Moto 360 value version scrapped at last minute
Motorola, as we expected this last week, announced two versions of its new Moto 360 smartwatch.
Now, new information has been brought to light that the company had actually planned to release three versions of the smartwatch, but they cancelled those plans at the very last minute.
The third edition of the 360 was supposed to be a low-cost version of the watch aimed at either younger kids, or for people who want a smartwatch, but didn’t want to pay the somewhat higher price of the new Moto 360.
This model had been equipped with a lower quality band, cheaper design, and a different location of the action button. The value version would’ve likely had a price between $200-$300.
For those who are curious about the design, an image is available below.
This, I’m certain, will leave a lot of questions as to why the third version was scrapped. Why didn’t they either go ahead and announce the lower price model or just let the original model continue to be sold? The price of the first generation Moto 360 was already lower than the value model, so why not continue to sell it?
What do you think? Leave a comment below.
Source: Talk Android
The post Moto 360 value version scrapped at last minute appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Customizing the Moto 360 (2015) with Moto Maker
Although the round display and stainless steel construction does make it attractive, the Moto 360 separates itself from the competition with Moto Maker customization. Motorola provides prospective buyers with tools to design their own smartwatch just as they can with the Moto X Pure Edition and Moto G (2015). The value of buying a Motorola device is greatly improved due to Moto Maker. For the Moto 360, Moto Maker allows you to change the smartwatch’s size, bezel, case, band, and watch face. Changing these pieces on other smartwatches, Android Wear or not, to this degree is impossible.
We’re going to take a look at what you can do with the Moto 360 and Moto Maker.
Head over to Motorola’s site and find the pre-order button on the Moto 360’s page. Or you can go directly to the smartwatch’s Moto Maker studio.
Before getting started, know that the base price of the Moto 360 is $299. Certain changes and additions to your configuration will increase the price.
The smartwatch shown on the left is what your smartwatch will look like throughout the process of using Moto Maker. The panel on the right is what you are able to modify. You can always check the price of your current configuration at the bottom right corner.
The Moto 360 comes in two variants, designed separately for men and women. Men are offered 42mm or 46mm sizes while women are only able to choose the former. In terms of specifications, the two sizes differ in display size/resolution and battery life. The display jumps from 1.37 inches to 1.56 inches and the battery gains an extra 100mAh on top of the 42mm’s 300mAh.
The benefit of sticking with the smaller size is that you don’t have to pay an additional $50 from the start.
Think of the bezel on the Moto 360 as the trim surrounding the display. The base bezels, which simply look like brushed stainless steel, for men and women are chamfer and peak, respectively. And the premium micro knurl and micro cut looks will set you back $20. It comes down to the look and shaping of the cut you prefer.
Men:
- Chamfer: Silver, Gold, Black
- Micro Knurl: Silver, Gold, Black
Women:
- Peak: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
- Micro Cut: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
The Moto 360’s case comes in the same colors as the bezel. The price will only increase by $30 if you choose the Gold or Rose Gold color options.
The real differentiation between your Moto 360 and the next person’s is the band. Do you choose leather? Or do you go with the more expensive metal band? If the latter, are you going to match the case and/or bezel? Testing out how the various bands look with your Moto 360 is very fun, especially because just about every combination ‘looks good’.
Men:
- Leather: Cognac, Black
- Metal: Silver, Gold, Black
Women:
- Leather: Stone Gray, Blush
- Double Wrap Leather: Blush
- Metal: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
Motorola gives you the chance to have your Moto 360 start with a particular watch face, but you will still be able to change it at any time.
Now you’re done! Motorola will show you what costs (if any) have been added to the base price of your Moto 360.
Notice two things before you complete the checkout process:
- Moto Care: Motorola offers two years of accidental damage and extended mechanical coverage for the Moto 360 for less than $50. The benefit of Moto Care is huge considering the company will immediately ship you a like-new smartwatch even before your damaged smartwatch is sent to them. Each claim has a deductible of $39.
- Pricing options: You can pay up front or spread the cost of the smartwatch over six, twelve, eighteen, or twenty-four months using a Motorola Credit Account. Depending upon your credit history and the length of the financing, Motorola will accept monthly payments until the smartwatch is paid off.
Motorola will get right to work on making your Moto 360 as soon as you enter your billing and shipping information. Motorola is working as quickly as possible to assemble phones and smartwatches, so you should expect a wait a few weeks. Different designs have different expected arrivals; however, the Moto 360’s availability seems better than the Moto X Pure Edition’s at this time. To me, getting a customized and personalized smartwatch seems very much worth the wait.
