Today designer Michael Kors jumped into the connected-timepiece game a second time with the unveiling of its newest design: the Access Gage Hybrid Smartwatch.
While this isn’t Michael Kors’s first stab at a smartwatch—the brand unveiled three designs as part of the Access collection for men and women in September—these hybrid designs take an altogether different approach, mixing an analog look with standard connected functions for a design that won’t register as “smart” on the wrist. Without touch screens, these timepieces use vibrations to convey information to the wearers, and wearers use hand movements and chronograph-like pushers to communicate in return.
Compatible with Android OS4.4 or higher, and with iPhones 5/IOS 8.2 and higher, the timepiece uses Bluetooth wireless technology and offers many of the same basic digital tracking functions users have come to know and expect from smartwatches: tracking steps, distance, calories, and sleep time, plus receive notifications and set alarms, all powered by a changeable (not chargeable) battery.
The watch comes in four different styles: a 45mm stainless-steel shape with either a blue dial and steel bracelet or black dial and brown leather strap (price: $295); and a 42mm Slim Runway version in either all-gold or all-black versions (price: $250). Find them all on michaelkors.com and at select retailers later this month.
For more high-tech watches, see our reviews for the Apple Watch Nike+ and Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Minute Reapter Mysterious Double Tourbillon.
Related: Can’t decide if a smart watch is right for you? Read our story »
