eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
1What Michael Kors’ Access Smartwatch Brings to the Wearables Market
2This Is an Android Wear Smartwatch
3This Is a Big Smartwatch
4Like Most Timepieces, Access Is Dust, Water Resistant
Michael Kors has offered some protection from the elements in the Access. The smartwatch is capable of standing up to dust and includes a water resistance feature that safeguards it from accidental splashes. However, it’s best not to keep it submerged in water for too long or you’ll face the possibility of permanent damage.
5Picking an Operating System
6The Battery Life Is Outstanding
7There’s (Some) Internal Storage
8Keep an Eye on Fitness
Thanks to a selection of sensors, including an accelerometer and gyroscope, the Access smartwatch is able to track how far a person has traveled. The device can also provide insight about fitness and goals with help from third-party applications. Those who want to use the smartwatch as a fitness tracker should get the silicone band, which is designed to get sweaty and take more of a beating than leather.
9And Keep an Eye on Fashion
Since this is Michael Kors, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Access is designed for fashion-savvy folks. In fact, Michael Kors says that the smartwatch was designed firstly for fashion, and includes several styles that users can choose from, including a gold-tone option. It’s arguably one of the most stylish designs on the market, and with its round face might not give away that it’s a smartwatch at first glance.
10Michael Kors Touts Notifications
One of the major limitations in the Access is that it doesn’t come with support for LTE, which means it’ll need to be tethered to a smartphone in order to deliver most of its functionality. However, once it’s tethered to a smartphone, it can display all sorts of notifications, including alerts that a call is incoming. The feature also works with notifications from music services like Spotify and social media sites like Twitter.
11A Surprisingly Affordable Price Tag
In a market where smartwatches like the Apple Watch can reach $17,000, it’s notable that Michael Kors has kept its Access at a relatively affordable price. The device, which is available now, starts at $350 for the silicone version and tops out at $395 for its highest-end model, which comes with a metallic band. Other bands are also sold separately.