Come comment on this article: Customizing the Moto 360 (2015) with Moto Maker
Motorola decided to scrap its plans to launch a value priced version of the Moto 360 smartwatch last minute
This past week Motorola announced 2 versions of its new Moto 360 smartwatch. It turns out the company had actually planned to release 3 versions of the smartwatch but had changed its mind last minute.
The third version of the Moto 360 was supposed to be a value priced version of the smartwatch. This was going to be aimed at people who didn’t want to spend loads of money on a smartwatch yet.
The value priced edition would have included a slightly different build.Including a cheaper design, bands of less quality and a different position for the power button. The smartwatch would have most likely been priced between $250-$300. We have no suspicions as to why Motorola decided to cancel the watch but some pictures popped up on what the design looked like.
Source: EyeOnMobility
Come comment on this article: Motorola decided to scrap its plans to launch a value priced version of the Moto 360 smartwatch last minute
Moto 360 (2015) vs Huawei Watch: The battle for the most watch-like smartwatch
It’s taken a while until the next wave of smartwatches to emerge. This year’s IFA turned out to be a good point in the year for some of the premier smartwatches to strut their stuff. If we recall what we’ve seen, one battle that is clearly ensuing is between Motorola and Huawei. That is, the Moto 360 (2015) and Huawei Watch, respectively.
These two smartwatches most aim for a traditional watch design, and even the luxurious kind. Both OEM’s have customizations that cover cases and bands that we have seen in normal watches for ages. And both smartwatches run Android Wear, with very similar specs. So which one comes out on top?
Huawei Watch
When Huawei introduced the its Watch earlier this year, you could tell they were hot on Motorola’s heels for a premium smartwatch design. The similarities run from the circular metal case to the variety of band materials and colors.
Only, Huawei is on its first attempt, while Motorola is now on its 2nd iteration. Does that mean that Motorola is ahead? I’m not sure.
First, Huawei is able to utilize the entire circular watch face for the display. Motorola chose not to ditch the small flat tire non-screen portion on the bottom of the display, which houses sensors. Motorola explained that moving it would result in either more bezel or a thicker watch chassis.
So then how do the screen-to-bezel ratios and thicknesses compare? The Moto 360 has a 71.1% screen-to-bezel ratio while the Huawei Watch is at 80%. And the Moto 360 has 11.4mm thickness while the Huawei Watch is a hair thinner at 11.3mm.
Huawei Watch
Moto 360 (2015)It would appear that Huawei has the win here, but we can’t forget that the Moto 360 has wireless charging and an ambient light sensor. The Huawei Watch charges via pin contacts, similar to LG’s approach. It comes down to what the consumer prefers.
The Huawei Watch is powered by a Snapdragon 400 SoC, have 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage. The display is 1.4″ in size (case is 42mm) and uses an AMOLED panel with 400×400 resolution (286 ppi). The band size is 22mm (lug width of 18mm). The screen is protected by Sapphire Crystal glass rather than Gorilla Glass. And the battery capacity is 300mAh.
The watch chassis is stainless steel and comes in silver, black, or gold colors (which can also have a texture on the bezel ring). For bands, we have metal and leather choices. There is a unique metal mesh strap, along with the more common metal link. The bands are easily swappable, via a pin-release switch near the connection of the band to the lugs.
Moto 360 (2015)
Motorola is well known to give consumers choice. With the Moto 360 sequel, we are given size options. There is now a smaller variant, which is 42mm, the same size as the Huawei Watch. Therefore, if you want a larger screen, your only option then becomes the 46mm Moto 360.
The 2015 Moto 360 uses a similar lug system as the Huawei Watch, and the band is easily removable in the same manner.
The larger Moto 360 uses a 22mm band while the smaller variant uses a 20mm band (there is also a “womens” version, which can don a 16mm band).
To keep the thickness the same on the smaller variant (11.4mm), Motorola made a cut on the battery, 300mAh as opposed 400mAh on the larger model. Recall that the Huawei Watch has a 300mAh battery.
Most specs are the same between both Moto 360’s and the Huawei Watch: Snapdragon 400 SoC, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage. The Moto 360 cases are of course stainless steel and also come in silver, black, or gold colors. Bands also come in metal links and leather, in different colors.
However, the displays are quite different. The larger Moto 360 has a 1.56″ screen and 360×330 resolution (233 ppi), while the smaller model has a 1.37″ screen and 360×325 resolution (263 ppi). Huawei has the upper hand in pixel density. Also, Motorola went with IPS screen technology and Gorilla Glass 3 for protection.
