The landscape of smartwatches is changing fast, and most of that has to do with Google taking its next big step with Android Wear. Essentially Android for wearables, Android Wear aims to consolidate and unify smartwatches and other devices to work well with Google Now, and create a new wave of better products.
The Moto 360 is Motorola's first Android Wear device, and one of only two flagship Android Wear products so far (the other is the LG G Watch, which we know far less about). So, what makes the Moto 360 so interesting? For the most part, it's the look.
After a Google Hangout with lead designer Jim Wicks, more details emerged. Here's what we know so far.
It's water-resistant. We don't know how much, or if it's as waterproof as the Pebble. Sounds like it won't be good for swimming.
There's no charge port. Motorola teased that it doesn't use Micro-USB or have any contacts. Some other wireless technology? We won't find out more, probably, until Google I/O in June.
It works with any Android 4.3 phone. Expect that to be true for Android Wear across the board, most likely.
The round design is meant to appeal to both genders, and to be functional. Sure, Motorola created the Moto 360 to stand out, but according to Wicks, the round design fits more surface area without corners cutting into your wrist. Also, the intent is to make the Moto 360 appeal to as wide a range of people as possible, women and men.
This won't be the only round Android Wear watch. Android Wear has two standard screen shapes in its SDK: square, and round. Moto 360 adopts the round design that Google is already allowing for. That could mean other round watches, and soon.
Southpaws can use it too. The design allows for left- or right-hand use, but we don't know how yet. It's safe to assume the screen will flip depending on orientation.
It's meant to be comforting and easy to use. Comfort came up as a frequent reference point: both to familiarity in design, and to a simple, at-a-glance type of function. A lot of that will be how Google Now pushes to and works with Android Wear watches, including the Moto 360. But there's only one button that we can see, plus a touch screen and microphone.
You can talk to it. Google Now will allow for Moto X-style requests.
You can always tell time with it. Funny, but true: Jim Wicks promises you'll always be able to lift your wrist and see the time. Actually, on many current smartwatches, depending on what app you're in, that's not always the case.
Does it have fitness-tracking? That hasn't been mentioned yet. We certainly hope so, but there's a curious lack of emphasis on health-tracking thus far.
What's battery life like? Motorola has been coy on an actual number, but claims that battery life has been "made a priority." Motorola claims it's learned from its previous experience with its first watch MotoActv, and also Moto X.
When is it available? Summer, but no firm date has been announced. Expect more details at Google I/O in late June.
How much does it cost? Again, we don't know.
No comments:
Post a Comment