Motorola is set to launch the Moto 360 smartwatchtomorrow. Here we explore the latest news and leaks about the Moto 360 release date, price, features and specs. New photos reveal wireless charger and heart rate monitor. Plus Motorla sends out invites to September launch event. (See also:Best smartwatches of 2014.)
LG G Watch vs Motorola Moto 360 vs Samsung Gear Live: Android Wear smartwatch comparison review
Motorola Moto 360: What it is?
The Moto 360 is a much-anticipated Google watch coming soon from Motorola. The Moto 360 will run Android Wear and work in concert with Android smartphones.
Android Wear is a version of the mobile OS specifically made for wearable devices like smartwatches. The firm showed off the platform to developers, explaining the features and benefits, but the only smartwatches on sale immediately after I/O were the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live. You can find out more about Android Wear here.
Motorola Moto 360: UK release date
The Moto 360 is confirmed by Motorola, which says the smartwatch is 'coming soon Summer 2014'. We expected the Moto 360 would be revealed and confirmed at Google I/O, which ran from June 25 to 26. Unfortunately, Google said only that it would launch later this summer.
Its likely that the Moto 360 delay has also delayed the Motorola Moto X 1 (X2).
However, Motorola has sent out invitations (below) for a 'Moto Launch Experience" which will be held on 4 September in Chicago. The date ties in with IFA 2014 but not the location. Nevertheless, it seems like Motorola will finally launch the Moto 360 since the invitation shows the smartwatch - along with two phones labelled 'x' and 'g' plus a Bluetooth headset of sorts. We will bring you full details of its announcements first thing tomorrow morning.
Motorola Moto 360: Leaked photos
In his final post before retiring evleaks, Evan Blass circulated new photos of the Moto 360, some of which are shown below. It suggests a launch is due any day now.
In another leak, a range of new photos shown by Mistergadget.netwhet our appetite even more for the Moto 360, especially since they feature a wireless charger.
Motorola Moto 360: UK price
Motorola has inadvertenly revealed some pricing information about the Moto 360. In the Ts & Cs for a competition it declared the value of the Moto 360 as $250. This is in line with the most recent leak, in which the Motorola Moto 360 popped up on Best Buy at $249. The website also leaked several specifications, as we outline below.
A price of around $250 is a bit cheaper than existing smartwatches from Android phone makers, and that's where Motorola will want to be.
So expect the usual $1 to £1 conversion, and for the Moto 360 to cost around £250. (See also: What is a smartwatch? Wearable technology explained.)
Will my phone work with the Motorola Moto 360?
Expect the Moto 360 to be compatible with all Android 4.3 and Android 4.4 phones and tablets that have Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. This means that unlike the Samsung Tizen watches that work only with Samsung phones, the Moto 360 has a wider potential audience. Samsung has now launched its own Android Wear watch, though, so the Moto 360 already has tough competition.
Motorola Moto 360: specs
Motorola is being very tight-lipped about the Moto 360's spec. We know that it will be a smartwatch with a visual, digtal display. The Moto 360 is intended to be a low-powered smartwatch, with excellent battery life. So the processor and memory stats won't be all that exciting. On the battery life front, the Moto 360 will charge wirelessly via magnetic induction.
The above images from Mistergadget also suggest a heart rate monitor mounted on the rear.
The latest leak from Best Buy seemingly confirms the following spec:Texas Instruments processor; 512MB of RAM; compatible with Android 4.3 or later; stainless stell case with plastic rear; Adjustable Horween leather band and metal buckle; 1.5in (320x290, 205ppi) backlit LCD touchscreen with Gorilla Glass 3; 802.11n Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.0; voice activated; vibration alerts; water-resistant up to 3.3ft for 30 minutes; heart-rate monitor; pedometer; ambient light sensor; alarm; calendar; lithium-ion rechargeable battery; 1.8×1.8×0.4in; 2.1oz.
Motorola Moto 360: display
Key to the concept of the Moto 360 is its beautiful 1.5in round watch face, that is in fact a computer display. Looks like a watch, acts like a smartphone. We expect it to be protected by sapphire glass. Because of the unique round shape, we expect a custom-made OLED display. The Moto G will have a mostly black watch face screensaver so an OLED screen will help to reduce battery life consumption. (See also: LG G Watch release date, price and specs: Hands-on and pictures and The 8 best smartwatches 2014: List of the best wearable tech you can buy right now.)
