No matter how convincing something like the Moto 360 or the Huawei Watch may be, some people won't pick up an Android Wear device until real watch makers start offering them.
That time has come. Fossil released a watch last year, and it announced two more this month. So has Nixon, a California-based company that makes products for extreme sports enthusiasts. Now we have a grown up watch on its way from Michael Kors.
The smartwatch, dubbed Michael Kors Access, is a traditional looking timepiece with interchangeable bands. The two provided images show the watch in gold and black. The former shoes off the most glamorous option, while the latter gives you an idea what to expect if you opt for the cheaper leather or silicone straps.
As for the display, it will put you in mind of the Moto 360 and the Fossil Q Founder. That's right, it has a flat tire. Michael Kors intends to pretty that screen up with exclusive display faces. These will range from classy to fitness-oriented and outright gaudy.
The watch won't hit store shelves until this fall. When units arrive, they will come at a starting price of $395. Yeah, that brand isn't going to pay for itself. But then again, that's no more expensive than what Nixon wants surfers to pay.
PRESS RELEASE
Michael Kors Brings Fashion to Technology with Android Wear at Baselworld 2016
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Michael Kors is now entering the wearables market. This fall, the company will introduce a new wearable technology accessories line, beginning with the MICHAEL KORS ACCESS display smartwatch. The launch is geared towards the fashion-focused consumer and features a smart timepiece that focuses on glamorous style and innovative design from a leader in luxury fashion.
“I’m in the business of making people’s lives easier through fashion”
The cutting-edge technology, which runs with both iPhone and Android phones, is made possible through a partnership with Google, using their Android Wear™ smartwatch platform. John Idol, Chairman and CEO of Michael Kors, and David Singleton, VP of Engineering for Android Wear, announced the launch at Baselworld 2016, the watch industry’s premier trade show.
Designed to show that technology and social connectivity should be seamless, the MICHAEL KORS ACCESS line proves that access can be both glamorous and effortless. “I’m in the business of making people’s lives easier through fashion,” says Michael Kors. “I thought, ‘Why can’t tech accessories be chic and glamorous?’ You wear them every day. After all, technology is impacting life more and more. It should reflect your personal taste as much as anything else, but it should also give you access to all the experiences that you want.”
MICHAEL KORS ACCESS smartwatches offer customizable features perfect for our fans:
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Exclusive Michael Kors display faces, which change with a swipe—whether it’s a digital chronograph design for the gym or glittering, animated pavé for night
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Interchangeable leather and silicone wristbands
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Glamorous versions for women and sporty versions for men
Powered by Android Wear, the touchscreen display smartwatches include:
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Social media updates and text and email alerts
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App notifications
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Smart help from Google™
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Built-in fitness tracking
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Voice-activated Google™
"Our brand is built on giving our customers what they want for their 24/7, fast-paced lifestyle,” says John Idol. “We know they’re busy and need to be connected. We’re now offering them a smartwatch that lets them have access to a world of glamour, escape and adventure.”
The Michael Kors customer lives a busy, fast-paced life and the MICHAEL KORS ACCESS collection will let him or her stay connected. “From Google Search to smartwatches, Google strives to give you the information you need to stay connected to what matters most,” David Singleton says. “MICHAEL KORS ACCESS and Android Wear move the wearables category forward with smart, beautiful watches that help you stay on top of your daily life while expressing your personal style."
The MICHAEL KORS ACCESS smartwatch will retail starting at $395 USD and will be available in Michael Kors stores, MichaelKors.com and select department and specialty stores in fall 2016.
