Fossil Hybrid HR: A less intrusive smartwatch that looks like analogue

It is widely believed that smartwatches have a future and analogue watches have little life left, unless, of course, they take on some of the features of their utility-rich ‘smart’ counterparts. The Fossil Hybrid HR is one product that bears testimony to this assumption. As the name suggests, this watch is a hybrid of analogue and smart digital wrist watches. Its analogue-like design and smartwatch-like utility justify its hybrid title.

The Fossil Hybrid HR seems to be a new-age analogue watch with smartwatch-like features. But does it succeed in delivering the best of both worlds? Let’s find out:
Design
This is one area where the Fossil Hybrid HR exceeds your expectations. It does not have ordinary looks, thanks to its classic circular 42-mm stainless steel case of a smoked colour. On the top of the case, there is a circular digital e-Ink display (non-touch), for smartwatch-related utilities, with a physical dial at the circumference, and hands for hour and minute readings pinned at the centre. The right side of the case has three keys that are all it has for navigation and operation, since there is no touchscreen. At the bottom, there is a slightly raised optical heart rate sensor for health and fitness tracking, and pogo pin connector for charging through the supplied magnetic cradle. Read More