Moto Maker adds Walnut, Teak and Ebony finishes; premium price changed to $25
Motorola on Friday announced that Walnut, Teak and Ebony finishes will soon be available for customers looking to create a Moto X. Set to arrive on January 21, the three colors join Bamboo as completely unique back panels (no two are alike).
In addition to the new finish options, Motorola has slashed the price for the wood backs. The bamboo price has been halved to only $25 effective immediately; the others will get this price when they start on the 21st.
The post Moto Maker adds Walnut, Teak and Ebony finishes; premium price changed to $25 appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Motorola expands Moto X wood finish options, drops the price premium to $25
If you’ve wanted a Moto X with a wood finish, but didn’t like bamboo or the $100 price premium over a regular model, we have good news: Motorola has just made the option a lot more appealing. Starting January 21st, you’ll get to customize the Android smartphone with an ebony, teak or walnut backing (rosewood isn’t an option, alas). That astronomical price has come down to Earth, too, as the wood option now costs a more reasonable $25. We can’t imagine that many prospective Moto X buyers have been waiting for a device that matches their coffee table, but those particularly demanding customers should be very happy after next week.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google
Source: Official Motorola Blog
Motorola Adjusts Moto X Wood Back Pricing to Realistic $25
When I saw that Motorola wanted another $100 on top of the device for a real wood back plate for your Moto X, I nearly had a heart attack. While I love the idea, I wasn’t thrilled with the premium price. Especially since I know there are a number of real wood cases in the wild that are much less expensive. Granted it isn’t ‘part of the phone’ like these would be. It seems that since Motorola launched that first run Bamboo line, they have since been able to alter their manufacturing methods and bring the cost way down.
Emails have been sent out to the first run buyers of the explaining this information and offering up a $75 coupon code for spending at Motorola.com. Ebony, Walnut and Teak will still be inline for availability and only cost the new $25 extra price tag. However, it sounds like Rosewood is out of the picture, at least for now. The Bamboo price change has already been updated on Moto Maker and you can expect the remaining three styles to become available January 21st.
If you were quick to pull the trigger on the Bamboo Moto X, be sure to check your inbox for that coupon.
Source: Droid-Life / Moto Blog
Moto G VS Moto G Google Play Edition (GPE)
Now I know what you’re thinking, not another one of those Android blog sites claiming the same thing about Google releasing yet another “Google Play Edition” phone. Yes, yes we know how stressful seeing the same thing all over the place can be, but not this time! Today I want to make things a little bit different. As many of you know Google today released their own version of the Motorola G. There is a lot of controversial opinions about why they did this and what the big deal is between the GPE version and the original Moto G.. Well fret not, that’s where I come in to clear some air.
The GPE Moto G or (Google Play Edition) from Google , is simply a mirror image of the original Motorola G except for minor details you won’t find outside of the box. If you don’t already know On August 15, Google announced an agreement to acquire Motorola. This in part has changed the way Motorola develops their phones..at least on the software side. A great example would be if you purchase any of the two Motorola’s created under Google’s rein so far you will notice that they are pretty much already running stock versions of Android and by stock I mean none of that infested bloat filled atmosphere that Samsung phones come with. As I just noted the original Moto G under Motorola’s brand that was first released already runs a stock version of Android with only a few minor of Motorola’s software customization’s. This in part is a plus because no one and I mean no one, likes having a cluttered phones taking up precious space, especially if the phones are ones with no selection of expandable external storage memory. Now if you look at the GPE Moto G you are guaranteed a stock flavor of Android. Many may prefer this over the Motorola branded one. This means no bloat and you’re ready to sail away to your desired customization preference out of the box.
Now moving along, the second detail to point out is that the GPE Moto G is more likely to receive quicker updates rather than the original Motorola Moto G. This isn’t to say that the first Moto G is going to be left behind because as we have already seen, not too long ago it has already been updated to Kitkat Android 4.4. The only pros that I see in getting the Google version of the Moto G is guaranteed faster software updates.
Last but not least, this part is going to be the most important part in whether users purchase the Google version or the actual first Motorola Moto G. The GPE Moto G does not support 1700 MHz AWS band so it won’t work on all T-Mobile 3G coverage areas. Now don’t get all down in the dumps this doesn’t mean it won’t go any faster than just regular 3G, in fact the GPE Moto G supports UMTS/HSPA+ up to 21 Mbps on (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz.) All this means is that for those T-Mobile users that depend on the 1700/700 Mhz (4G Coverage) should stray away from this Moto G Google version. The original Motorola branded Moto G doesn’t have this problem, in fact it supports (UMTS/HSPA+ up to 21 Mbps (850, 1700 (AWS), 1900 MHz) so those lucky T-Mobile users can enjoy plenty of 4G coverage to roam in.
Moto G & GPE Moto G Wrap up:
Aside from all the above, the hardware on the original Motorola branded Moto G and the Moto G Google Play Edition are exactly identical. No changes have been made. They both have a price point of $179 and are unfortunately only available in the US.
Verizon Motorola DROID Users Seeing Android 4.4 Updates Today, Again
Motorola and Verizon have been performing their usual soak test for the pending Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Motorola DROID line of devices. After what seems like ages, and after it was pulled, they are finally ready to start rolling it out to all current users. Per the norm, the update will roll out gradually for the Motorola DROID Ultra, DROID MAXX and DROID Mini over the next few weeks.
For the most part the update will be all KitKatted out. There are a few minor differences to report though. Users will keep the blue icons and not go to the frosty white. The Jelly Bean dialer remains in place and the home screen stays the same.