Last, but certainly not least, is the price. The Huawei Watch starts at $350 for silver watch case and plain black leather band. Unfortunately, the price steeply increases with the other materials. For instance, a black case finish and black metal link band is $100 more. If you want the gold finish and alligator-textured leather or pink metal link band, it’d be $699 or $799, respectively.
The Moto 360 pricing is more forgiving. The larger variant is $50 more than the smaller one. The metal link bands add $50 (in any color). Only the gold case color is $30 more.
Which smartwatch are you most sold on?
The post Moto 360 (2015) vs Huawei Watch: The battle for the most watch-like smartwatch appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Motorola makes it official: This is the second generation Moto 360 lineup
Motorola has finally pulled the curtain back on their second generation Moto 360 smartwatch after months of leaks and speculation. One of the most hotly anticipated devices in recent memory, the Moto 360 is an evolution of the best looking smartwatch on the market with improvements in nearly all areas from the original. Not only did we get our first official look at the second gen Moto 360 but the Moto 360 Sport was also officially confirmed even though officials were tight lipped with details.
The second generation Moto 360 will come in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm. Motorola recommends that women stick to the 42mm version while men can choose from either. There are many more options for design on this version. You can customize everything from the strap, bezel color, case color and the bezel treatments.
For men Moto offers the following:
- Case colors: Black, Silver and Gold
- Bezel colors: Black, Silver and Gold
- Bezel treatment: Chamfer, Micro Knurl
- Bands: Black Metal, Silver Metal, Gold Metal, Black Leather, Cognac Leather
For women Moto offers the following:
- Case colors: Silver, Gold and Rose Gold
- Bezel colors: Silver, Gold and Rose Gold
- Bezel treatment: Peak, Micro Etch
- Bands: Silver Metal, Gold Metal, Rose Gold Metal, Blush Leather, Grey Leather, Blush Double Wrap
If you don’t like the band options offered, you’re in luck. You can buy your own. Since Motorola is now using standard lugs, you can pretty much buy any band you want and put it on your new Moto 360. The smartwatch will feature a quick-release switch so you can easily swap out your bands. On the first generation Moto 360 it was a big pain to swap out bands and you risked cracking the back of your watch.
The flat tire has returned. The black bar at the bottom of the screen contains drivers for the display and according to Motorola allows them to keep down the bezels. The Moto 360 keeps its class leading screen to body ratio, about 71%, with it’s closest competitor being around 50%.
With the launch of the second gen watch, Motorola is putting more focus on fitness. They did let loose word on the Moto 360 Sport (more on that later) but also detailed how they think they’re doing fitness better. Moto Body is Motorola’s take on a fitness tracking center for your watch. The fitness companion will actively track steps taken, calories burned and heart rate. Moto Body is different than other apps, according to Motorola, because it not only records the statistics but provides coaching and feedback to motivate you.
Another feature that you’ll see on the second gen Moto 360 is Live Dials. Live Dials are shortcuts to your most used apps that you can pin on your watch face. If you’re a frequent checker of emails and text messages, you can pin the apps on your screen for quick access and without pulling out your phone. I think this really going to be great for workouts as you can pin your fitness tracking app and your music right to the watch face and you’re up and running in seconds.
- 1.37- (360×325) or 1.56-inch (360×330) display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 512MB of RAM
- 4GB of internal storage
- 300mAh or 400mAh battery (with wireless charging)
- Optical heart rate monitor
The second generation Moto 360 is currently available for pre-order from Motorola.com, Best Buy and The Google Play Store. You’ll be able to purchase the watch in late September from Nordstrom, Verizon, Motorola.com, Best Buy and The Google Play Store.
The Moto 360 Sport was also confirmed today. The Sport edition of the popular smartwatch will based on the 42mm version of the second gen Moto 360 and feature more exercise friendly materials instead of leather and metal. You’ll see more rubbery materials that won’t bother you as much while getting a little sweaty.
The screen on the Sport is also a little different featuring a backlit LCD screen that will display normally in everyday situations but also a front-lit reflective screen that will make it easier to see in direct sunlight. This will make it easier to see your work-out stats better outside. The watch will be smart enough to switch whenever it thinks you require a different mode.
If you stream music to your bluetooth headphones while you work out, you’re in luck. Like other smartwatches, the Sport will let you pin music to the watch for easy streaming to your bluetooth headset of choice. There’s also GPS for more accurate tracking of your runs and biking.
There was no date announced for release but availability will become more clear in the next few months.
What do you think? Is the second generation enough of the Moto 360 enough to finally get you interested in smartwatches? Is it enough of an upgrade to get you to purchase it if you already own one? Let us know down in the comments section.
