Berlin: A year after the first generation took the smartwatch world by storm with its timeless look, it’s time for the new Moto 360 to step up to the plate. Motorola has finally put an end to speculation with the launch of the second-generation Moto 360 smartwatch.
The new iteration of Motorola’s acclaimed Android Wear device arrived on the market with revamped design, highly customizable body in two sizes, a version designed for ladies, and a brand new Sport model.
In addition to new look and level of customizability, the new Moto 360 also features improved hardware over the first generation. The newcomer packs a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 solution, sharper display, and bigger battery.
The new device is based on the 42mm version of the Moto 360 we’ve already seen, except it’s clad in a rubbery, exercise-friendly material instead of leather and steel.
In the case of the regular 42mm and 46mm Moto 360, users can choose from black, silver, or gold stainless steel finishes for the body and the bezel (you can mix them if you wish). Bezel treatments include chamfer and micro knurl, while wristband options feature silver, black, and gold metal, as well as black or cognac Horween leather.
The women’s variant of the smartwatch is available in silver, gold or rose gold body and bezel color. The bezels can be ordered in peak or micro etch finish, while the available 16mm bands include silver, gold, and rose gold metal, blush and grey leather, as well as blush double wrap leather.
Beyond that, you’ll find an upgraded 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage, Wi-Fi and a bigger battery than its predecessor that Motorola promises will provide two days of use on a single charge. It has an optical heart-rate monitor and other sensors on the list are Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Gyroscope, Vibration/Haptics engine.
As you’d expect from a high-end fitness wearable, there’s a built-in GPS to help you log miles more accurately than a plain ol’ accelerometer could.
Moreover, the standard for the segment Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 SoC found in the new Moto 360 promises speedier performance and faster firmware updates than in the outgoing model. The latter features a TI OMAP 3 chipset.
The most valuable addition to the mix, though, is what Motorola calls its “AnyLight” hybrid display. In a nutshell, the screen melds a typical backlit LCD screen like the one you’d see on a normal smartwatch with a front-lit reflective one that’s better for seeing your vital stats in broad daylight.
The Moto 360 runs Google’s Android Wear operating system, which means it will be compatible with the new iPhone when it arrives.
The second-generation Moto 360 will be available on Motorola’s Moto Maker website from September starting at $299.99 and goes up to $429.99 depending on style, and will start shipping on October 1.
Moto 360 Sport
The Moto 360 will also offer a Sports model dubbed Moto 360 Sport. Moto 360 Sport is unique from the other versions and has a fixed silicone strap and special LCD display that can be read in direct sunlight. Moto 360 Sport has special UV coating to keep away moisture and resists fading or staining.
It’s based on the 42mm size watch, though it’s chunkier than the standard model. The Sport can track distance and map runs with its dedicated GPS chip.
Motorola is including a couple of new watch faces that have “Live Dials,” which are the company’s version of interactive complications. The dials can be set to display weather conditions (with more info available with a tap), step count, battery levels, or app shortcuts.
At launch, Live Dials can be set to open Shazam, Kevo, IFTTT, and the Ford app, and Motorola says it’s making it possible for other developers to create Live Dials, as well.
Moto 360 Sport has built-in GPS to track speed, distance, pace while the user is running or cycling and a heart rate sensor. With Moto 360 Sport, Motorola is offering up to two full days of user battery life.
The availability of the Moto 360 Sport variant will be announced in the next few months.