Happy Birthday to the Motorola Logo!

The Motorola emsignia, affectionately called “Batwing,” is celebrating a major milestone today - its 60th birthday!

The batwing has had a few makeovers since its debut in 1955 but continues to stand for innovation and quality. The familiar “M” can still be seen on all our devices.

To celebrate this special occasion, we’re running a #MyMotoLogo contest across our social channels in select countries this summer, asking fans and enthusiasts to put their own special twist on the Batwing. Using doodles, photographs, graffiti and more, contest participants can create their own logo and submit it for a chance to win prizes.

Like us on Facebook to stay in the know on contest timing.

More on our beloved Batwing
On June 19, 1955, Motorola introduced, the now famous Batwing logo. Featuring two aspiring triangle peaks arching into an abstracted “M,” the mark was chosen to showcase the “progressive leadership-minded outlook of the electronics company.”

Designed by Morton Goldsholl Design Associates in Chicago, the batwing was first revealed in a Motorola showroom in the Merchandise Mart. Sixty years later, the batwing can be seen once again in the iconic Chicago building where Motorola now has its headquarters.

Jonathan Adler on Design Philosophy, Breaking the Rules, and The Power of Choice

By Leslie Hicks, CMF (Color Material Finish) Trend Analyst at Motorola

Leslie Hicks: At Motorola, we believe in the importance of expressing your own personal style however and wherever you’d like — especially when it comes to your most personal style icons like your watch and smartphone.

And quite frankly, we may have found our spirit animal in Jonathan Adler, famed NYC-based potter and designer who’s known for his bold, irreverent designs.

As a designer committed to the idea of creating unique styles and trailblazing decor, Jonathan Adler has more in common with Motorola than you’d think. Adler even handed over the design reigns to his customers with his Design Your Own pillows, rugs and throws feature, and we couldn’t help but notice the customization similarities to our own Moto Maker and just how important the ability to put a personal touch on the Moto 360 is to our consumers. We’re thrilled to have Jonathan joining us today to talk a bit about the power of creativity, individuality and of course, choice.

LH: Can you tell us a little about your history? How did you get to where you are today?

Jonathan Adler: I am actually a potter first and foremost. I first tried clay at summer camp when I was 13, and it’s all I wanted to do ever since. I spent my entire time at Brown University taking pottery classes at the Rhode Island School of Design, then moved to New York. I got my first order in 1993 from Barneys and I’ve been on a surreal creative odyssey ever since. I’m a restless designer, and the more I make the more I want to make.

LH: In your own words, what is the true power of design?

JA: We live in an anything-goes world. Life’s too short to look back and see an endless haze of beige, so I exhort people to do what makes them feel even more stylish and glamorous than they already are without worrying about “rules.” Your style should speak to who you are (or at least who you wish you were!).

LH: Tell us a little about your design philosophy at Jonathan Adler.

JA: Absolutely! It’s actually twofold: build a timelessly chic foundation, then accessorize with abandon. I want everything I make to communicate a spirit of Modern American Glamour. That’s why I love all the customization options in Moto Maker. Our phones and watches are our most constant accessories, so it’s about time they reflected our personal styles.

LH: I’m thrilled to hear you say that actually because that's how we feel at Moto! You’ve had a chance to play in the Moto Maker sandbox a bit. What were some of your favorite aspects of it?

JA: I love all of the different color and texture combinations that Moto Maker offers for the Moto X. There’s a classic summer white or a modern wood back; a 70s-inspired matte green or a rich, golden leather. And with the additional options for trim and case customization, your Moto X can truly be yours.

LH: We couldn’t agree more! Speaking of colors and textures, what trends should consumers look out for this summer and fall? Any favorites catching your eye?

JA: Grey is the neutral du jour. And people are embracing wallpaper again (as they should). And when it comes to metals, it’s brass, brass, brass – you’d be mad not to surround yourself with gold tones. But, with so many unique trends happening on the streets and on the runways, now is a great time for all tastes in the design and fashion world.

LH: Thank you so much for your time, Jonathan. Any parting words?

JA: When it comes to style, I invite you to be bold. Be colorful. Be glam. And most importantly, be you.

Moto 360: Getting better all the time

Quicker access, new Moto Body features and better performance come to Moto 360.

With Google beginning to roll out new Android Wear software for your Moto 360 starting today, you’ll soon be able to access apps and contacts quicker, receive heads-up notifications when you’re using another app, and worry less about your battery for continuously running apps. We’re also adding some new Moto Body features that will make it even easier to make Moto 360 a part of your daily life.

Here's a look at what's new:

Scroll with Gestures

Flick your wrist to scroll forward or backward through your messages.

Instant Emoji Masterpieces

Admit it, life is more fun with emojis. Now you can simply draw something - a burger, a clock with time, a smiley face - and Moto 360 will transform it into an emoji to send to your friends and family.

Stay Connected with Wi-Fi

With Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to use your Moto 360 when you are out of Bluetooth range from your phone.

Always-on Mode

Long running apps like fitness, lists and navigation will stay front and center. If they become inactive, though, this feature will keep displaying the app information in ambient mode.

Quick Access to Apps and Contacts

Just tap or swipe left for your app list and your favorites will float to the top. Two swipes left and your contacts can be reached with a quick tap of a finger for a call, text or e-mail.

Your Notifications

Notifications will no longer be exclusive to your home screen. Even if you're interacting with another app, you’ll see notifications appear at the bottom of the display. And they’ll be stored in your notifications stream for later use.

Moto Body

Moto Body has more choices and more ways to help you set and achieve your fitness goals. Options include an opt-in weekly e-mail summary to stay on top of your goals and the ability to set new calorie goals so you track.

Here’s more on what you can do with your Moto 360. And if you don’t have one of your own, head over to Moto Maker to customize and create your very own.

You love smartphones, but not the contracts

For a limited-time, try Moto X risk free and save*

According to a recent report by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Motorola customers are some of the most satisfied smartphone owners in the country. In fact, Moto X ranks as one of the top three smartphone brands!

The report also sheds light on the massive shift we are seeing in the wireless and mobile industry. People are happiest without a contract. The good news is that more and more carriers understand the importance of offering simple to understand, no contract wireless plans. To embrace going off-contract, we recognize the need to offer great premium smartphones at a better price so you get more bang for your buck.

With that in mind, we’re offering you the opportunity to customize and try a new Moto X for 30 days, risk free at a new off-contract price of $299** (after $50 rebate).

To try one out, simply design and order your device at motomaker.com and activate it on a no-contract plan. If you don’t love your Moto X, simply ship it back to us for free any time in the first 30 days. No hidden fees or restocking charges — and if your Moto X didn’t turn out how you envisioned, we’ll even give you one “do-over” for another shot at designing your Moto Maker creation. If you love it, keep it and get a $50 discount off the purchase price**.

As always, we want to give you the power to choose a great mobile experience, and when it comes to form and function, Moto has you covered.

Check out motorola.com/sayhellotomoto to say goodbye to contracts and Hello to Moto.

Posted by Jeff Miller, Head of North America Sales


*Say Hello to Moto valid from 6/15 - 6/29
**Requires survey response for rebate eligibility, Price will appear as $349.99 in cart. Refund to the credit card you used to make purchase will be processed 6-8 weeks after delivery.