. But to successfully merge the two, you need to have the fashion design expertise and focus on it first,” said Jill Elliott-Sones, chief creative officer at Fossil.
“What’s most exciting about Q Founder is not only how it looks, but the true flexibility it offers our customers. Thanks to its ability to pair with both iOS and Android devices, and the personalization opportunities it brings, we’re more accessible to more people, and able to complement even the most unique personal styles."
The Tag Heuer Connected was the first Android Wear device to come packing Intel processing power, previous offerings from the likes of Sony, Samsung and LG turned to silicone rivals like Qualcomm and Texas Instruments. The Fossil Q Founder is the second.
The fact that Intel has partnered with two fashion brands, rather than traditional tech brands, is interesting – especially given Intel is also involved in other fashion-conscious wearable tech projects such as the MICA band and the smart Aeros sports bra from Chromat.
The round display features the controversial ‘flat tyre’ dead area that is one of the most common complaints about Moto 360 range. Alternative circular smartwatches, such as the Huawei Watch, the LG G Watch R and the Tag Heuer Connected, boast a complete 360-degree display, but at the expense of an ambient light sensor.
Fossil is promising a full day’s battery life from the 400mAh power pack and charging is done via a stylish stand that comes boxed with the device.
The Founder Q is part of a new connected line-up which also includes three non Android Wear Q devices; the Grant, the Reveler and the Dreamer – all of which offer fitness tracking features along with notification updates from Bluetooth-connected smartphones.
Fossil recently boosted its wearable tech credentials by splashing out $260 million to acquire Misfit. The move sees the Texas company swallow Misfit, with its CEO, Sonny Vu, becoming president and chief technology officer of connected devices.
The Fossil Q Founder is available now, directly from Fossil online and in store.
