Fossil launches new LTE smartwatch and MK Gen 5E at CES

Fossil Group has launched three new smartwatches based on its Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch – with a cellular LTE version added for the first time.

The company has been one of the leading purveyors of Wear OS smartwatches, and revealed that it has been working closely with Google to bring LTE to its range.

The first launch was the much-rumored Fossil Gen 5 LTE Touchscreen Smartwatch (yep, that’s the name), which joins the Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR.

Fossil’s first cellular connected smartwatch has been designed closely with Google, and thus will be for Android users only. It’s set to launch with Verizon for $349.

It boasts the same internals, which means the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, which has now been replaced by a newer 4100. However, it’s unlikely that we’ll see that technology land on Fossil devices until Gen 6 smartwatches, and the company hinted that it’s working on two-year cycles. By our maths, we should see Gen 6 devices land at IFA 2021 in September.

Michael Kors Gen 5E MKGO and Darci Gen 5e

We also got new smartwatches from Michael Kors. The Fossil sub-brand is following in the footsteps of the Fossil Gen 5e – the smaller, more female-friendly version of the company’s flagship smartwatch.

Michael Kors has new styles are incoming – the Michael Kors Gen 5E Darci and Gen 5E MKGO.

In terms of style the Gen 5E Darci brings the bling we’ve come to know and love from MK – with link straps and pave, two-tone seven link bracelet and 43mm stainless steel case.

The sportier MKGO uses a silicone strap and 43mm aluminium case, but doesn’t hold back from adding a serious dose of sparkle to the bezel.

Both of these arrive with Snapdragon Wear 3100 running the show. They share the Fossil Gen 5E spec sheet with a 1.19-inch AMOLED display and 4GB memory. They both retain NFC, a speaker, and a quoted 36 hours of battery life.

The Michael Kors Gen 5E Darci will launch for $350 and is already on sale, and the Gen 5E Darci $250.