Michael Kors is joining the bandwagon of smartwatch by launching its own line during the Baselworld 2016.
The fashion designer calls the smartwatch lineup “Access,” offering a black version for men and a gold version for women, Engadget reported. The brand appears to release more variants with interchangeable bands. Kors has decided to keep a diverse price points to keep the brand accessible for both adults and teens. In addition, they are making watches that are particularly designed for both men and women, providing interchangeable leather and silicone bands.
Kors has put an effort to the smartwatch’s looks, making it a chic tech accessory for men and women. It is still a traditional looking timepiece in black and gold. Gold gives off the most glamorous option while the black piece will give the user the idea of buying cheaper leather or silicone straps. The smartwatch somehow resembles the look of Moto 360 and the Fossil Q Founder. It has a flat tire with exclusive display faces, ranging from classy to fitness-oriented and outright gaudy.
This iPhone- and Android-compatible “Access” wearable comes with standard smartwatch features. It offers exclusive display faces that users can switch around with a swipe, depending on the occasion. It can also show app notifications, support voice commands, and a built-in fitness tracker, Digital Trends reported.
“Access” smartwatch will be powered by Android Wear and expected to be paired with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 Wear processor. It will include a digital chronograph design for sports enthusiasts and a sparkling, animated pave for a classier look.
Both smartwatches will be available via the Michael Kors website and various retailers and priced at $395. However, it would not be available until fall this year.
Baselworld 2016 is big business for watchmakers and jewelers. Majority of watchmakers join the trade show to showcase traditional watches, however, smartwatches are the new trend for this year. Fossils, Nixon and Samsung have already announced their plan of launching their own smartwatch lineup.
Michael Kors watches are also part of the Fossil Group. Previously, the popular watchmaker announced that it will release wearables for eight brands in 2016. It includes Diesel, Michael Kors, Chaps, Fossil, Emporio Armani, Misfit, Fossil, Kate Spade New York, and Skagen.