Michael Kors Watches: Smart Android And iPhone Technology Meets Luxury Design

Michael Kors watches are known for their sleek luxury designs and relatively reasonable price points, but this fall the designer watches will also be known for incorporating smart Android technology, with the release of the Michael Kors Access display smartwatch. The new watch line is geared toward fashion-focused consumers who are entering the wearables market, and features a smart timepiece that combines glamour and style with the latest Android Wear technology, according to a Business Wire press release.

Kors was inspired by the concept of social connectivity and the designer’s new smartwatch line shows that access to technology can be both stylish and effortless.

“I thought, ‘Why can’t tech accessories be chic and glamorous?'”

The watches feature cutting-edge technology that is compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones and the concept is driven by a partnership between Michael Kors and Google, using their Android Wear smartwatch platform. Kors says he is “in the business of making people’s lives easier through fashion,” and the new smartwatches are the logical evolution of this idea.

“You wear them every day. After all, technology is impacting life more and more. It should reflect your personal taste as much as anything else, but it should also give you access to all the experiences that you want.”

The wearable Michael Kors designer smartwatches feature exclusive display faces that change with just the swipe of a finger and the line starts at just $395. The watch line is expected to hit the Michael Kors website, brick-and-mortar stores, select department stores, and specialty boutiques this fall, according to PCMagazine.

In style, in sync. Meet the new @MichaelKors Access smartwatches. pic.twitter.com/I5tbUcBdIG

— Wear OS by Google (@WearOSbyGoogle) March 17, 2016

There is a flashy gold version of the new Michael Kors smartwatch, along with a sportier black model that features interchangeable wristbands in silicone and leather, with versions available for both men and women. The watches will provide app notifications, social media updates, text and email alerts, along with voice-activated Google access, Google smart help, and a built-in fitness tracker. Kors’ Chairman and CEO John Idol said it’s all about access.

“Our brand is built on giving our customer what they want for their 24/7, fast-paced lifestyle. We know they’re busy and need to be connected. We’re now offering them a smartwatch that lets them have access to a world of glamour, escape and adventure.”

According to David Singleton, VP of engineering for Android Wear, the new Michael Kors watch collection is designed to work seamlessly with Google so users can stay connected.

“From Google Search to smartwatches, Google strives to give you the information you need to stay connected to what matters most. Michael Kors Access and Android Wear move the wearables category forward with smart, beautiful watches that help you stay on top of your daily life while expressing your personal style.”

With the release of the new watches, Michael Kors is joining the ranks of other Fossil Group brands in targeting the new technology wearables market, including Emporio Armani, Chaps, Diesel, Kate Spade New York, and Skagen. Collectively, these brands will release more than 100 new products in time for the 2016 holiday season, according to PC Magazine.

The new Samsung Gear S2 by de Grisogono is another noteworthy bridge between technology and the high-fashion watch market. The limited-edition jewelry watch is made with gold and precious metals, featuring a blinged-out exterior in rose gold with more than 100 black and white diamonds.

Good morning #NewYork from #Baselworld2016 @deGRISOGONO & @SamsungMobile #luxurysmartwatch #deGrisogono #Basel pic.twitter.com/isaMuLd3ig

— Loupiosity (@Loupiosity) March 18, 2016

Fawaz Gruosi, founder and creative director of de Grisogono, said it’s all about collaboration.

“Samsung brought to the table the best and most intuitive technology, while de Grisognono brought its glamorous design and craftsmanship expertise.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBNu07R7DJE

The new haute couture Samsung smartwatch will be available during the summer of 2016, but the price – assumed to be quite high – has yet to be released.

[Image via Michael Kors/Business Wire]