Fossil launches new LTE smartwatch and MK Gen 5E at CES

Fossil is sticking with Gen 5 for now
FSL3748731
Wareable is reader-powered. If you click through using links on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Fossil Group has launched three new smartwatches based on its Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch – with a cellular LTE version added for the first time.

The company has been one of the leading purveyors of Wear OS smartwatches, and revealed that it has been working closely with Google to bring LTE to its range.

The first launch was the much-rumored Fossil Gen 5 LTE Touchscreen Smartwatch (yep, that's the name), which joins the Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR.

Fossil’s first cellular connected smartwatch has been designed closely with Google, and thus will be for Android users only. It’s set to launch with Verizon for $349.

It boasts the same internals, which means the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, which has now been replaced by a newer 4100. However, it’s unlikely that we’ll see that technology land on Fossil devices until Gen 6 smartwatches, and the company hinted that it’s working on two-year cycles. By our maths, we should see Gen 6 devices land at IFA 2021 in September.

Michael Kors Gen 5E MKGO and Darci Gen 5e

Fossil launches new LTE smartwatch and MK Gen 5E at CES

We also got new smartwatches from Michael Kors. The Fossil sub-brand is following in the footsteps of the Fossil Gen 5e – the smaller, more female-friendly version of the company’s flagship smartwatch.

Michael Kors has new styles are incoming – the Michael Kors Gen 5E Darci and Gen 5E MKGO.

In terms of style the Gen 5E Darci brings the bling we’ve come to know and love from MK – with link straps and pave, two-tone seven link bracelet and 43mm stainless steel case.

Fossil launches new LTE smartwatch and MK Gen 5E at CES

The sportier MKGO uses a silicone strap and 43mm aluminium case, but doesn’t hold back from adding a serious dose of sparkle to the bezel.

Both of these arrive with Snapdragon Wear 3100 running the show. They share the Fossil Gen 5E spec sheet with a 1.19-inch AMOLED display and 4GB memory. They both retain NFC, a speaker, and a quoted 36 hours of battery life.

The Michael Kors Gen 5E Darci will launch for $350 and is already on sale, and the Gen 5E Darci $250.


How we test



James Stables

By

James is the co-founder of Wareable, and he has been a technology journalist for 15 years.

He started his career at Future Publishing, James became the features editor of T3 Magazine and T3.com and was a regular contributor to TechRadar – before leaving Future Publishing to found Wareable in 2014.

James has been at the helm of Wareable since 2014 and has become one of the leading experts in wearable technologies globally. He has reviewed, tested, and covered pretty much every wearable on the market, and is passionate about the evolving industry, and wearables helping people achieve healthier and happier lives.


Related stories