Fossil, one of the leading brands in the smartwatch market, maybe abandoning Google’s Wear OS platform for its future devices. According to recent reports, Fossil watches will no longer run on Wear OS, and the rumored Gen 7 watch may not be released at all. This could have significant implications for the future of Fossil watches and the Wear OS ecosystem.
Reports Claim Fossil Watches Will No Longer Run on Wear OS
The reports of Fossil’s departure from Wear OS come from a reliable source, who claims to have insider information from the company. The source, who goes by the name of @evleaks on Twitter, posted a series of tweets on December 24, 2023, revealing that Fossil watches will no longer use Wear OS as their operating system. He also stated that Fossil has been working on a proprietary OS for its smartwatches, which will be compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
@evleaks is a well-known leaker in the tech industry, who has a track record of revealing accurate information about upcoming products and events. He has previously leaked details about Samsung, LG, Motorola, and other brands, as well as Google’s own Pixel devices. Therefore, his claims about Fossil’s plans are likely to be true, or at least based on credible sources.
Fossil May Have Given Up on Wear OS Watches
The reports of Fossil’s departure from Wear OS also suggest that the company may have given up on its Wear OS-powered watches altogether. This includes the highly anticipated Gen 7 watch, which was rumored to be launched in early 2024. The Gen 7 watch was expected to feature a new design, improved performance, and better battery life, as well as support for the latest Wear OS updates and features.
However, according to @evleaks, the Gen 7 watch may not see the light of day, as Fossil has decided to focus on its proprietary OS instead. He also claimed that Fossil has been selling off its Gen 6 watches at a discounted price, indicating that the company is clearing its inventory and preparing for a transition. The Gen 6 watches, which were launched in September 2022, are the latest models from Fossil that run on Wear OS. They offer a sleek and stylish design, a Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of storage, and a 1.28-inch AMOLED display.
Implications and Future of Fossil Watches
If the reports of Fossil’s departure from Wear OS are true, they could have significant implications for the future of Fossil watches and the Wear OS ecosystem. Fossil is one of the biggest and most popular brands in the smartwatch market and one of the few that still supports Wear OS. Fossil’s decision to abandon Wear OS could mean that the company is dissatisfied with Google’s platform, which has been criticized for its lack of innovation, updates, and features. It could also mean that Fossil is looking for more control and flexibility over its smartwatch software and user experience.
On the other hand, Fossil’s departure from Wear OS could also open up new opportunities and possibilities for the company and its customers. Fossil could leverage its expertise and reputation in the fashion and watch industry to create a unique and distinctive smartwatch OS that appeals to a wider audience. Fossil could also offer more customization and personalization options for its smartwatch users, as well as more integration and compatibility with other devices and services.
As for the future of Fossil watches, it is unclear what the company has in store for its fans and customers. Fossil has not officially confirmed or denied the reports of its departure from Wear OS, nor has it announced any details about its proprietary OS or its upcoming smartwatch models. However, based on the reports and rumors, it is possible that Fossil may launch its first smartwatch with its own OS sometime in 2024, or even earlier. It is also possible that Fossil may partner with Samsung, which recently launched its Galaxy Watch 4 series powered by the Tizen-based Wear OS 3. Fossil could adopt the same platform for its smartwatches, or offer a choice between its own OS and Wear OS 3 for its customers.
Alternatively, Fossil may not completely abandon Wear OS, but rather offer a dual-boot option for its smartwatches, allowing users to switch between its own OS and Wear OS. This could be a way for Fossil to cater to different preferences and needs of its smartwatch users, as well as to maintain its relationship with Google and the Wear OS ecosystem.
Whatever the case may be, Fossil’s departure from Wear OS could have a significant impact on the smartwatch market and the Wear OS platform. It could also create new challenges and opportunities for Fossil, as well as for other brands and developers that support Wear OS. It remains to be seen how Fossil will shape the future of its smartwatches, and how its customers and fans will react to its plans.
