Fossil Q Wander Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Fossil

Fossil’s first smartwatch, the Q Founder, was underwhelming but the watchmaker listened to feedback and plans to release two slimmer, sleeker models later this year.

First up, we’ve got the Q Wander. The case measures 44mm, compared to 46mm of the Q Founder. It also includes new wire lugs, which helps give it that slimmer look. The watch comes with a leather strap, but you can swap it out for a different one of your choosing.

Fossil

Next up, we’ve got the larger Q Marshal. The watch measures 46mm and features a more rugged case design. The grooves make it look similar to the Samsung Gear S2 Classic. The watch will also be available in navy blue paired with a leather strap, a combination that appeals to me.

The Q Wander and Q Marshal share the same features as the Q Founder. All three models are powered by Google’s Android Wear operating system, which let Android and iPhone owners view calls and text messages right from their wrist. Android Wear isn’t our favorite platform — it lacks the finesse of those from Apple and Samsung.

The Fossil Q Founder sitting on the ridiculously large wireless charger.

Sarah Tew/CNET

You will likely have to charge the watches daily. While both support wireless charging, they will only work with the same weird, bulky, padded charger used with the Q Founder. It also appears that neither watch includes an optical heart-rate sensor, a feature found in a majority of smartwatches from companies such as Apple, Samsung and Motorola.

An exact release date wasn’t announced. The Q Marshal and Q Wander will arrive sometime later this year and start at $275. That price converts to about £195 in the UK and AU$370.