Razer x Fossil smartwatch hands-on: Only for hardcore followers | Engadget

Razer appears to deal with every CES as its private carnival, utilizing the present as an opportunity to indicate off issues like wild-looking masks and insane triple-screen notebooks. This 12 months, along with launching new laptops, it’s additionally teamed up with smartwatch maker Fossil to launch a particular version wearable. The two corporations are saying the Razer x Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch at CES 2022 and it’s mainly what you assume: A themed model of an present Wear OS machine with straps and faces that mirror the gaming firm’s id.

But the Razer version of the Gen 6 has some small variations. It solely comes within the 44mm dimension (whereas the unique can be out there in 42mm) and in addition options some distinctive interface components. I’ve had a pattern to play with for awhile, and admittedly, this seems like most Fossil smartwatches, simply with an aesthetic nod to Razer.

The Fossil Gen 6 was the primary to characteristic Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chip, and like the unique collection, the Razer version will likely be up to date to the brand new Wear OS 3 later this 12 months. So far, the prevailing software program on the watch felt acquainted and carried out rapidly. I swiped via playing cards and adjusted watch faces with no delay, although that’s par for the course for Wear OS watches nowadays. The three customized watch faces for the Razer-branded wearable had been what I anticipated — that’s, that they had matching coloration schemes and displayed the time in “fun” fonts. The Wellness face reveals your every day stats, however doesn’t look very Razer-esque.

There’s not a lot else completely different concerning the machine, and most different components like battery life and system efficiency require me spending rather more time with it to check.

What I can say now’s that as an individual with smaller wrists, the Razer watch is a bit too large for me. Are most Razer followers folks extra big-boned, or do they like a chunky aesthetic? I don’t know, however it positive looks like that assumption is being made.

One factor I do consider Razer’s loyalists love is the corporate’s distinct acid inexperienced coloration that permeates their merchandise. The particular version Gen 6 is available in a black end with a black 22mm band with no pops of inexperienced on the case itself. But it does include a brilliant inexperienced strap that you would be able to swap out. Both silicone bands had been pliable and cozy, although, once more, I’d choose a narrower fashion.

The bigger dimension does permit for a roomier display (although the 42mm Gen 6 has the identical show dimensions), and I loved how simple it was to learn app titles and notifications.

Razer and Fossil are solely promoting 1,337 models of this particular version machine, as a result of Leet, get it? Anyway, you will get one for $329. For comparability, the Fossil Gen 6 prices between $299 and $319. With its greater worth and restricted amount, the Razer watch is clearly meant to be a collectible for probably the most loyal of the corporate’s followers.

If you don’t handle to get one of many Razer watches or are intrigued by Fossil’s different manufacturers, you possibly can additionally take into account the brand new Skagen Gen 6. The Skagen Falster is my favourite of Fossil’s smartwatches, and the corporate is launching an up to date model that gives its newest suite of options just like the Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor, quicker battery charging and upgraded sensors. It’ll be out there in six types and value $295.

Fossil additionally informed Engadget that the Gen 6 collection will likely be getting Alexa assist early this 12 months, so those that use Amazon’s assistant for sensible dwelling machine management can do this from their wrists.

The Razer x Fossil watch represents an intriguing enlargement of Fossil’s lineup, although we would see the corporate staff up with different manufacturers in future. Fossil informed me it’s open to the concept, so who is aware of? Maybe at some point we’ll see collabs with the likes of Tesla, McDonalds or, oh God, White Castle.

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