Hands-on: New Fossil hybrid smartwatch has an e-ink display and lasts 2+ weeks

By Kamran Zia -

Ask a group of smartwatch fans about their favorite smartwatch of all time, and odds are you’ll hear the name Pebble. Pebble smartwatches were so popular years ago due to their e-ink displays and long battery life. We don’t normally see e-ink displays on smartwatches any more, but that’s changing today. Fossil has announced a new hybrid smartwatch called the Fossil Hybrid HR that has physical watch hands, two-week long battery life, and, you guessed it, an e-ink display.

Let’s talk about that screen. No matter which model you choose — the more masculine Charter HR or more feminine Collider HR — both watches come with a 1.06-inch e-ink display (Fossil calls it a “read-out display”). E-ink’s main benefits are outdoor visibility and the ability to last long on a single charge — perfect for a smartwatch. Fossil says the Hybrid HR’s battery can last upwards of two weeks without going back on the charger.

fossil hybrid hr charter hr smartwatch on wrist 1

The display is hidden behind traditional analog watch hands, so you might not even be able to tell this is a smartwatch at first glance. The display can blend into the background of the watch as much as you’d like, too, or you can set it to show complications like your steps, heart rate, weather, and more. It’ll also show your call and text previews from your paired smartphone, and vibrate when new notifications come in.

Android Authority was able to spend some time with the Fossil Hybrid HR at IFA 2019. I have to say, I’m very excited to review this device. I’m one of the people who misses the days that Pebble ruled the smartwatch world, so the e-ink display has me very excited.

The Fossil Hybrid HR isn’t just for looks — there are plenty of fitness features built in. It has an optical heart rate sensor, a 3ATM water resistance rating, and will track your workouts, including steps, distance, calories, active minutes, and sleep metrics. Unfortunately, the Hybrid HR doesn’t have connected GPS support.

fossil hybrid hr collider hr smartwatch on wrist 4

Fossil is also debuting a new app experience that will let you see detailed activity metrics, progress over time, and allow you to swap watch faces and complications.

You’ve probably already guessed this, but the Hybrid HR is not a touchscreen smartwatch. Navigation is done via the physical buttons on the right side of the watch case. You can customize these buttons to perform specific actions, too, such as controlling your smartphone’s music.

The Fossil Hybrid HR is available for purchase today, November 6, on Fossil.com starting at $195. If you’d rather swing for a model with a stainless steel strap, those will cost you $215. The Hybrid HR will also be coming to India on Monday, November 18.

Fossil Hybrid HR

So, what’s the verdict? Is the Fossil Hybrid HR for you?

Please wait.. Loading poll

Next: This is the best Wear OS watch you can buy

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Woman clawed by zoo jaguar while trying to take selfie, learns valuable lesson

By Kamran Zia -
Image
Slate A woman’s trip to the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park in Arizona was cut short when she was clawed by a captive jaguar (via CBS News ). The woman had climbed over a concrete barrier to get closer to the animal to snap a selfie with her smartphone. The woman was admitted to the hospital with her arm in “pretty bad shape,” according to medical responders. However, she was released shortly after with a series of stitches. According to witnesses on the scene — one of which captured a video of the woman writhing in pain after the jaguar clawed at her arm — the incident began when the unidentified woman climbed over a federally-regulated concrete wall that helps to keep a safe distance between the animal cage and the spectators. Once over the wall, the woman turned her back to the cage to snap the selfie. At some point shortly thereafter, the jaguar reached its two front paws outside the cage and grabbed the woman’s arm. The woman then tried to wrench it out of the
Read more

The 12 best TV shows on Netflix you can binge right now

By Kamran Zia -
Image
Looking for the best shows on Netflix can be hard given the huge selection the streaming service offers. This is why we have created a list of our favorite ones and are ready to share it with you! Netflix gave many critically acclaimed TV shows from regular broadcast and cable networks a second life. Some of the best television shows ever made are now available for binge viewing on the service. In addition, they have a healthy portfolio of original shows and mini series for your viewing pleasure. Best shows on Netflix: Breaking Bad Dracula Stranger Things Mad Men The Office (US) Twin Peaks The Witcher The Walking Dead Parks and Recreation The Good Place Black Mirror Russian Doll Editor’s note : This list of the best shows on Netflix will be updated as TV series leave and others make their debut on Netflix. 1. Breaking Bad Of all of the older shows streaming on Netflix, this series may have benefited the most. Breaking Bad is about a high-school chemistry t
Read more

10 best adult apps for Android (NSFW)

By Kamran Zia -
Image
The adult entertainment industry has come a long way in the last 20 years. Before, all you had were VHS tapes with videos that looked like they were shot in a mafioso’s basement with magazines that you had to ask actual people to get from behind the counter to give you. The horror. These days you can stream and download all the pornography you want, usually for free and in HD, and no one’s the wiser. With tech making it easier than ever to Netflix and chill yourself, it’s only natural that you’ve stumbled upon this page looking for the best porn apps for Android. Please note, if you’re under the legal age in your country, please leave. This isn’t for you. Also, since most of these apps aren’t available in the Play Store, it’s highly recommended that you exercise caution. Let’s get started! Don’t forget to protect your phone against potential problems with the best antivirus apps! Incognito mode gets you almost unlimited adult content. Check out the best Android browsers now! Apt
Read more