Google acquires secret smartwatch tech for $40 million: Details here
Building on its ambitions to deliver an ideal Apple Watch competitor, Google has decided to invest $40mn in a mysterious smartwatch technology. The company will acquire the tech from watch-maker Fossil but has not revealed what it would do or when it might be introduced. Notably, it is also roping in few members of Fossil's team as part of the same deal. Here's more.
Mysterious tech will lead to 'new product innovation'
Though there's no word on what this technology is, Greg McKelvey, Fossil's executive VP, told Wearable that it would lead to "new product innovation that's not yet hit the market". He added the company, which has been Google's hardware partner for years, got its hands on the tech from its $260 million acquisition of Misfit and has been evolving it since then.
Major improvements to come in Google's WearOS
With the latest move, Google will not just acquire the mysterious tech but also the R&D team working on it. This means we could see its implementation to improve WearOS or to develop new designs. "It's based on something out of our timeline...and we think it's a product that has features and benefits that aren't in the category today," McKelvey emphasized.
Tech seems to be focused on health and wellness
When Stacey Burr, president of product management for WearOS, confirmed the deal, she said, "Wearables, built for wellness, simplicity, personalization, and helpfulness, have the opportunity to improve lives by bringing users the information and insights they need quickly, at a glance." The comment seems to suggest the tech in question might be focused on health, wellness in some way, but we can't be sure.
Also, there's no word on the release timeline
Neither Google nor Fossil has given a word on when we might see this tech in action. However, the latter did confirm that we will see some Fossil-branded smartwatches based on the new tech. McKelvey claimed first it will come on Fossil watches and then, "in true Google fashion, the technology will be expanded across the industry over time to benefit all."
