In continuing with the cavalcade of smartwatch announcements, Michael Kors has unveiled two new Android Wear offerings in its Access line. Both the Grayson and Sofie are the next step in the luxury brand's attempts at blending design, personal style, and technology.
The Grayson looks more like a traditional men's watch and is marketed as such. According to Michael Kors, it is meant to "complement the 24/7 lifestyle of the modern man." Honestly, I can't say that I'd want to wear this watch to the gym or hiking, but that's just me. You can expect an AMOLED display and a digital crown, though no word is given about NFC or LTE. There will be three color options to choose from: gold, stainless steel, and a blue and black ion-plate (that sounds interesting). Four interchangeable strap options are also included.
The other Android Wear announcement was the Sofie, which is Michael Kors' smartwatch for women. It features a thinner case and lighter feel with "a pavé bezel" and a fully round display. Unlike the Grayson, there is no mention of a digital crown, but you still get the AMOLED display. As far as smartwatches go, this is definitely more on the feminine side, though those lugs look rather large in comparison to the piece as a whole. The Sofie will have eight plating/bracelet combinations and seven interchangeable strap options.
Both watches will run Android Wear 2.0, use the Snapdragon 2100 SoCs, and start at $350.
Michael Kors also announced some new hybrid watches and activity trackers, as well as more target markets for its lineup. The MK Access app is also receiving a refresh, with its most notable new feature being "My Social." This lets a user link his or her Instagram account, scroll through the feed, and select an image (and apply filters) which will be the new watchface. Alrighty, then.
You can check out the press release below, if you feel so inclined.
PRESS RELEASE
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Michael Kors (NYSE:KORS), a global luxury fashion brand, is pleased to announce a host of new products and initiatives designed to further the growth and excitement generated by last fall’s launch of MICHAEL KORS ACCESS, the brand’s line of smartwatches and activity trackers.
“It’s clear to me that the future of fashion will combine great design, personal style and innovative technology,” says Michael Kors, “and the amazing response to MICHAEL KORS ACCESS has confirmed that that future is now. We’re thrilled to be able to offer this next generation of smartwatches and hybrids.”
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THE INTRODUCTION OF TWO NEW TOUCHSCREEN SMARTWATCHES: THE SOFIE, FOR WOMEN, AND THE GRAYSON, FOR MEN These additions to the smartwatch line feature updated software, a dazzling AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) touchscreen display, and are designed, like the ongoing Bradshaw and Dylan styles, for the customer who wants it all: technological innovation, social connectivity and great style. The sleek and feminine Sofie features a thin, lightweight case body with a pavé bezel and a full round display. It will be offered in eight different plating-and-bracelet combinations, with seven quick-release interchangeable strap options. The Grayson, made to complement the 24/7 lifestyle of the modern man, combines luxury with sporty good looks, and has a full-round dial with a rotating crown for quick scrolling. It will be offered in gold-tone, stainless steel, and blue and black ion-plate, with four interchangeable strap options. Like all MICHAEL KORS ACCESS wearables, the Sofie and the Grayson are compatible with both Android™ and iOS® phones thanks to cutting edge technology made possible through a partnership with Google and the Android Wear™ 2.0 smartwatch platform. They feature the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Wear 2100 system-on-a-chip.
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A SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF MEN’S SMARTWATCHES Michael Kors believes that men’s smartwatches represent an important opportunity for the future. In addition to the new touchscreen smartwatch, the brand is also introducing two new hybrid smartwatch styles for men and expanding the existing Gage hybrid assortment. Together, these new options will offer the Michael Kors man a broad range of exceptional-looking smartwatch designs enhanced with the fitness tracking, sleep tracking and notifications he finds most useful.
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THE EVOLUTION OF THE MICHAEL KORS ACCESS MICRO APP The next iteration of the app will feature exciting, socially driven functionality, as well as new customizable digital watch faces. My Social is a feature that allows the user to link to her or his Instagram account and set a personal post photo as a watch face. The app allows you to scroll through your Instagram feed, select a favorite image, and even apply filters, creating a watch face that’s as personal as your life. By the end of 2017, the brand will have released 15 new digital watch faces, all with multiple customizable elements.
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THE LAUNCH OF MICHAEL KORS ACCESS IN NEW GLOBAL MARKETS The brand will be launching its wearable technology line in a number of new markets in 2017, including Mainland China, Brazil and many others.
“MICHAEL KORS ACCESS display smartwatches have been extremely popular choices for users who wish to wear watches that are both stylish and functional,” says David Singleton, Vice President of Android Engineering, Google. “We’re very excited to continue the partnership with Michael Kors to create beautiful new devices that let people express their style while staying connected through the latest features of Android Wear 2.0.”
“When we launched, we stated that we would grow our wearable technology line by listening closely to our customers,” says John Idol, Chairman and CEO of Michael Kors. “They have made it clear that they love being connected, love the ease of notifications from their favorite apps, and can never get enough customization. We’re pleased to be introducing exceptional new smartwatches and software that deliver on those fronts and others, and in more markets than ever.”
MICHAEL KORS ACCESS touchscreen smartwatches start at $350 USD. Hybrid smartwatches start at $250 USD. Activity trackers start at $95 USD. All are available in Michael Kors stores, MichaelKors.com and select department and specialty stores.
ABOUT MICHAEL KORS ACCESS TOUCHSCREEN SMARTWATCHES All MICHAEL KORS ACCESS touchscreen smartwatches offer customizable features perfect for the brand’s sophisticated, busy and socially connected customers:
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Exclusive Michael Kors display watch faces, which change with a swipe—whether it’s a digital chronograph designed for the gym or glittering, animated pavé for night
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Hundreds of possible combinations of display face, color and sub dials
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A touchscreen display smartwatch powered by Android Wear 2.0 so you can:
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Download third-party apps easily through the on-watch Google Play Store
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Meet your Google Assistant™ by holding the power button or saying “Ok Google.” Ask about weather, set a reminder, get directions and more.
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Customize watch faces, color combinations and information to suit your style, your mood and your life
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Track runs, bike rides, strength training (e.g., pull-ups and push-ups) and more through Google Fit
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Measure calories, pace, distance and additional exercises based on settings
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Streaming music right from the watch when you are connected to phone or WiFi with the Google Play Music app.
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Interchangeable leather, silicone and stainless steel straps
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Styles for men and women
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Magnetic charging
