Introducing A New Level of Customization – Moto Selfie Stick

Taking the perfect selfie is an art. We understand how important it is to get the perfect shot which is why we created the perfect accessory - custom selfie sticks made with the same craftsmanship and genuine materials we use for our phones, like wood and leather. Because your selfie stick should be as unique as you are.

The self portrait just got more personal. Introducing the Moto Selfie Stick…

Design Details: Getting to know Horween, the family leather makers for Moto 360 and Moto X

Authenticity of materials and quality craftsmanship are at the heart of every product we make. As designers we understand the importance of what we call “Materiality.” It is a critical component to engaging people’s senses in a visceral way: the look, feel, smell and sound of materials help elevate the quality of an object. Materials can add delight and surprise to a person’s experience and remind people of positive and emotional memories when they use our products.


Every material we choose must embrace a high standard of quality, both in terms of how it looks and how it feels against your skin, so that you can choose a distinct look to fit your style.

So when it came to choosing the leathers for Moto 360 watch bands and for the back of your Moto X through Moto Maker, the details counted. We turned to Horween, a classic, family-run leather company that has been making quality leather for more than 100 years.

We sat down with owner Nick Horween, whose great great grandfather started the company in 1905. Nick answered a few key questions about Horween leather and even let us snap a few pictures around the workshop near Chicago’s Loop.

Can you give us an overview of the Horween story?
I’m a fifth-generation Horween. The company was founded in 1905 in Chicago by my great great grandfather Isadore Horween who worked at a different tannery from 1893-1905. We bought our current building in 1920. The building was a tannery before. There were many tanneries in Chicago when we purchased the property, but we’re the last tannery today. Our factory has always been family owned and operated. All of our hides are fully traceable. They come from here in the Midwest and also Toronto, Quebec, and France.

Why do you think Horween leather ages so well?
It has a lot to do with what we put in the leather. We use vegetable tannage extract made from tree barks. Just like wood, when left out in the sun, the leather darkens. Our leather also reacts well to oils from hands, which instead of breaking the material down give it more color and character.

Where is Horween Leather used?
Forty percent of our leather is used for sporting goods. It’s used for NFL Wilson footballs and NBA Spalding basketballs. About half of the players in the MLB play with Rawling gloves made from Horween leather.

Another 40% of Horween leather is used for footwear. Then 20% is used for small leather goods. One interesting fact is that all of the boots for troops in North Africa during World War II were made using Horween Leather.

Why did you decide to partner with Motorola?
When Motorola approached us, it was a new market segment for Horween, which got us really excited. Motorola has been very good at taking something like Horween leather and making it functional. It’s been a great partnership

What is the production timeline for Moto X and Moto 360 leathers?
Our leather is made completely by hand, as my family has done for generations. For Moto X and Moto 360, the leather takes a total of five to six weeks to make. This includes tanning the hides, splitting the hides to weight, and dying the hides.

What is the best way to care for Moto X and Moto 360 leathers?
Really just continue to use them regularly. If you want to clean the leather, you can simply use a damp, soft cloth to wipe it down. The natural oils in your skin and hands help take care of the rest and make your leather more beautiful and distinctive over time.

Posted by Dickon Isaacs, Design for Wearables.

Moto Maker for Moto 360: It’s time to design a watch to fit your style

You have a style all your own. Now, you can customize a modern watch that satisfies your personal tastes and have it delivered to your door step. Introducing Moto Maker for Moto 360.

Choose from three case finishes: dark metal, light metal or champagne gold. Then pick one of nine bands, including leather, metal, and our new mono-link design, a modern take on the classic metal band style. Complete your design by choosing one of 11 watch faces. Once you get your watch, it’s easy to swap watch faces from our collection or through Google Play.

Need some inspiration? Each watch has a personality all its own. Ever think about how you would describe yours? Here are just a few fun watch personalities that might come through with these new combinations:

Professor Hip
Light Finish Case with 22mm Cognac Leather Band

It's 20 years from tenure but this Moto 360's leather band is ready to rock with any elbow patches. It's even happy to provide notifications on the latest 17th Century Lit forums. Build your own Professor Hip.

Golden Goddess
Champagne Gold Finish Case with Cognac Leather Band

Does the champagne gold finish match a sun-kissed golden forearm? Of course it does. This watch keeps a constant eye on UV levels using its weather app—all while perfecting an impeccable watch tan line. Build your own Golden Goddess.

On-the-Go Stylist
Light Finish Case Champagne Gold Metal Band

Where “boyfriend” meets fashion trend, consider this watch your On-the-Go Stylist. It'll add that finishing touch to whatever outfits you wear throughout the day, from your morning meetings to post-dinner drinks. Build your own On-the Go Stylist.

Wheeler Dealer
Light Finish Case Dark Metal Band

This watch style says that it's here to close. It's serious and sleek and ready for some smooth talking. A quick check of the messages may mean the final detail needed to seal the deal. Build your own Wheeler Dealer.

The Modernist
Light Finish Case with Slim Champagne Gold Metal Band

It is, in a word, impeccable. It prefers simplicity and elegance in both fashion and design. It could fit into any design magazine—cultivated with clean lines and polished steel—but instead it's on your wrist. Build your own Modernist.

Show Off Your Moto X

Photo Credit: Judith Brocks

With a little bit of care and a whole lot of use, a piece of leather takes on a life of its own. It tells a story about the person who owns it—where the leather has been, the choices they’ve made along the way, and how we all get more beautiful with time. The beauty of aged leather is otherwise known as patina, which creates a unique look depending on the specific wear over time.

We think that’s pretty cool. How you choose to use a piece of leather and how much you use it will change your phone into one that’s beautiful like no one else’s. Which means that, as BGR pointed out recently, the same goes for your customized leather-back Moto X (2nd Gen.) made through Moto Maker.

This month we’re celebrating the beauty of your personal Moto X and how yours looks different from anyone else’s, even if you’ve chosen the same colors. Consumers and Motorolans have been sharing pictures of their Moto X using the hashtag #MyMotoX.

Here are just a few of the one-of-a-kind Moto X phones we have seen so far:

Photo Credit: @Jesusinvans


Photo Credit: @TheLazySmith







Photo Credit: Bhavesh Shah

Have an awesome Moto X? Tweet a picture at #MyMotoX and follow us on Twitter for a chance at more goodies and to stay on top of the latest news. And if you don’t have one to call your own, check out Moto Maker to get started today.