Is this the first hybrid Wear OS smartwatch to use the $40 million technology purchased by Google?
Just a couple of days ago, we told you about a fresh report that allegedly cleared up one of 2019's most interesting mysteries: what technology did Google purchase from watchmaker Fossil for $40 million? Now we have a sneaking suspicion that Scooby and the gang helped solve this mystery, which might have remained unsolved if not for those meddling kids. As it turns out, Google allegedly purchased IP related to hybrid smartwatch technology. A hybrid smartwatch looks like a traditional timepiece but has the capabilities of a smartwatch. The technology was given the name "Diana," a combination of digital and analog.
The report included something of a roadmap from a Fossil executive. Greg McKelvey, EVP, and chief strategy and digital officer said, "The Fossil Group will bring the product to market, across our full breadth of brands over time, and then in true Google fashion, the technology will be expanded across the industry over time to benefit all." And that appears to be what has happened. According to a post from a Redditor found in the official Wear OS subreddit (via 9to5Google), Fossil will soon announce the Fossil Collider Hybrid Smartwatch HR.
Is the Fossil Collider Hybrid Smartwatch HR a real product? Another mystery replaces the one that was just solved
According to a description of the device posted on the site, this is Fossil's first hybrid smartwatch and will feature a 42mm stainless steel case. The timepiece will feature an E-Ink display behind the real hands of the watch and will display notifications, the number of steps made, and the weather. There will be 10 different faces to choose from. While there isn't a touchscreen, it appears that the Fossil Collider Hybrid Smartwatch HR will run on Wear OS and the HR at the end of the device's name probably stands for Heart Rate. Yes, there is a heart rate monitor on the watch and you can use Bluetooth to connect it with an iPhone or Android handset to view stats like the number of calories you've consumed today, the number of steps you have taken and the quantity and quality of your sleep.
It appears that the watch was listed on Amazon as far back as June with a September 7th release date
When the Fossil Collider Hybrid Smartwatch HR is paired with a phone, the time syncs automatically and you can customize the function of the top right button. Since this watch does not feature a touchscreen, the battery will run two to four weeks between charges, depending on how the hybrid device is being used. The timepiece is water-resistant to 50 meters (164 feet). The model number will reportedly be FTW7009.
The Fossil Collider Hybrid Smartwatch HR has an E-Ink display
Now before you get terribly excited, wait for confirmation from Fossil. Apparently, a cached screenshot shows that a similar-looking hybrid from Fossil with the model number FTW7010 was listed on Amazon with a release date of September 7th. In fact, the listing itself shows that the watch was first posted on Amazon back in June. So even though it seems that one mystery was solved, we might find ourselves in a brand new one. Is the Fossil Collider Hybrid Smartwatch HR a real product using the Diana hybrid technology?
Another question that Android fans want to know is whether Google plans on ever releasing a Pixel Watch. With the next Made by Google event taking place on October 15th, the lack of any leaks and renders would seem to indicate that another year will go by without the appearance of such a device. Offering such a watch would undoubtedly provide users with the opportunity to purchase a premium smartwatch that in theory would be designed to take advantage of all of the nuances found in Wear OS. This would be similar to the experience that Android users receive when owning a Pixel handset.
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