Fossil Group launches more than 20 hybrid smartwatches
Brands include Emporio Armani, Michael Kors, Kate Spade New York, Diesel and Chaps.
Fossil Group unveiled on Tuesday a new line of hybrid smartwatches from a number of brands it designs and manufactures timepieces for such as Emporio Armani, Michael Kors, Kate Spade New York, Diesel and Chaps.
The devices resemble traditional analog watches but include a variety of smart features built-in, such as tracking daily activity and alerting you to incoming calls and texts through vibration.
"Today, technology decisively influences our daily lives. There's an app for everything, and I find that in many cases they're inventions that actually improve our lives," fashion powerhouse Giorgio Armani said in a statement. "I'm delighted to present a hybrid smartwatch, which marks the entrance of Emporio Armani -- a brand always at the forefront of innovation -- into the world of connected accessories."
The Michael Kors Hybrid Smartwatch Collection is designed and manufactured by Fossil Group.
The watches are available in a variety of colors and designs. Each brand's line of hybrid smartwatches is available starting Tuesday on their respective websites. Prices ranging from about $150 to $350.
While smartwatch shipments have fallen in 2016, more brands have embraced so-called hybrid watches. One such brand is Movado, which recently teamed up with HP for a new line of hybrid smartwatches. These devices don't include all of the functionality of a full-fledged smartwatch but benefit from longer battery life.