Can you compare to the previous version? It sounds like this one is even bigger/bulkier than that version, so many people might prefer that option. Also, is Alexa always listening (bad, IMO), or is it only listening when you hit a trigger button? Any thoughts on the software update, which has been much-maligned on reddit? I've heard the music controls have gotten terrible, which is worrisome for me since that is one of my main uses cases. Thank you for this review!
I have not had hands on with the previous fossil hybrid so I don't know how the size compares. As far as Alexa, you have to press a button to activate so it is not always listening. Another software update just hit my watch yesterday. I haven't had a lot of time to notice any changes. As for the music controls, they seem to work fine once you have them pulled up on the watchface. I will say getting to the music controls takes quite a few taps, and while you're using the music controls you can't really do anything else with the watch. And if you leave the music controls there's no quick way to get back to them. I guess my short answer would be the controls work well but they are still inconvenient to use, if that makes sense. Glad you liked the review!
@@RandoTechInfo Good to know! Honestly I don't care much about the new features so I'd probably pick up a last-gen instead. If they'd fixed the backlight (my Indiglo looked better 30 years ago!!), I'd be more keen on the newer model.
Previous generation user here. The update on the app provided more options for music controls, at a cost to simplicity. I had my music controls customized to easily change when bike riding, not happening with the new update. Overall I really enjoy the app update as it provided more options to my watch.
@@nicklum3248 You're welcome. From what I recall the previous version allowed you to assign an action to the crown and two other buttons. I had the crown set to play and the top button to forward and button button to previous song. Now by default when I launch music controls I have pause, home, and more music control options. It launches to a secondary music selection screen where I have increase volume if I tap the top button and if I hold the button it goes to the previous song. The bottom button is decrease volume if I tap and if I hold it skips to the other song. Not a deal breaker, but not the best or most convenient set up. Hope that helped. I have no regrets with this watch. I would buy it again.
Hi, loved your video. How would u rate its durability? I am quite interested in its design but after reading a lot of reviews I am doubting it's durability. Could u please let me know how it's working now after 9 months. THANK YOU
So it is not my everyday watch. I only wear it when I'm going more formal, that said, it still looks like new. Have other reviews questioned it's durability?
Do you have a link for this watch? Or a description with the sku number available? My husband would like to purchase this watch but it seams that all of the fossil hybrid smartwatch models have very similar names. We don’t have a fossil anchor store close to where we live and have to purchase the watch online.
This is the exact smart watch I was looking for. I wanted basic functionalities like step count and a traditional watch face and also a long battery life. Finally I found it thanks to your video. I hated charging the Apple Watch every day even if I used it sparingly. Already made an order and looking forward to it.
I just purchased this watch two days ago and like it. Looks great, well built, stylish. Very nice watch band. Easy to get used to the navigation menu. Fast charging, and long battery life.
Rando you should of covered the customizable watch faces more extensively. There are a few websites with some neat designs and ideas along with the option to create our own watch faces from JPEG files and camera pictures. That is a very underrated option.
Double tap on the watch face to activate the backlight? I don't know about anyone else here but that is awesome. That means it only activates when you want it to. This is an improvement, not a tradeoff.
@@RandoTechInfo I will say that I went looking for this type of tech without knowing that it actually existed. I have had my Apple watch since 2018 and wear it daily. I had been looking for a classy smartwatch or a traditional watch that could do things I like about the smart watch. Insert Fossil.
The case is black. The watch is still working pretty well. I'm actually currently using it with an iPhone and the only issue I'm having with it is the weather doesn't always want to display on the watch face. Never had the issue with an Android phone.
