Flextronics International watching it at Comdex - The Package - collaboration with Fossil to make the Wrist PDA - Brief Article

Electronic News, Nov 25, 2002 by Bernard Levine

CONTRACT MANUFACTURER FLEXTRONICS International Ltd. made a move in the wristwatch market last week at the annual Comdex trade show in Las Vegas.

In addition to being the manufacturer, Flextronics has been a critical partner throughout the development process and has done all of the embedded design, the companies said.

Watch design, development and fashion accessory company Fossil Inc. and PalmSource Inc., a provider of operating systems for handhelds and smart phones, said Fossil has licensed the Palm operating system. Through the agreement, Fossil plans next year to introduce a Palm-powered watch called the Wrist PDA with Palm OS. Fossil has also teamed with Flextronics to assist in the development and manufacturing of the device.

"We are excited to be working on this revolutionary consumer device with Fossil," said Ron Snyder, president of Flextronics Design, a business unit of Flextronics International. "Our strategic relationship will allow Fossil to leverage Flextronics' design capabilities and global manufacturing infrastructure while enhancing their commitment to provide quality, fashionable and innovative products to customers around the world."

Fossil plans to launch the Wrist PDA with Palm OS under two brands: Fossil and Abacus, a new tech brand that targets electronics distribution.

Both versions are scheduled to be available in stores in the United States and internationally by mid-2003.