Top brands have announced that they will stop selling smartwatches, dealing a huge blow to Google fans.
And the company behind it has issued an important update to existing users regarding the future of the device.
Google’s Wear OS is the main rival to the world leader Apple Watch.
Fossil has been making smartwatches powered by Google’s software since 2015 and is one of the largest.
But the American fashion designer has revealed that she’s giving up on high-tech gadgets and going back to basics, focusing instead on traditional watches.
There have been rumors about Fossil’s future in the smartwatch business since its last product release was back in 2021 with the 6th generation.
Speculation was further heightened by the company’s conspicuous absence from the world’s biggest technology show this year, which typically shows off its latest smartwatch devices.
Fossil executives said the company is leaving because “the smartwatch landscape has evolved significantly over the past few years.”
Users weren’t too surprised by the news, but said it was “the end of an era.”
“Without Fossil, Wear OS might not even be here today,” one person wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Even when Google wasn’t sure what to do with the platform, they steadfastly supported it. It’s certainly the end of an era.”
Another commented: “What a disappointment.”
A third wrote: “As someone who once owned two Fossil smartwatches, I’m going to miss them.”
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This post raised concerns about the future of Fossil’s smartwatches, as it has not released a new smartwatch since 2021. But the move is a blow to Google’s Wear OS, with the popular Apple Watch holding the biggest pie. World wide.
Fossil is first and foremost a fashion brand, creating designs that appeal to those looking for high-tech functionality in a traditional-looking watch.
Google may not be too upset since it has increasingly focused on releasing its own smartwatches, including the Pixel watch, since acquiring Fitbit.
And Google still has enough power for Samsung to make Wear OS smartwatches.
Jeff Boyer, Fossil’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, told The Verge:
“Fossil Group is directing its resources to support our core strengths and the core segments of our business that continue to offer strong growth opportunities for us, and we are proud to offer our exciting heritage watches, jewelry and leather products in-house. Designed and sold under brand names and licensed brand names.”
What does that mean for Fossil smartwatches?
Those who currently own a Fossil smartwatch may be concerned about whether they will still receive software updates after news of the company’s product changes.
Fortunately, it looks like we won’t be left in the dark.
According to The Verge, Boyer said Fossil will continue to provide updates to existing Wear OS devices “for years to come.”