@@RandoTechInfo Hello thank you for the response, may users have complained about screen freezing and they had to change the watch itself have you come across any of those issues. Thanks
@@RandoTechInfo one more question if i may, first i got mine , it looks damn good, but for the music controlling, i couldn't figure out how can i add a reverse play option , by default its only given the forward play hot key, any idea? Thanks
@@anandukrishnar4388hello I'm planning to buy a hybrid too...but many people told me it's eink screen is a problem and fades away...so can you just gimme a small update on how your watch is still holding up? Thank you!
cool independent review, for what regard the slowness in reaching specific functions, was thinking that maybe there are custom faces i can customize with what i use? for instance always on spotify or notifications. Also most important would like to know if I receive an email will have to open the specific notification screen or will appear immediately on the dial? thank you man
What you see in the video are all the available options. Sadly there is no Spotify shortcut but you can hotkey one of the side buttons for notifications, which is what I have done. Thanks for watching!
Can't speak to the Apple Watch. I don't feel like it's as accurate as a modern Galaxy Watch. It's also not the most comfortable to exercise with in general. It's more of a stylish going out kind of watch.
@RandoTechInfo true. But a built-in gps for accurate tracking would have been perfect. Even moving my hands while sitting counts as a step in this watch.
It's obviously impossible for me to test every use case scenario, but as I mentioned in the video, it is done almost everything I have asked it to do. Honestly I've been pretty impressed by it. I wouldn't put it on par with Google Assistant but it definitely works better than Bixby does on my Galaxy watch 4.
Thank you so much for the beautiful review...... however I've been hearing a lot of complaints saying people lost the eink screen or the arms frooze after few months of usage....so if you could gimme a small update on how it's holding its life onto after almost a year.... I'd be really really thankful!! And as always thank tou for the quality content... really loved it!
I don't wear the watch on the daily. It's more of a "dress up" watch for me, that said, it's still holding up well. No issues with the screen or hands thus far. Hope that helps!
@@RandoTechInfo thank you so much for taking your time and replying to every comment! I really appreciate your efforts! And as always love your content
@@RandoTechInfo How to switch off the watch .. I am facing display problem(a white box covers the bottom of my display.) Please do reply. Thank you 🙏🏻.
I was considering purchasing a smart watch until I found that they need to be charged very regularly (some daily), which is a deal breaker for me and I find most of them rather ugly. In my mind a hybrid watch provides a nice compromise between battery life, features, and style.
I agree with you. Hybrids can be a nice option for people who value battery life. Garmin also apparently has some watches with crazy good battery life as well although I have never tested any of them.
Yes Rando somehow my comment got deleted! Thanks for replying on other video. Mainly was just complimenting the review...videography, narration, etc. Judging the niche market for this watch, yet scarcity of the reviews on it (just you still), I see you getting alot of new subs 👍 I hope they implement your ideas about the backlight / wrist tilt. I think my gen 6 smartwatch got a firmware update but battery life still all over the place. Just the idea of 2 weeks battery life is enough to take those tradeoffs for me, after 6 years of smartwatches. Plus the more elegant look of a traditional watch and always on custom faces. I think I'll just miss night time visibility if I switch (is the backlight decent enough?) But daytime does suck on smartwatch so that's a good tradeoff. Also you think the black/white screen on the others may provide much better visibility? I'm guessing it's just a brown tint but it makes less contrast. Thanks for the review really helpful 👍
Weird that other comment got "lost". Glad I saw it beforehand. I'm also glad you liked the video and appreciate the feedback. It's kind of strange no one else on RUclips has covered this watch yet, not that I'm complaining mind you. I haven't worn my Gen 6 a lot lately. It will be interesting to see when I fire it back up if it has any issues. Battery life wasn't great before so I certainly hope its not worse. You might be right about the tint. Would be interesting to see if another review comes out with a different SKU of the watch, to see if it makes a difference. Thanks again for the feedback and for watching!
It's bad enough that Alexa and Siri talk about me when I'm not home, but I don't want them watching me too. Peace
Fair. I would just leave her and unactivated then. Thanks for watching buddy.
