This year has featured the emergence of smartwatches across various platforms including Google’s Android Wear, an operating especially designed for smartwatches. Motorola’s Moto 360, the first Android Wear watch to sport a round screen, is finally available after being announced a few months ago at the Google I/O developers’ conference. But what exactly does this new smartwatch have to offer consumers and how does it fare when compared to the competition?
The Design
When the announcement of the upcoming Moto 360 was made back in June, the response of the audience at the Google I/O event made it clear that consumers wanted the device to be ready for purchase as soon as possible. Motorola’s smartwatch seemed to eclipse competitors like the already launched LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live.
Smartwatch enthusiasts will no doubt be happy to hear that the device which became available in the US on September 5 is as beautiful as was suggested at the Google I/O. The watch offers a sleek round design that looks far more like a watch and less like a toy. This smart-looking timepiece with its thin bezels measures 1.56 inches in diameter and features 320×290 resolution – that’s 205ppi to be exact.
The sharp screen also sports a larger surface area than its square-faced counterparts thanks to its round shape. This large screen results in notifications and alerts that wearers can easily read with a glance. Note, however, that the watch’s display is relatively big so consumers who aren’t accustomed to large screen timepieces may want to consider this factor before purchasing the device.
In terms of bands, the Moto 360 offers a range of options including silver, stone and black leather. The company also announced that stainless steel bands will be available later this year. Since the bands are detachable, watch enthusiasts who want a customizable timepiece will have the perfect fit with the Moto 360.
Software
Like the Android Wear watches before it, the Moto 360 watch is compatible with smartphones that run Android 4.3 and later versions. Motorola’s smartwatch also offers a similar experience to that of the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live due to the fact they all run the same operating system.
Users will notice that the device offers similar apps and features to its counterparts including Google Now and card-based swiping for quick access to notifications. But in no way will users forget that the Moto 360 is a device of its own due to its design and custom-built features.
For instance, users of the 360 will be able to access several custom designed watch faces which can be changed to match various moods and unique styles. These watch faces offer more sophisticated options than is available via smartwatches like the LG G Watch.
Beneath the watch face sits several key components which enable an overall strong performance. These components include a Texas Instruments OMAP 3 processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. The watch’s 320mAh battery is said to last a day and can be charged wirelessly via a charging dock which comes with the wearable. These specs are in par with specs offered by other Android Wear watches, though the included charging dock is a unique addition.
Though it does not stand out from the crowd in terms of specs, the device also sports a pedometer and heart monitor, features which are lacking in watches like the LG G Watch. Motorola also created a unique heart monitor app which enables users to set weekly targets which are tracked based on the daily heart activity of user.
The Verdict
The Motorola Moto 360 is undoubtedly the sleekest Android Wear smartwatch on the market. The device uses its round face design to maximize its appeal due to sophisticated watch faces which take their inspiration from traditional timepiece designs. Though the Moto 360 does not stand out from the crowd in terms of specs, the device definitely looks far better than its counterparts and comes equipped with useful features such as a charging dock and build-in heart monitor.
But how long its reign will last is anyone’s guess. Next-generation Android Wear devices like the LG G Watch R are already on the horizon offering sleek designs and upgraded specs.
Motorola’s Moto 360: The Best Android Wear Device Yet?
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