First SPOT Watches Now Available

Amazon.com has begun taking orders for Fossil's line of watches with SPOT technology. These are capable of displaying snippets of information they receive wirelessly.

SPOT (Smart Personal Object Technology) was unveiled a year ago by Microsoft. SPOT watches are able to display headlines, weather reports, and other information by monitoring FM radio transmissions. Users will also be able to receive personal messages via MSN Messenger and calendar appointment reminders from Microsoft Outlook.

To do so, the user must subscribe to a service, called MSN Direct, that costs $10 a month or $59 a year.

There are currently three Fossil models being offered, with the only differences being the appearance of the watch. Prices range from $179.99 to $199.99. Amazon.com is also offering a model from Abacus that costs only $129.99. More information is available on the Amazon.com web site.

Suunto has said it also intends to release SPOT watches. Citizen dropped plans to release one late last year.

Related Links

• MSN Direct Wins Best of Comdex Award
• Fossil Wrist PDA Significantly Delayed