Source: Engadget, TalkAndroid, 9to5Google
The post Motorola makes it official: This is the second generation Moto 360 lineup appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Motorola refines the Moto 360 by tailoring the smartwatch for everyone
The world is full of rectangular displays, but the original Moto 360 actually resembled a traditional watch with its display’s round shape. Motorola pushed engineering boundaries with the design of last year’s standout smartwatch. Now the company is back with a new, refined Moto 360 that is made the way you want it. The Moto 360 may have not changed too much since its debut, yet you’ll notice that customization is as important as ever to Motorola.
Since Android Wear devices are typically similar, here is a quick rundown of key specifications:
- 1.37- (360×325) or 1.56-inch (360×330) display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 512MB of RAM
- 4GB of internal storage
- 300mAh or 400mAh battery (with wireless charging)
- Optical heart rate monitor
The way in which bands are attached to Motorola’s smartwatch has changed with the inclusion of lugs. Bands have a quick-release switch to easily remove and replace them.
Both men and women now have the option purchase a Moto 360 that was designed specifically for them. The smartwatch now comes in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm. Men can choose from either size while women, if they so choose to buy based on the recommend size for their gender, are offered only the 42mm size. The design choices, too, differ for men and women. Rather than having the men’s Chamfer and Micro Knurl bezel treatments, women are able to choose between peak and micro etch looks. And, of course, women are offered the Rose Gold case color and bezel color instead of the men’s black.
Men’s Choices:
- Watch sizes: 42mm, 46mm
- Case Colors: Silver, Black, Gold
- Bezel Treatments: Chamfer, Micro Knurl
- Bezel Colors: Silver, Black, Gold
- Bands: Silver Metal, Black Metal, Gold Metal, Black Leather, Cognac Leather
Women’s Choices:
- Case Colors: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
- Bezel Treatments: Peak, Micro Etch
- Bezel Colors: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
- Bands: Silver Metal, Gold Metal, Rose Gold Metal, Blush Leather, Grey Leather, Blush Double Wrap
Moto Body, which Motorola calls “a holistic experience that helps you lead a healthier lifestyle,” acts as the Moto 360’s health and fitness companion service. It actively tracks steps taken, monitors heart rate, and measures calories burned. But Moto Body expands upon those statistics by providing feedback and coaching to motivate you to give your health the attention it deserves.
An exclusive feature brought to the Moto 360 is Live Dials. Shortcuts to your most-used apps are pinned right on the watch face.
Motorola, Best Buy, and the Google Store have the Moto 360 available for pre-order starting today. Nordstrom, Best Buy, and Verizon retail stores will then selling the smartwatch in late September. Based on your design, prices range from $299-$429.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: Motorola refines the Moto 360 by tailoring the smartwatch for everyone
Motorola refines the Moto 360 by tailoring the smartwatch for everyone
The world is full of rectangular displays, but the original Moto 360 actually resembled a traditional watch with its display’s round shape. Motorola pushed engineering boundaries with the design of last year’s standout smartwatch. Now the company is back with a new, refined Moto 360 that is made the way you want it. The Moto 360 may have not changed too much since its debut, yet you’ll notice that customization is as important as ever to Motorola.
Since Android Wear devices are typically similar, here is a quick rundown of key specifications:
- 1.37- (360×325) or 1.56-inch (360×330) display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 512MB of RAM
- 4GB of internal storage
- 300mAh or 400mAh battery (with wireless charging)
- Optical heart rate monitor
The way in which bands are attached to Motorola’s smartwatch has changed with the inclusion of lugs. Bands have a quick-release switch to easily remove and replace them.
Both men and women now have the option purchase a Moto 360 that was designed specifically for them. The smartwatch now comes in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm. Men can choose from either size while women, if they so choose to buy based on the recommend size for their gender, are offered only the 42mm size. The design choices, too, differ for men and women. Rather than having the men’s Chamfer and Micro Knurl bezel treatments, women are able to choose between peak and micro etch looks. And, of course, women are offered the Rose Gold case color and bezel color instead of the men’s black.
Men’s Choices:
- Watch sizes: 42mm, 46mm
- Case Colors: Silver, Black, Gold
- Bezel Treatments: Chamfer, Micro Knurl
- Bezel Colors: Silver, Black, Gold
- Bands: Silver Metal, Black Metal, Gold Metal, Black Leather, Cognac Leather
Women’s Choices:
- Case Colors: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
- Bezel Treatments: Peak, Micro Etch
- Bezel Colors: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
- Bands: Silver Metal, Gold Metal, Rose Gold Metal, Blush Leather, Grey Leather, Blush Double Wrap
Moto Body, which Motorola calls “a holistic experience that helps you lead a healthier lifestyle,” acts as the Moto 360’s health and fitness companion service. It actively tracks steps taken, monitors heart rate, and measures calories burned. But Moto Body expands upon those statistics by providing feedback and coaching to motivate you to give your health the attention it deserves.
