A “strategic decision” from one of the most prolific smartwatch companies.

Fossil is quitting smartwatches::Fossil is going to stop making smartwatches. It was one of the most prolific companies creating Wear OS watches.

    • GenderNeutralBro@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
      14·
      9 months ago

      I know I’m in the minority, but I switched from a square Android watch (LG G Watch from the neolithic era) to a round watch, and I miss the square. A round screen is awkward for anything but a simple watch face, IMO. I use my new watch much less than my old watch, partly because of this, and I don’t think I’ll ever buy another one.

    • manbytesdog@lemmy.worldEnglish
      61·
      9 months ago

      Visually as a watch design I agree with you. Having used quite a few round face smart watches before getting an Apple Watch I can absolutely see why Apple went with a square face. It just makes way more sense for displaying data. A square space displays more information in a an easier to read format.

    • TheRealKuni@lemmy.worldEnglish
      31·
      9 months ago

      I agree. I’ve gotten used to it, and I can understand its usefulness for ease of app development and density of data. But I miss having a circular watchface.

      • TheRealKuni@lemmy.worldEnglish
        7·
        9 months ago

        That’s precisely why they designed it this way.

        What? Can you explain what you mean here or is this just Apple hate?

        I find it hard to believe that any company, much less one with such a high reputation for aesthetic, would design something specifically to irk people.

        I think it was designed rectangular because it’s easier for smartphone app developers to make watch versions of their apps, easier to display data, and generally fits with the look of the rest of their rounded rectangular products.

        As a watch it isn’t as visually appealing, but as a device it’s (arguably) more useful.

        • Poutinetown@lemmy.caEnglish
          9·
          9 months ago

          Seems like my message sounded more negative than in my head.

          When you look at the design, it feels just out of place compared to traditional watch design: round, subtly ornamental, tastefully designed. Experts love to look at the finer details up close. And experts will want to buy something like Michael Kors 6th Gen or Fossil’s Gen 6 hybrid for it’s traditional look.

          In contrast, Apple watch looks quite odd with its flat screen, square shape, color contrast black glass screen with matte aluminum casing. At first glance, it’s almost irritating.

          But this is precisely what makes it stand out. Can one tell the difference between Seiko and Tissot? Omega vs. Rolex? An expert, maybe, but for most people, it’s just a traditional steel watch that gives you time. On the other hand, Apple watches will be instantly recognizable even at a certain distance, and irking some people is a small price to pay for this.

          Apple loves to do this: after the apple watch, we got airpods, airpods max, the cheese grater Mac pro. Before, it was the magic mouse. They were not all successful, but they did stand out design-wise. And they sold well because apple doesn’t target headphone enthusiasts or watch enthusiasts; they target apple enthusiasts.