Fossil’s Gen 6 is a Wear OS 3 smartwatch in waiting

Horologists like tickers that will increase in value. Fossil’s Gen 6 should do just that. Pre-order one from 20 September and you’ll get the first smartwatch with a Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chip, promising 30% faster performance than the Gen 5 – plus more efficient power usage. The Gen 6 also charges quicker (reaching 80% in 30 minutes), connects better (thanks to Bluetooth 5) and checks your blood oxygen (courtesy of a new SpO2 monitor). That’s all in addition to its familiar suite of fitness smarts. But your investment won’t be fully realised until 2022, when the Gen 6 is set to receive a software update to Wear OS 3 – the slicker interface that’s currently seen solely on Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4. Whether it’s worth spending upwards of £279 on one of the seven styles before then depends on your patience. At least you’ll have a way to count down the days.

Chris Rowlands Freelance contributor

About

Formerly News Editor at this fine institution, Chris now writes about tech from his tropical office. Sidetracked by sustainable stuff, he’s also keen on coffee kit, classic cars and any gear that gets better with age.

Areas of expertise

Cameras, gear and travel tech