Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
I've reviewed both iterations of Skagen's Wear OS-powered Falster series, and while they're both attractive, capable timepieces, they've also been let down by sluggish hardware and unfinished software.
The Falster 3, available today for $295, tries to overcome all of those issues by leveraging Fossil's powerful and battery-efficient Gen 5 platform. It has a larger 42mm face, a better-calibrated crown for scrolling, more pronounced lugs and — my favorite addition — a super comfortable silicone-mesh strap.
Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
I had the opportunity to go hands on with smartwatch at CES 2020 and came away impressed by the whole package, from the addition of a speaker, which improves Google Assistant interaction, to improved waterproofing (30 meters) and significantly speedier performance thanks to a Snapdragon 3100 SoC, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage.
I've been extremely critical of Wear OS over the past year, but after using a couple of watches in the Gen 5 family — I'm currently wearing the Michael Kors Bradshaw 2 — I'm impressed with the strides Fossil has made given the platform's limitations. The company developed an Extended Battery Mode that arrived after the release of the first Gen 5 watches, but the Falster 3, given its later arrival, benefits from all of them. The idea is to give users options, such as disabling all notifications and wireless functions, to extend battery life from hours to days.
Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
There's also NFC on board, for Google Pay, and an always-on heart rate monitor for 24/7 tracking, which Skagen leverages in the pre-installed Cardiogram app.
The company's also teamed up with popular DJ Kygo to release a black-and-white X by Kygo version of the Falster 3. His version also has an exclusive pre-installed watch face, if you're into that sort of thing.
The best Android smartwatches in 2020
Need a break during quarantine? Why not try Stardew Valley?
Games like Stardew Valley can't cure quarantine fatigue, but they can help you feel in control and relaxed.
These are the best Android phones you can buy right now
There are so many great Android phones to buy, so it can be tough to know which one to get. These are the best of the best at each price point.
These are the best games available on the Oculus Quest 2
Oculus Quest 2 games are enhanced with the latest graphics and let you enjoy VR experiences untethered. But Oculus Store games can get expensive, so you don't want to waste your money. Here are the best games available in your favorite genres.
Tracking your heart rate is easy with these Wear OS watches
Believe it or not, some Wear OS watches don’t have a heart rate sensor. Avoid unwanted headaches with this list of all the best watches that do have one!
