Google Assistant Replaces Missing Features In Fossil Gen 6 Smart Watch

Illustration of Fossil watches. (photo: twitter @fossil)

JAKARTA - Google Assistant disappeared from many smartwatches when the Wear OS 3 update rolled out, leaving only Samsung's latest Pixel and Galaxy Watches that support the feature. However, the good news is that you no longer need to switch brands just to talk to Google on your wrist.

Fossil will roll out this month's update adding Assistant to the Gen 6 watch running Wear OS 3. This includes a Fossil model itself as well as similar models from Diesel, Michael Kors, and Skagen, although you need to connect it with phones running standard Android with Google (Android Go and many Chinese phones won't be supported).

Its functionality will feel familiar if you've used a smart watch from Google or Samsung. You can call this artificial intelligence assistant by saying "hey Google," holding the button, or tapping complications on the watch display.

This feature allows you to answer text messages, control music, or handle other tasks that usually require your phone. However, what distinguishes is that you will also have access to Alexa. You will not be limited to an ecosystem to give voice commands.

However, it won't be much help if you use a Wear OS 3 watch from other brands, such as Mobvoi or Montblanc. Fossil is one of the most popular smartwatch brands with Google-backed operating systems. This support ensures that smartwatch owners of various brands can use Google Assistant and don't have to deal with very small screens.

If you're just getting to know a smartwatch, maybe you should wait a while before buying. Usually, Fossil introduces a new Wear OS model at the end of summer, with the exception of Gen 6 Wellness Edition which was slightly improved in January this year.

While there is no information regarding when Gen 7 will be present or what it will offer, it is likely that the update will be a significant increase if and when available. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy Gen 6 just because the Assistant is already available. This update is more aimed at owners who lost their functionality last year.