Fossil Q Motion kicks off SXSW in style with wearable sleep, fitness tracker

Fossil has a new addition to its Q series of wearable technology – the Fossil Q Motion – that allows users to track their activity and sleep. This is Fossil's first wearable of the year and its first fitness device to track one's sleep habits since the debut of its Q wristwear series in October 2015.

"South by Southwest has become a creative hub for innovators and is a true merger of design, music, film, and technology. These are similar values we see in our customers: they are creative curious types who are interested more than ever in the convergence of fashion and technology," said Jill Elliott, chief creative officer at Fossil. "Q Motion, our latest activity tracker, is a direct response to our customers' needs: updated and improved technology at a competitive price point, fused with innovative style and design."

Although there is no screen, the minimalist yet stylish bracelet includes a slim, cylinder module at the center with interchangeable straps to suit a user's style. Similar to the Q Dreamer and Reveler, the Q Motion can connect to an Android or iOS smartphone via Bluetooth. Users can choose which apps and contacts they would like to receive notifications from through the Fossil app. When a person gets a notification from the app or a contact, the user receives a vibration or flash of an LED light.

The wearable also includes a smart tap feature that allows users to play their favorite tunes, take selfies or find your phone. Meanwhile, in January, Fossil Group announced that it plans to launch more than 100 connected devices by the end of year.

The wearable is the first device launched by the fashion company since its acquisition of Misfit for $260m (£181.8m). Given Q Motion's similar design to that of the Misfit Ray, it is evident that the startup's wearable features were incorporated in Fossil's latest device. Q Motion's tap technology is also similar to the Link multipurpose feature found in Misfit products that functions as a remote control to perform similar tasks on a smartphone.

Fossil's latest wearable is powered by a coin cell battery that can last up to six months and is water resistant up to 50 meters. Fossil Q Motion will be on display at the SXSW and will go on sale in the US this summer for $95.