The smartwatch revolution may be one step closer to reality.

The Fossil Group will release a smartwatch using Google’s Android platform later this year, according to an announcement on the tech giant’s blog.

The news came as Google revealed its new mobile technology platform “Android Wear”—which it plans to kick off with watches, since they are “the most familiar wearable.” Fossil was the only watch or fashion brand mentioned in the announcement.

According to the blog, the Android watches will provide users with notifications from apps; answer questions and do tasks—like make reservations—in response to spoken prompts; monitor health and fitness; and control other devices, such as a television. 

Fossil declined further comment. In a statement, chief strategy and marketing officer Greg McKelvey said, “We believe we are uniquely positioned to develop and bring to market products for our fashion customers that marry the beauty of our designs, the promise of our brands, and now the function of new technology. Although still very much in the formative research and development stage, we are committed to playing an active role in the push toward wearable technology and helping to shape the fusion of fashion and technology.”

In addition to Fossil, Google is working with consumer electronic companies Asus, HTC, LG, Motorola, and Samsung and chip makers Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, MediaTek, and Qualcomm. 

Two of these companies have already announced their first Android watches: Motorola’s Moto 360 and LG’s G Watch.

For more, JCK’s March issue contains a story, “Inside the Smartwatch Phenomenon.”

Rob Bates

JCK News Director