An exclusive feature brought to the Moto 360 is Live Dials. Shortcuts to your most-used apps are pinned right on the watch face.
Motorola, Best Buy, and the Google Store have the Moto 360 available for pre-order starting today. Nordstrom, Best Buy, and Verizon retail stores will then selling the smartwatch in late September. Based on your design, prices range from $299-$429.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: Motorola refines the Moto 360 by tailoring the smartwatch for everyone
Lenovo issues invite to Moto 360 2 unveiling on September 8th
We’ve all probably assumed that a new Moto 360 is in the works for a while now, but today Lenovo has finally given us a launch date. The company has just sent out an invitation via Weibo for a launch conference that will take place in Shanghai on September 8th, accompanied by the words “it’s time”.
Along with the launch date, the teaser confirms the design spotted in leaked images over the past weeks, complete with the new 2 o’clock physical button. Along with the rose gold color in the invitation, the Moto 360 2 is also expected to arrive in silver and black options.
We have had a few good looks at the second generation Moto 360 recently, following a number of leaks. Most recently, the new smartwatch is said to be arriving in regular and sporty variants.
Hybrid Display optimized for outdoor use, 3ATM Water Resistance, GPS, Barometer #Moto360Sport pic.twitter.com/zS75I8i7A5
— upleaks (@upleaks) September 1, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Some hardware rumors pin one version on a 1.37-inch display and 270mAh battery, while the second variant will feature a larger 1.55-inch display and 375mAh battery. The sport version is said to come with a hybrid display for better outdoor viewing, 3ATM water resistance, GPS location tracking, and a barometer, according to @upleaks. However, this version is not expected to be unveiled until November.
Are you excited for the new Moto 360?
The Moto 360 Sport smartwatch leaks
Are you waiting for the next version of the Moto 360 to drop before splashing your cash on a smartwatch? Well your decision may have just gotten a little more difficult on which one you want to pick up.
Leaker upleaks has given us our first look at a new Moto 360 variant named the Moto 360 Sport. It’s said to have a Hybrid Display optimized for outdoor use, 3ATM Water Resistance (30 meters), GPS, and Barometer. The Moto 360 has already gone up for pre-order but you may want to hold off if you’re the outdoorsy type.
Hybrid Display optimized for outdoor use, 3ATM Water Resistance, GPS, Barometer #Moto360Sport pic.twitter.com/zS75I8i7A5
— upleaks (@upleaks) September 1, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Motorola is releasing a whole host of new devices in the second half of the year from the new Moto X line to the new Moto 360 line as well as a rumored Motorola Bounce, also brought to us by upleaks.
Motorola Bounce: 5.43" QHD, MSM8994, 32or64GB/3GB, 21MP/5MP, 3760mAh, Shatterproof, December. pic.twitter.com/A9kpCIiRfH
— upleaks (@upleaks) August 31, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Looks like Motorola means business in the second half of 2015.
Source: upleaks
The post The Moto 360 Sport smartwatch leaks appeared first on AndroidGuys.
New Moto 360 could arrive in September, Sport version in November
Teasers for a new Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch have been coming thick and fast this month and today we can bring you another set of leaked pictures of the second generation wearable, courtesy of @Upleaks. Furthermore, the prolific leakster suggests that a Sport version of the smartwatch is in the works too.
moto 360(2nd gen) and moto 360 Sport. pic.twitter.com/xKtUOiOqvP
— upleaks (@upleaks) August 31, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe pictures of the Moto 360 (2nd gen) match up with the previous leaks, showing off a metal build and a variety of leather and metal straps. There also appears to be a third rose gold color option, which wasn’t mentioned alongside the silver and black options that leaked yesterday. The Moto 360 Sport appears to swap out these materials for a plastic case which doesn’t look to offer changeable straps. We don’t have any specifications at this point, but this seems to suggest a waterproof case of some sort, which is pretty much a requirement for a sports wearable.
moto 360 2nd gen will be coming in September, Sport version will be coming in November.
— upleaks (@upleaks) August 31, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The rumor also gives us two potential launch dates for the products. The new Moto 360 could arrive sometime in September, while the Sport variant may have a later release around November time. Given that sports wearables still remain the most popular market segment, a dedicated fitness product could help Lenovo reach a wider audience with its new watch.
What do you think about the latest rumors, and which features are on your wish-list for a next gen smartwatch from Motorola?
AIVAnet 