New smartwatches from Skagen are coming, alongside new smartwatch options from Michael Kors and Fossil’s own branded Gen 5 LTE that was announced earlier this morning.
With Skagen, new smartwatches is really just one smartwatch, but it comes in multiple variations. Meaning there are a few different styles for you to choose from. The new watch is called the Jorn Hybrid HR and unlike the Skagen Falster 3, it doesn’t run on Wear OS and have access to apps, tiles or anything else you’d expect from the platform.
Instead it looks and functions like a traditional watch, but it does have some smart features that make it more versatile than a traditional watch ever could be.
New Jorn Hybrid HR smartwatches from Skagen use E-ink displays
One of the biggest differences with this new watch from Skagen compared to its Falster lineup is the use of an E-ink display.
Aside from not being a touch display, it also doesn’t allow for full color or other adjustable settings. So it should save the user a ton on the battery life side of things. In fact the battery is rated to last up to two weeks or more on a single charge. Though battery life will vary based on how you use the watch.
If you fiddle with it more often during the single charge cycle, then chances are you’ll end up charging it quicker than someone else who only interacts with it when necessary.
The Jorn Hybrid HR also comes in two different sizes. A smaller 38mm option for people who have smaller wrists and prefer the smaller case size, and a 42mm option for those that want the larger size case.
Both case sizes support different strap sizes as well. You can use any 22mm strap with the 42mm watch, and any 18mm straps with the 38mm watch. As for styles, the Jorn Hybrid HR comes in stainless steel, smoke tone stainless steel, black, and rose gold. With strap options that include leather, metal mesh, and silicone.
Michael Kors updates its lineup with two new options
While there’s only one new watch from the Skagen brand, Michael Kors has two new options. The Michael Kors Access Gen 5E Darci, and the Michael Kors Access Gen 5E MKGO.
Both watches cater to a slightly different consumer. The Darci is perfect for anyone who wants a smartwatch that evokes more of what you’d expect from the Michael Kors brand. A stylish, fashion-forward watch.
Meanwhile the Gen 5E MKGO is a more sporty option. Both of the watches run on Wear OS and both come with jewels encrusted around the bezel. They run on the Snapdragon Wear 3100 wearables platform and come with a multi-day battery.
As well as additional Wear OS features that are available on other smartwatches. Like tiles, voice call capabilities through the Bluetooth connection to a smartphone, Spotify control, Play Store access, sleep tracking, heart rate tracking and more.
As for availability, Fossil is shooting for the end of this month for the Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR, while the two new watches from Michael Kors will be launching sometime this Spring as there’s no confirmed date yet for release.
The Jorn Hybrid HR will retail for $195 in all styles. Meanwhile the Michael Kors Access Gen 5E Darci will retail for $350, and the Gen 5E MKGO will retail for $250.
Michael Kors Access Gen 5E MKGO
Michael Kors Access Gen 5E Darci