Ha
Watching 😁
Can you compare to the previous version? It sounds like this one is even bigger/bulkier than that version, so many people might prefer that option. Also, is Alexa always listening (bad, IMO), or is it only listening when you hit a trigger button? Any thoughts on the software update, which has been much-maligned on reddit? I've heard the music controls have gotten terrible, which is worrisome for me since that is one of my main uses cases. Thank you for this review!
I have not had hands on with the previous fossil hybrid so I don't know how the size compares. As far as Alexa, you have to press a button to activate so it is not always listening. Another software update just hit my watch yesterday. I haven't had a lot of time to notice any changes.
As for the music controls, they seem to work fine once you have them pulled up on the watchface. I will say getting to the music controls takes quite a few taps, and while you're using the music controls you can't really do anything else with the watch. And if you leave the music controls there's no quick way to get back to them. I guess my short answer would be the controls work well but they are still inconvenient to use, if that makes sense.
Glad you liked the review!
@@RandoTechInfo Good to know! Honestly I don't care much about the new features so I'd probably pick up a last-gen instead. If they'd fixed the backlight (my Indiglo looked better 30 years ago!!), I'd be more keen on the newer model.
Previous generation user here. The update on the app provided more options for music controls, at a cost to simplicity. I had my music controls customized to easily change when bike riding, not happening with the new update. Overall I really enjoy the app update as it provided more options to my watch.
@@JGLCSW Thanks! What further options are there now? I tried out a previous version and found the music controls to be fine at the time.
@@nicklum3248 You're welcome. From what I recall the previous version allowed you to assign an action to the crown and two other buttons. I had the crown set to play and the top button to forward and button button to previous song. Now by default when I launch music controls I have pause, home, and more music control options. It launches to a secondary music selection screen where I have increase volume if I tap the top button and if I hold the button it goes to the previous song. The bottom button is decrease volume if I tap and if I hold it skips to the other song. Not a deal breaker, but not the best or most convenient set up. Hope that helped. I have no regrets with this watch. I would buy it again.
The biggest reason why your watch was difficult to read in low light, was the fact that the front glass was tinted dark brown.
Hi, loved your video. How would u rate its durability?
I am quite interested in its design but after reading a lot of reviews I am doubting it's durability. Could u please let me know how it's working now after 9 months. THANK YOU
So it is not my everyday watch. I only wear it when I'm going more formal, that said, it still looks like new. Have other reviews questioned it's durability?
can you adjust the interface to display crypto prices?
Do you have a link for this watch? Or a description with the sku number available? My husband would like to purchase this watch but it seams that all of the fossil hybrid smartwatch models have very similar names. We don’t have a fossil anchor store close to where we live and have to purchase the watch online.
The one in the review is the "machine" model. Hope that helps.
@@RandoTechInfo thank you!
I think you're being harsh on some drawbacks, it's a HYBRID for crying out loud
I actually really like the watch. How was I "harsh"?
This is the exact smart watch I was looking for. I wanted basic functionalities like step count and a traditional watch face and also a long battery life. Finally I found it thanks to your video. I hated charging the Apple Watch every day even if I used it sparingly. Already made an order and looking forward to it.
Glad to hear. Hope you like it!
I just purchased this watch two days ago and like it. Looks great, well built, stylish. Very nice watch band. Easy to get used to the navigation menu. Fast charging, and long battery life.
I'm glad you like it! What color did you get?
what phone you use?
@@CaptainCaspian4Evr depends. If I'm not reviewing anything I'm usually using a Galaxy s22 Ultra.
Can u read WhatsApp in the watch?
Rando you should of covered the customizable watch faces more extensively. There are a few websites with some neat designs and ideas along with the option to create our own watch faces from JPEG files and camera pictures. That is a very underrated option.
Should've*
Double tap on the watch face to activate the backlight? I don't know about anyone else here but that is awesome. That means it only activates when you want it to. This is an improvement, not a tradeoff.
