Motorola’s upcoming smartwatch will be called Moto 360. It will run Android Wear, a new platform announced today by Google, and is built using components that are “technically brand new.”
In a blog post, Motorola teased with an image and video of Moto 360, touched on the 100 year history of the wristwatch before noting that its vision “was to celebrate that history as we reimagined the wristwatch for the future.”
As widely anticipated, Google’s new smartwatch platform, Android Wear, features significant “Google Now” inspired voice recognition capability. Expect a wave of Dick Tracy’s (me included!) later this year saying, “OK Google” to their wrists in and around Silicon Valley cafes. Yes, I know, we’re all just living in an inflated version of the RidicuList.
Motorola says Moto 360 will be available “in a variety of styles” and start shipping this summer. No word on price.
In addition, Motorola has also launched a Moto 360 web site. There’s no additional information there, though you can sign up to receive additional information.
Poor Pebble, We Hardly Knew You
That Google is moving aggressively into the wearables space is no surprise. Android Wear should do well. Developers will have no qualms about supporting a company with a deep pool of resources that currently dominates the market for smartphones.
It could be tough news, however, for the smaller players. Kickstarter-backed Pebble, in particular, blazed a trail with their innovative smartwatch. I wear a Pebble, and love it. There’s no going back – getting notifications on the wrist is tremendously useful. Plus, those watchfaces!
Is Apple Late to the Party?
Others expected to release Android Wear-powered smartwatches include LG (G Watch), Asus, HTC and Samsung (though I wonder if it is still not enamored with its own Tizen OS).
Watch these videos for more information. The first is a Moto 360 preview from Motorola, and the second is a Google Developer Preview of its new Android Wear platform.
“This is just wide open, blue sky territory.” – Alex Faaborg, Designer Android
Boom, it’s official. The smartwatch race has shifted into high gear.
Two questions:
Will (mainstream) consumers bite?
And, when will Apple jump into the fray?
IN PHOTOS: Moto 360 Android Wear Smartwatch
