Official Moto 360 specs are out, and the new Android smartwatch innovates in design with a round display.
Motorolla has released official Moto 360 specs, now available in the US, to launch on UK stores on October. The reveal is timely considering the wave of devices expected to launch this September, and the Moto 360 Android smartwatch stands apart from the usual fare of square smartwatches on the market.
Moto 360 is wearable technology which actually looks and feels like a watch, for a change. The device has a round 1.5-inch display, in 320x290 resolution. Moto uses durable Gorilla Glass 3, covering the front casing which measures 46x11mm.
Moto 360 is a novelty in design, being the first Android smartwatch to feature a round display. Motorolla's unveil is strategic, anticipating the rumored release of Apple's iWatch and its supposedly round face.
The watch's inductive charging is notable hardware, which frees users from using the rather cumbersome dongle. It still comes with a charging dock accessory, but this is still better than the clip-ons of competing devices.
The Moto 360's specs come with a nifty heart rate monitor installed on the back side, similar to Samsung smartwatches; the 360 calculates activity intensity from the heart rate, tracks targeted active minutes per day, and sets goals of thirty minutes of moderate activity, five times a week
CNET's review for the Moto 360 praises the innovative design and features, though it doesn't quite deliver to expectations prior to release. "It's definitely an eye-catcher, but not entirely as exciting as it once was on paper."
The Moto 360 is priced US$250, £199 when it hits UK stores. The device operates with voice commands as well, but still needs improvement, especially in terms of noise reduction. The Moto 360 specs fetch a price pitch that's $30 more than the LG G Watch and $50 more than the Samsung Gear Live; it's interesting to see how it'll fare when the Apple iWatch rolls out.