We will have to agree to disagree on that one. 😁
Thanks for watching!
@@RandoTechInfo I will say that I went looking for this type of tech without knowing that it actually existed. I have had my Apple watch since 2018 and wear it daily. I had been looking for a classy smartwatch or a traditional watch that could do things I like about the smart watch. Insert Fossil.
@@CountrySingerWannabe Glad you found it!
6:10 sir,,,, this feature is to refresh the e ink display. i used that watch in 2020 a lot, loved it
Really? That's the first I've heard that.
Great video, you helped me decide if i wanted this watch or not.🙂
That is great to hear. Thank you!
I just ordered one , still worth it after 1 year of use? Does the steel case also brown? Or just the watch face?
The case is black. The watch is still working pretty well. I'm actually currently using it with an iPhone and the only issue I'm having with it is the weather doesn't always want to display on the watch face. Never had the issue with an Android phone.
@@RandoTechInfo Hello thank you for the response, may users have complained about screen freezing and they had to change the watch itself have you come across any of those issues. Thanks
@@anandukrishnar4388 thankfully no.
@@RandoTechInfo one more question if i may, first i got mine , it looks damn good, but for the music controlling, i couldn't figure out how can i add a reverse play option , by default its only given the forward play hot key, any idea? Thanks
@@anandukrishnar4388hello I'm planning to buy a hybrid too...but many people told me it's eink screen is a problem and fades away...so can you just gimme a small update on how your watch is still holding up? Thank you!
can you set and delete alarms with alexa?
You can set them, not sure about deleting them. Haven't had a chance to try that yet.
Could I use Alexa to set a reminder or calendar notification ?
Not sure about calendar notifications but you can set reminders.
Can I see who is calling from the watch?
Yes.
For the hybrid watch, did you change the strap after the unboxing video? Or is it the same strap that came with watch?
It's the same. Actually really like the strap.
I'm all for e-ink displays!
They certainly have advantages.
This watch would be perfect if it had a quick reply feature. Do you know of any similar hybrid which does have the feature?
Not that I am aware.
I plan on getting rid of my iPhone and using a Hisense A9 (android smartphone with an e-ink screen) and this watch!
Not familiar with the A9. Will need to check it out.
overall this watch is very unique looking and the features but the backlight look so cheap
Agreed on all counts.
right on time baby
We aim to please.
cool independent review, for what regard the slowness in reaching specific functions, was thinking that maybe there are custom faces i can customize with what i use? for instance always on spotify or notifications. Also most important would like to know if I receive an email will have to open the specific notification screen or will appear immediately on the dial? thank you man
What you see in the video are all the available options. Sadly there is no Spotify shortcut but you can hotkey one of the side buttons for notifications, which is what I have done.
Thanks for watching!
This is the watch for me, only its $600 where Iive 🤣
Oh God! Where is that?
Can you tell me where to get the posters on the wall behind you? 😀
Displate.com
Seriously I should be getting a kickback for all the business I send their way. 😂
Hey, what is the weight of this watch? LG
thanks for the review! I think I'll continue waiting for a new version of the Garmin Vivomove Style because I didn't like too much this Fossil
Nothing wrong with a Garmin. Thanks for watching!
The main reason I didn’t get this watch was because there was no nfc feature. Went with the ticwatch ultra
Good choice. I love my Pro 3 Ultra. Thanks for watching!
Hey bro ! From where can i buy it in New Delhi ( India )
Fossil and Amazon are the only places I know about at the moment.
I'm loving mine so far. Far better looking that traditional smart watches.... No silicone to be seen on mine!
Glad you're liking it. It really is a good looking watch.
Since it's been 8 months can you tell me how it's holding on to.... I heard the eink screen breaks off too often
That mythbusters shirt is gold
Agreed!
Are its fitness sensors accurate compared to galaxy or apple watches?
