Sunday, March 22, 2015

Moto 360 2 (2nd generation) to come in two sizes?

The successor to the Moto 360, what will likely be called the Moto 360 2nd generation (or Moto 360 2 or Moto 360 2015) has supposedly just broken cover for the first time. We already know the next Moto 360 is in the works, but this is the first time we’ve (reportedly) seen an image of it. A photo showing a case full of Moto 360 components has appeared, clearly showing two sizes of watch face.


 Moto-360-navigation
The Moto 360 2, Moto 360 2015 or Moto 360 second generation is in the works.

The image appeared on the HelloMotoHK community page on Facebook, purportedly showing an image originally posted on Weibo by Chief Executive of Lenovo, Yang Yuanqing. Whether it is legitimate or not we cannot say, but it shows a travel case of components for a round smartwatch with multiple straps (in two sizes), different colored lugs and frames and two distinct sizes of watch face. Here’s the image:


AndroidPIT Moto 360 2 2nd generation components
Are these components for the 2nd generation Moto 360?

The two sizes of watch face jives with information we previously heard from Motorola (see below) that the 2nd generation Moto 360 would please those unhappy with the original’s size. While we took this to mean that the Moto 360 2 would have a smaller profile or smaller face size, we didn’t realize we could be looking at a choice of sizes.


Everything else in the case seems to show legitimately Moto 360 parts: two different sizes of watch bands in all the usual styles, different colored lugs and body colors and, unfortunately, a few Moto 360’s with the ”flat tyre” clearly visible. The main difference seems to be the sizes and the attachments for the bands: which take a more traditional pin approach than the Moto 360’s current setup. This could all be a hoax, but we knew you’d want to see the picture.


Moto-360-front-side-angle 
The Moto 360 is a great smartwatch but it has some key areas in which to improve.

Previous coverage: We can safely say that the next smartwatch from Motorola will indeed be a Moto 360 2nd generation and not an entirely new model, thanks to a comment made by Motorola Mobility President Rick Osterloh at MWC 2015. When asked what he thought of the recently announced Huawei Watch, Osterloh reaffirmed his belief that a round watch face is the right form factor for a smartwatch.


Furthermore, Adrienne Hayes, SVP of Motorola’s Global Marketing and Communication, essentially confirmed that the next Moto 360 will be smaller than the first version. She wasn’t saying whether that means a smaller diameter or simply thinner profile, but she did say that those that thought the original Moto 360 was too big will be happier next time around.


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The Moto 360 2nd generation will be smaller and likely have more customization options.

Moto Maker has been announced for the Moto 360 with just three options: strap, watch color and pre-loaded watch faces. When asked about the Moto Maker program for the Moto 360 and whether the customization options for the next Moto smartwatch would be even more extensive, Hayes’ response was: “Our vision is always “more choice.” We think the more choice the merrier, and so I think you will probably see even more choices in the Moto 360 as time goes on.”


While we can’t say for sure that things might not change between now and whenever the Moto 360 2nd generation appears, it’s safe to say that Motorola is listening to the feedback and is looking to further perfect an already very well received wearable. The Moto 360 2015 edition will also have learned a lot from the successes and failures of the other smartwatches now on the market.



Moto 360 2 (2nd generation) to come in two sizes?

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