Back in August, Michael Kors unveiled its latest smartwatch — the Michael Kors Access Runway. The device is a full-fledged touchscreen smartwatch with Google Wear OS, and continues the stylish Access Runway name from when we last saw it in 2016, when it was attached to a slim Michael Kors hybrid smartwatch. This watch is less glitzy, and more effortlessly stylish than previous watches from the designer brand, potentially making it more attractive to more people.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Design and display
The Access Runway is the first Michael Kors smartwatch to come with the option of an 18mm silicone strap, joining three stainless steel options. They’re attached to a sleek gold or stainless steel body that measures 41mm, making it suitable for smaller wrists. The silicone strap comes in either black or pink, while the metal link strap has a two-tone matte and polished look in gold and stainless steel combinations. As for the display, a 1.19-inch screen sits in the center of the body and has a 390 x 390-pixel resolution.
To add to the lineup of designs, the Access Runway now comes in a range of different color options. On top of the previous colors and the new ceramic option, the new spring 2019 line of watches comes in a gold-plated stainless steel with white silicone links, all-black with a black stainless steel band, sparkling pavé with pink silicone strap, and more. Safe to say, no matter what your design preferences, you should be able to find something for your needs. The new line is now available online and in stores.
Specs
The Access Runway runs Wear OS powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 2100 processor and 512MB of RAM. There’s just 4GB of space inside, which should still be enough to store some music of offline use. Using the watch without your phone is easier with the new Access Runway, as it has its own GPS system and heart rate tracking — features we haven’t seen on previous generations.
Our favorite Michael Kors smartwatch feature is also included in the Access Runway: The My Social App. This lets you use Facebook and Instagram pictures as your watch face, and it now comes with special Michael Kors stickers to customize the look further. Changing the watch face on a Wear OS watch is one of the biggest attractions, and the more personal customizations there are, the better. The My Social app gets it exactly right.
NFC is also present for mobile payments, the 300mAh battery takes just an hour to recharge and should last for a day, while the entire watch is water resistant to a degree where you can take it swimming. Google Assistant is on board, and Wear OS smartwatches will work with both Android phones and iOS phones.
Price and availability
The Michael Kors Access Runway smartwatch is available on the company’s site. In term so price, the smartwatch ranges anywhere from $295 to $450 depending on the style you choose.
Updated on January 29, 2019: The Michael Kors Access Runway is now available in a range of new colors for spring 2019.
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