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August 01, 2013

Moto X: A Powerful Entry to the Smartphone Fray

The smartphone market is a crowded place. Entrenched parties like Apple and Samsung control large parts of the market, and a wide array of other competitors go after those bits left behind. But the market now has something significant to take notice of in the arrival of the Google and Motorola smartphone, the Moto X.

The first smartphone to be assembled in the United States at last report, the Moto X is being described as part of the “new Motorola,” and an exhibition of just what the Google/Motorola blend can bring to play. Already, the Moto X has one critical point in its favor in its comparatively low price tag. But the price tag isn't the only point here; the Moto X offers a voice command system that is constantly listening for commands. Simply say “OK Google Now”--a familiar command to Google Glass users—and a variety of tasks, from weather to directions to reminders, become available. It's been compared to Siri, but with the added benefit of never having to touch the device. The Active Display function is another valuable component, displaying certain information when the device is moved. This makes certain points quickly accessible without ever needing to make contact with the power button.

In terms of specifications, the Moto X offers up a 4.7-inch display showing at 720 x 1280, with a pixel density of 316 pixels per inch, comparing very favorably to Apple's iPhone 5, which boasts 326 pixels per inch. The device runs on a 1.7 GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, a natural language processor, a contextual computing processor, either 16 or 32 gigabytes of storage, a 10 megapixel camera on the back and a water-repellant nano-coating designed to give the device just a little extra protection in the rain.

Image via Android and Me

Better, the device can even be customized in some point, by going online to use the Moto Maker tool with a choice of two front colors, seven accent colors, 18 back colors and even a custom message available. Once created, the phone takes just four days—or less—to ship, and the 16 GB version will cost $199, while the 32 GB version will cost $249, and the whole thing should arrive in late August to early September.

Google is looking to put a lot of force behind the Moto X's launch, putting together a $500 million war chest for advertising the device. If this sounds like a lot, it should, and some believe that such a push will be necessary in order to break away market from many established competitors in the field. Since Google paid a high price to get a hold of Motorola Mobility--$12.5 billion at last report—that means this product will need to realize some impressive sales numbers to make the high price tag worthwhile. If this phone catches on, that puts a lot of help in Google's hands; a branded smartphone choice is a great way to offer up ads, and pull in more users to view same.

It's hard to ignore the sheer edge that companies like Samsung and Apple have in this market, but at the same time, Google is making quite an offering here. It remains to be seen if Google's hardware is putting up enough of a proposition to get the user base on its side, but this is certainly a worthwhile attempt.




Edited by Rachel Ramsey


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