# No, You’re Not Imagining Things: A Fresh Fossil Gen 6 Update Has Arrived
In an unexpected twist, Fossil has introduced a new update for its Gen 6 smartwatches, demonstrating that the company hasn’t completely stepped away from supporting its current devices. Despite Fossil’s previous declaration in January 2024 regarding its exit from the smartwatch market, this recent update serves as a renewed commitment to maintain support for its ongoing lineup.
## Essential Information
– **Update Available**: Fossil Gen 6 smartwatches are now receiving a new firmware update, version RFHF.240305.011, based on Android 11 (Wear OS 3.5).
– **Security Update Included**: The update incorporates Google’s April 2024 security patch, ensuring the devices are secure and up to date.
– **Phased Rollout**: Users may not experience the update at the same time, so it could take several days for it to reach all units.
## An Unexpected Announcement
The details of the update initially emerged on Reddit, where a user posted a screenshot of their Fossil Gen 6 Venture downloading the new Wear OS firmware. This encouraged others to check their devices, with many confirming they were also receiving the update. The rollout appears to include various Gen 6 models, such as the standard Gen 6, the Gen 6 Venture, and the Gen 6 Wellness Edition.
While the update may be modest, it represents an important gesture from Fossil, especially given its choice to withdraw from the smartwatch market earlier this year. The company pointed to growing competition from tech leaders such as Google and Samsung as a primary reason for its exit, stating that the smartwatch landscape had “changed drastically over recent years.”
## What’s Included in the Update?
Though the update doesn’t appear to introduce any revolutionary features, users have noted a few minor adjustments:
1. **Always-On Display (AOD) Notifications**: Some Reddit users have detected a possible modification to the AOD notifications, which are now showing information in a single-line format. However, it remains uncertain whether this is a new feature or something that was previously unnoticed.
2. **Security Improvements**: The addition of the April 2024 security patch helps ensure that the Gen 6 remains safeguarded against the latest threats.
Regrettably, no official patch notes have been shared, leaving the full extent of the update unclear.
## Fossil’s Assurance to Current Devices
When Fossil announced its exit from the smartwatch sector, it reassured customers that it would keep supporting its existing devices “for the next few years.” This recent update is a testament to that commitment, even as the company shifts its focus away from producing new smartwatches.
The previous significant update for the Gen 6 took place in August 2023, which also included a security patch. With this latest update, Fossil is showing its dedication to maintaining adequate support for its loyal customer base.
## What This Means for Gen 6 Users
For Fossil Gen 6 users, this update brings a pleasant surprise and reassures them that their devices are still being attended to, even as the company steps back from the smartwatch arena. It’s also an excellent opportunity for users to verify their devices and ensure they have the latest firmware.
If you own a Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch and haven’t yet received the update, there’s no need to be concerned—it’s being rolled out incrementally, so keep monitoring your device over the coming days. To check for updates, go to your watch’s settings and manually search for any available updates.
## The Broader Context
Fossil’s decision to withdraw from the smartwatch market earlier this year signaled the close of a chapter for the company, which had played a significant role in the Wear OS ecosystem. Nevertheless, the brand’s ongoing support for its existing devices is a commendable action that sets a standard for other manufacturers.
As the smartwatch arena becomes increasingly controlled by tech giants like Google, Samsung, and Apple, smaller firms like Fossil face heightened challenges to maintain competitiveness. While Fossil may no longer be in the business of developing new smartwatches, its legacy in the wearable technology domain continues through its Gen 6 series and the updates it persistently rolls out.
## Concluding Thoughts
The new Fossil Gen 6 update may not be revolutionary, but it’s a reassuring surprise for users who were beginning to question if their devices had been forgotten. With security upgrades and minor adjustments, the update ensures that the Gen 6 remains a strong option for Wear OS fans.
If you’re a Fossil Gen 6 owner, now is a great time to check for updates and take advantage of the latest enhancements. Although Fossil may no longer be active in the smartwatch sector, it’s evident that the company hasn’t lost sight of its dedicated customers.
