Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Wearables
  3. News

Fossil buys Misfit in $260M deal that takes it deeper into wearables

By

fossil buys misfit in 260m deal that takes it deeper into wearables shine 2 lifestyle
Image used with permission by copyright holder
While Swatch has so far been pretty cautious in its approach to smartwatch technology and related gear, another high-profile watchmaker, Fossil, has shown a far greater willingness to embrace it, recently unveiling a bunch of high-tech wearable devices.

And if there happened to be any lingering doubts about the company’s commitment to the platform, they can now be put to one side with the news that it’s just acquired fitness tracker company Misfit, best known for its sleek and rather striking Shine devices.

Recommended Videos

The deal, announced Thursday, is worth $260 million and gives the Texas-based watchmaker access to Misfit’s tracking technology via its experienced engineering team, as well as its growing pool of fitness-focused customers.

For four-year-old Misfit, Fossil’s backing offers it security in a fiercely competitive market filling fast with similar gadgets all fighting for attention, while at the same time taking its technology to Fossil’s global customer base.

It’s going to be interesting to see precisely how Fossil incorporates Misfit’s technologies, though with both companies keen on stylish design, attractive-looking devices are virtually guaranteed. The watchmaker, which has only recently started to take a serious interest in the tracker and smartwatch market, said Thursday it plans to bring Misfit’s skill and know-how to a number of its brands as early as next year.

And don’t worry, Misfit fans, the California-based company isn’t about to be dismantled as a result of the deal – it’s promising to continue working as usual on its own line of activity trackers, so expect to see more fitness-oriented wearables down the road.

Fossil CEO Kosta Kartsotis described the deal as “a significant opportunity” to bring Misfit’s technology and connectivity to its platform of watches and accessories, adding that his company is now “uniquely positioned to lead the convergence of style and technology and to become the fashion gateway to the high-growth wearable technology and connected device markets.”

Fossil last month unveiled its first smartwatch and fitness trackers, a move that was followed soon after by a similar announcement by another big player in the traditional-watch market, TAG Heuer, which unveiled the Carrera Connected, the product of a collaboration with Google and Intel.

Topics
Trevor Mogg
Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Razer Anzu smart glasses deal knocks $140 off the price tag
The Razer Anzu smart glasses placed on top of an open book.

While smartwatch deals have slowly claimed their place in the mainstream, smart glasses haven't turned out to be as popular. Gaming-focused brand Razer, however, is trying to renew interest in smart glasses with the Razer Anzu, which you can currently purchase from Best Buy at $140 off. If you'd like to give them a try, they're available for just $60, less than half their original price of $200.

There have been failures like the Google Glass and Snap Spectacles, and hopeful attempts like Oppo's Air Glass and Apple's secretive project, but the Razer Anzu smart glasses take a different spin on the wearable device by designing them for indoors. While they come with polarized sunglass lenses, their clear lenses are more useful with their blue light filter, which protects your eyes from screen glare to prevent discomfort even after hours of playing video games or working from home. The smart glasses, which also have a built-in omnidirectional microphone and speakers, may also be more comfortable to wear for an extended period of time compared to headsets and headphones. You'll enjoy smooth, stutter-free sound with the Razer Anzu's low latency audio with a 60ms Bluetooth connection.

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors
Person holding skateboard while wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

A new, sleek design and digital bezel help the Galaxy Watch 4 stand out in the crowd and set it apart from the traditional style of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Whether you've picked up a 40mm model with a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED screen or opted for more screen real estate with the 44mm model, that stand-out design needs protecting from scratches and knocks. That means it's time for our picks of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors, with something to suit all budgets.

These screen protectors will all fit the 40mm or 44mm models of the Galaxy Watch 4. If you've got a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, these won't fit.
Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Screen Protector

Read more
How to remove watch links from the strap on your new watch
how to remove watch links fossil q explorist

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all smartwatch. If your wrists are on the smaller size, then you may find that your new smartwatch is dangling from your wrist and sliding up your forearm. No need to worry — it's a common problem. Chances are there are at least one too many chain links on the strap, but adjusting a metal-link smartwatch band isn't as difficult as you might think — and doesn't usually require a trip to the jewelers.

We'll take you through everything you need to know and the tools you'll need handy to remove links from your smartwatch so it fits snugly on your wrist.

Read more