Motorola has finally pulled the curtain back on their second generation Moto 360 smartwatch after months of leaks and speculation. One of the most hotly anticipated devices in recent memory, the Moto 360 is an evolution of the best looking smartwatch on the market with improvements in nearly all areas from the original. Not only did we get our first official look at the second gen Moto 360 but the Moto 360 Sport was also officially confirmed even though officials were tight lipped with details.
The second generation Moto 360 will come in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm. Motorola recommends that women stick to the 42mm version while men can choose from either. There are many more options for design on this version. You can customize everything from the strap, bezel color, case color and the bezel treatments.
For men Moto offers the following:
- Case colors: Black, Silver and Gold
- Bezel colors: Black, Silver and Gold
- Bezel treatment: Chamfer, Micro Knurl
- Bands: Black Metal, Silver Metal, Gold Metal, Black Leather, Cognac Leather
For women Moto offers the following:
- Case colors: Silver, Gold and Rose Gold
- Bezel colors: Silver, Gold and Rose Gold
- Bezel treatment: Peak, Micro Etch
- Bands: Silver Metal, Gold Metal, Rose Gold Metal, Blush Leather, Grey Leather, Blush Double Wrap
If you don’t like the band options offered, you’re in luck. You can buy your own. Since Motorola is now using standard lugs, you can pretty much buy any band you want and put it on your new Moto 360. The smartwatch will feature a quick-release switch so you can easily swap out your bands. On the first generation Moto 360 it was a big pain to swap out bands and you risked cracking the back of your watch.
The flat tire has returned. The black bar at the bottom of the screen contains drivers for the display and according to Motorola allows them to keep down the bezels. The Moto 360 keeps its class leading screen to body ratio, about 71%, with it’s closest competitor being around 50%.
With the launch of the second gen watch, Motorola is putting more focus on fitness. They did let loose word on the Moto 360 Sport (more on that later) but also detailed how they think they’re doing fitness better. Moto Body is Motorola’s take on a fitness tracking center for your watch. The fitness companion will actively track steps taken, calories burned and heart rate. Moto Body is different than other apps, according to Motorola, because it not only records the statistics but provides coaching and feedback to motivate you.
Another feature that you’ll see on the second gen Moto 360 is Live Dials. Live Dials are shortcuts to your most used apps that you can pin on your watch face. If you’re a frequent checker of emails and text messages, you can pin the apps on your screen for quick access and without pulling out your phone. I think this really going to be great for workouts as you can pin your fitness tracking app and your music right to the watch face and you’re up and running in seconds.
- 1.37- (360×325) or 1.56-inch (360×330) display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
- 512MB of RAM
- 4GB of internal storage
- 300mAh or 400mAh battery (with wireless charging)
- Optical heart rate monitor
The second generation Moto 360 is currently available for pre-order from Motorola.com, Best Buy and The Google Play Store. You’ll be able to purchase the watch in late September from Nordstrom, Verizon, Motorola.com, Best Buy and The Google Play Store.
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The Moto 360 Sport was also confirmed today. The Sport edition of the popular smartwatch will based on the 42mm version of the second gen Moto 360 and feature more exercise friendly materials instead of leather and metal. You’ll see more rubbery materials that won’t bother you as much while getting a little sweaty.
The screen on the Sport is also a little different featuring a backlit LCD screen that will display normally in everyday situations but also a front-lit reflective screen that will make it easier to see in direct sunlight. This will make it easier to see your work-out stats better outside. The watch will be smart enough to switch whenever it thinks you require a different mode.
If you stream music to your bluetooth headphones while you work out, you’re in luck. Like other smartwatches, the Sport will let you pin music to the watch for easy streaming to your bluetooth headset of choice. There’s also GPS for more accurate tracking of your runs and biking.
There was no date announced for release but availability will become more clear in the next few months.
What do you think? Is the second generation enough of the Moto 360 enough to finally get you interested in smartwatches? Is it enough of an upgrade to get you to purchase it if you already own one? Let us know down in the comments section.
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Source: Engadget, TalkAndroid, 9to5Google
