Google is to take over part of fashion firm Fossil’s smartwatch technology in a US$40-million deal to bolster its wearable efforts.
The agreement will cover some of the technology under development at Fossil Group, as well as a portion of its research and development team — though Fossil says it remains committed to continue making smartwatches, keeping more than 200 people.
Texas-based Fossil Group has launched a range of smartwatches using Google’s Wear OS software from its range of brands and licensed brands, which includes Michael Kors, Diesel and Emporio Armani.
The company said smartwatches have become its fastest growing category in recent years.
“Wearables, built for wellness, simplicity, personalisation and helpfulness, have the opportunity to improve lives by bringing users the information and insights they need quickly, at a glance,” said Stacey Burr, Google’s vice president of product management for Wear OS.
“The addition of Fossil Group’s technology and team to Google demonstrates our commitment to the wearables industry by enabling a diverse portfolio of smartwatches and supporting the ever-evolving needs of the vitality-seeking, on-the-go consumer.”
Wear OS
Google does not currently have a smartwatch device of its own and instead provides the software, Wear OS, which allows any individual manufacturer to adopt it and make use of Google’s other products like the Google Assistant for voice controls, much like Android smartphones.
Its closest rival is Apple’s watchOS, which is used exclusively on the Apple Watch range.
“Fossil Group has experienced significant success in its wearables business by focusing on product design and development informed by our strong understanding of consumers’s needs and style preferences,” said Greg McKelvey, Fossil Group executive vice president.
“We’ve built and advanced a technology that has the potential to improve upon our existing platform of smartwatches. Together with Google, our innovation partner, we’ll continue to unlock growth in wearables.”
The deal between Google and Fossil Group is expected to close this month.