Can't speak to the Apple Watch. I don't feel like it's as accurate as a modern Galaxy Watch. It's also not the most comfortable to exercise with in general. It's more of a stylish going out kind of watch.
@RandoTechInfo ya. I bought it and noticed it too. It counts way too many steps than in real life
@@mecthologyesports Looks damn good though.
@RandoTechInfo true. But a built-in gps for accurate tracking would have been perfect. Even moving my hands while sitting counts as a step in this watch.
Does the previous version hybrid HR make more sense now? the cost is reduced significantly 🤔
It might. I have not personally used that watch, but I seem to remember it reviewed pretty well. I would say it depends on the price.
yes but previous software ran and looked better (4.8) it was more straight forward and practical
What is the extent of the Alexa feature? Looking into getting a watch
It's obviously impossible for me to test every use case scenario, but as I mentioned in the video, it is done almost everything I have asked it to do. Honestly I've been pretty impressed by it. I wouldn't put it on par with Google Assistant but it definitely works better than Bixby does on my Galaxy watch 4.
Hello thank you for your video. I guess a lot of theses functionality needs WiFi right ?
Actually you just tether it to your phone via Bluetooth.
@@RandoTechInfo yeah but ultimately my phone has to be connected someway right ?
@@alden.8655 Correct
Thank you so much for the beautiful review...... however I've been hearing a lot of complaints saying people lost the eink screen or the arms frooze after few months of usage....so if you could gimme a small update on how it's holding its life onto after almost a year.... I'd be really really thankful!! And as always thank tou for the quality content... really loved it!
I don't wear the watch on the daily. It's more of a "dress up" watch for me, that said, it's still holding up well. No issues with the screen or hands thus far. Hope that helps!
@@RandoTechInfo thank you so much for taking your time and replying to every comment! I really appreciate your efforts! And as always love your content
@@3plus1studios52 You are welcome!
@@RandoTechInfo How to switch off the watch .. I am facing display problem(a white box covers the bottom of my display.) Please do reply. Thank you 🙏🏻.
@@Kedarmaya to the best of my knowledge, since it's an e-ink display, there is no way to actually turn it off. Sorry I don't have better news.
Cool t-shirt👍🙂
Thanks!
04:06...well played
🤫
I was considering purchasing a smart watch until I found that they need to be charged very regularly (some daily), which is a deal breaker for me and I find most of them rather ugly. In my mind a hybrid watch provides a nice compromise between battery life, features, and style.
I agree with you. Hybrids can be a nice option for people who value battery life. Garmin also apparently has some watches with crazy good battery life as well although I have never tested any of them.
Yes Rando somehow my comment got deleted! Thanks for replying on other video.
Mainly was just complimenting the review...videography, narration, etc. Judging the niche market for this watch, yet scarcity of the reviews on it (just you still), I see you getting alot of new subs 👍
I hope they implement your ideas about the backlight / wrist tilt.
I think my gen 6 smartwatch got a firmware update but battery life still all over the place. Just the idea of 2 weeks battery life is enough to take those tradeoffs for me, after 6 years of smartwatches. Plus the more elegant look of a traditional watch and always on custom faces.
I think I'll just miss night time visibility if I switch (is the backlight decent enough?) But daytime does suck on smartwatch so that's a good tradeoff. Also you think the black/white screen on the others may provide much better visibility? I'm guessing it's just a brown tint but it makes less contrast.
Thanks for the review really helpful 👍
Weird that other comment got "lost". Glad I saw it beforehand. I'm also glad you liked the video and appreciate the feedback. It's kind of strange no one else on RUclips has covered this watch yet, not that I'm complaining mind you.
I haven't worn my Gen 6 a lot lately. It will be interesting to see when I fire it back up if it has any issues. Battery life wasn't great before so I certainly hope its not worse.
You might be right about the tint. Would be interesting to see if another review comes out with a different SKU of the watch, to see if it makes a difference.
Thanks again for the feedback and for watching!