Misfits A Match
Fossil Group’s push for the latest software and hardware enhancements has moved into Misfit territory with the new Misfit Vapor X smartwatch, revealed Wednesday.
The touchscreen Vapor X features Qualcomm’s newest wearables processor, the Snapdragon Wear 3100, just like Fossil’s own fifth-generation smartwatch. The chipset touts better power management, essentially helping owners eke out more longevity or battery life from their watches. Misfit promises more than 24 hours of battery life, depending on usage, plus another two days in battery saver mode.
With a newly retooled, superlightweight aluminum alloy case, the company is promoting the product as its “most efficient and comfortable Misfit smartwatch to date.”
Like Fossil’s Gen 5 watch, the Misfit unit works with Google’s Wear OS, including voice tech through Google Assistant, and comes loaded with sensors and other hardware for features like heart rate tracking, GPS and Google Pay mobile payments from the wrist. Also along for the ride are rapid-charging and pre-loaded Spotify and Cardiogram apps.
Set in a round 1.19-inch display, the gadget works with interchangeable straps and bracelets — including a revamped Sport Strap to upgrade fit and breathability — and comes in a choice of five colorways, including navy, lavender and green. The full retail price is $279, but Misfit is rolling it out with a limited introductory cost of $199.99 on its web site.
Alongside the product debut, the company also announced its new “Dare to Be Different” campaign. “The heart of the campaign spotlights individuals that represent who the brand is at its core — innovators who have fun, dare to push boundaries and embrace what makes us all different,’’ said Hacker Plotkin, Fossil Group’s global vice president of portfolio brands.
“Being a ‘misfit’ means to be unique and unafraid in the best possible way, and we believe there is a misfit inside all of us,” he added.
The campaign centers on a roster of “self-proclaimed misfits” spanning artists, athletes and creatives, such as model and carpenter Molly Johnson, wheelchair basketball player
Zach Blair and actor, creative director and model Sahara Ale, among others. — ADRIANA LEE