Each device gets a slew of improvements to their camera apps, Emojis, DROID ZAP 2.0 update, Fitbit support and some more app updates and integrated ones too. Check out the support docs for the DROID MAXX and Ultra or the DROID Mini for more indepth details.
Moto G Google Play Edition now offered in Google Play Store
Take a trip to the Google Play Store this afternoon and you’ll find yet another smartphone listed under the Google Play Edition devices. Indeed, Motorola’s Moto G is the latest device to get the Pure Google treatment. Priced at $179, the unlocked handset works on either AT&T or T-Mobile’s 3G networks.
There’s hardly much difference between this version and the one offered directly from Motorola. Already running a stripped down build of Android, this one will not look or feel all that different from other Moto G’s. Nevertheless, we suspect it will get a higher priority in receiving updated releases of Android. Not that Motorola has been slouching in that department, mind you.
Moto G 8GB Google Play Edition
Moto G 16GB Google Play Edition
The post Moto G Google Play Edition now offered in Google Play Store appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Moto G Google Play edition now available for $180
The Moto G now has an official Google Play Edition. The device, which just popped up on the Google Play Store, is available for $180 (8GB) or $200 (16GB). Just like we’ve seen on other Google Play edition devices, the Moto G will offer the same specs as the GSM version along with a stock version of Android 4.4 KitKat. It’ll be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile here in the US. We’re still waiting to hear details about its availability in other parts of the world. Head to the source link to grab one of your very own.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Google
Via: Android (Twitter)
Source: Google Play Store
Moto G now available through Boost Mobile
Just a quick heads up that the Moto G smartphone is now available through Boost Mobile. Priced at a mere $129, the smartphone runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (4.4 KitKat guaranteed) and features a 5-megapixel rear camera. Internally you’ll find a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 3G connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0, and a 2070mAh battery.
To pick up the Moto G through Boost Mobile you’ll need to head to boostmobile.com; retail presence begins on January 20.
Boost Mobile Reunites with Motorola to launch Smart and
Stylish Moto G with NextRadio
The Moto G is available TODAY, Jan. 14 at www.boostmobile.com and select Boost Mobile exclusive retail stores nationwide starting Jan. 20. This represents the first Motorola handset on Boost Mobile since 2011.
Priced at only $129.99, Moto G packs the features consumers want at a price that won’t break the bank, all without an annual contract. The affordable 3G smartphone comes with an impressive and highly durable 4.5-inch HD screen made with scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass and sports a super-fast 1.2 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ quad-core processor. Moto G is loaded with Android 4.3 Jellybean with a guaranteed upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat expected as early as February, making the Moto G the most up-to-date Android of any phone in its class. Customers also have the freedom to express themselves with a variety of colorful interchangeable backs, available from Motorola directly.
Moto G will come preloaded with the free interactive FM radio application NextRadio®. With NextRadio, listening to FM radio on smartphones is a new type of interactive radio listening experience. When compared with streaming, NextRadio consumes about three times less battery life than other music apps. That’s because the audio is coming through a built-in FM tuner instead of over the Internet.
For extra protection, Moto G has a water-repellent coating on the outside, meaning that a little rain won’t get in the way when taking a call. In addition, customers get an extra 50GB of Google Drive storage for two years and, as with all Android devices, Moto G owners have access to more than 1 million apps and content in the Google Play Store.
Additional key features of the Moto G include:
- 5MP-enhanced camera with panoramic and continuous shot
- All-day battery, 2070 mAh
- Stereo Bluetooth 4.0 capable
To entice consumers to switch to Boost Mobile, Moto G is offered on Boost’s no-contract $55 Monthly Unlimited plan. Boost Mobile rewards its customers for simply making on-time payments. Unique from the competition, for every six on-time payments, the cost of the Boost Mobile Monthly Unlimited plan shrinks by $5 to as low as $40 per month for unlimited nationwide talk, text and data[1]. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.
The post Moto G now available through Boost Mobile appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Moto X coming to UK, France and Germany on Feb. 1, lacks Moto Maker customization
Motorola’s pride and joy, the Moto X, has been a U.S. exclusive up until today, when the company announced availability in the UK, France and Germany.
Coming Feb. 1 for £380 sim-free or £25 on contract from Phones 4u, Carphone Warehouse, O2, Amazon and Techdata, the device will lack Moto Maker customization and will be available in black. White will be exclusive to Phone 4u for three months.
Besides that, the device will have the same specs as its American cousins.
For a refresher, it packs Android 4.4 Jelly Bean, 4.7-inch AMOLED (RGB) / HD 720p display, Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.7GHz dual-core processor, Motorola X8 Mobile Computing System, 2GB of RAM, 2200 mAh battery, 10 MP rear-facing Clear Pixel camera and a 2 MP front-facing camera.
Moto is holding a press conference today, so we should have full details later. Any of our friends across the pond can preorder the device now by following the Motorola source link below.
via Motorola, +Motorola, ZDNet
The post Moto X coming to UK, France and Germany on Feb. 1, lacks Moto Maker customization appeared first on AndroidGuys.
KitKat 4.4.2 Kernal Source for the Moto G Released
Motorola is kicking things into high gear lately. Bringing one heck of a device out that is affordable to the masses and now releasing the kernel source for it. That is correct, Motorola has release the Android 4.4.2 KitKat kernel source for the Moto G. For those in the know, you all know that this really pushes the Moto G to a whole new level of excitement. For all you tinkering little coders out there, head over to SourceForge and get your mouse to clicking on that source code.
Now lets hope the community of amazing hackers, crackers and builders get behind this device and build up some great ROM’s and mods for it.
Source: Moto Blog
Via: AndroidCentral
AIVAnet 