Android Wear 2.0 update is rolling out to Fossil’s fashion-focused smartwatches

By Christian de Looper Updated March 15, 2017

Android Wear 2.0 has arrived, and there are a few great devices featuring it already on sale. Owner of pre-existing Android Wear devices such as the Fossil Q Founder 2.0, Q Marshal, and Q Wander are now finally getting the update as well.

The launch wasn’t totally unexpected. We heard that the update would begin rolling out in mid-March a few weeks ago, so it’s right on time. It’s likely that the rollout of Android Wear 2.0 to Fossil devices will come in phases, and may depend on the region that you’re in — so if you don’t get it right away, you may just have to be a little patient.

Recommended Videos

There’s no word yet on an update for the original Fossil Q Founder — but hopefully the device will eventually be a part of the rollout.

Android Wear 2.0 itself has had a long road to release. The operating system was first announced at Google I/O in May last year, but Google delayed the actual release of the operating system until early this year. A few devices have now started shipping with Android Wear 2.0, including the new LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style, both of which have been receiving mediocre reviews.

Of course, Fossil’s watches are a little different. That’s because the company puts a heavier emphasis on the watch being a fashion accessory — which, as a wearable, is exactly what smartwatches are.

So what’s new in the new OS? The second version of the wearable operating system features a totally revamped user interface, and rather than having to go through a number of different swipes to access different screens, the OS focuses more on a simple vertical design.

The new update also brings watch-face “Complications,” or small subdials that act as notification-focused widgets. For example, you can see your fitness goal progressions, or your next calendar appointment. What’s more, those Complications can be customized, allowing you to build the watch face that best suits you. Last but not least, the new platform brings with it stand-alone apps.

Updated on 03-15-2017 by Christian de Looper: Added news that update is now rolling out.

Christian de Looper

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…

Topics

Wearables

Meta’s Project Phoenix leak reveals a surprisingly slim mixed-reality headset

A fresh leak gives us our clearest look yet at Meta's rumored Project Phoenix headset, showing a dramatically slimmer smart glasses-like design.

Meta's Quest 3S is a fantastic mixed reality VR headset at a very low price.

Meta's upcoming mixed-reality headset has surfaced in a fresh batch of leaked visuals, giving us our clearest look yet at the company's attempt to make a much slimmer alternative to traditional VR headsets. The images, first spotted by UploadVR, show a smart glasses-like design with several interesting hardware details.

A slimmer build with offloaded hardware

Wearables

Apple’s biggest new health feature skips older Apple Watches

Readiness is one of the headline additions to Apple’s new health system, but Apple currently limits it to its newest models

Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 announcement featured

Apple’s new Readiness score is one of the standout health features arriving with the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Owners of older models aren’t getting the same upgrade.

Readiness is part of Apple’s new Health Sensing System, which takes heart-rate and heart rate variability measurements more frequently. That hardware dependency puts the feature outside the usual watchOS update cycle and gives the newest Apple Watches something older models currently can’t replicate.

Wearables

Of course, Apple Watch Series 12 in Ceramic is pricier at the repair desk

Apple’s $899 ceramic Watch can cost $599 to repair

Wristwatch, Arm, Body Part

It was great seeing the ceramic Apple Watch return this year. But the enthusiasm of owning one would probably disappear quickly after dropping one. Apple’s new ceramic Apple Watch Series 12 costs $599 to repair for “other damage” without AppleCare+, according to MacRumors, citing Apple’s current service estimates. That category essentially covers damage outside of a battery replacement, which is priced separately at $99.

This is a substantial repair bill for a watch that already starts at $899 in Pearl White or Night Blue. Apple’s standard aluminum Series 12 starts at $399, while titanium starts at $699.