Monday, June 15, 2015
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Meet the Indiegogo "Transform the Smartphone Challenge" Finalists
For the last few months, developers and entrepreneurs have been busy sharing their ideas for creating the next generation of Moto Mods through our...
> Read More -
Unlimited Possibilities: Moto Mod Innovation Goes Global
When we launched the Moto Z family of smartphones and Moto Mods, we opened up a new world of possibilities. We shared our commitment to innovation...
> Read More -
Magnifying Community Impact: Moto Dedicates Music Studio in São Paulo, Brazil
Our mission: to promote the social inclusion of low-income youth in Brazil through cultural entrepreneurship. The result? “Estúdio Moto” (Moto Studio)...
> Read More -
Mod the Future Visits the Big Apple: Behind the Scenes at the NYC Hackathon
What do 53 developers, 18 entrepreneurs, three designers, one surgeon and a dog named Goose have in common? These eager participants (and K9) all...
> Read More -
From New Releases to Hackathons, Moto Mods Gain Momentum
Six months ago, we took a stand against incremental innovation with our Moto Z family of smartphones and Moto Mods™ – and we’ve never looked...
> Read More
Showing posts with label Moto X (2nd Gen.). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Moto X (2nd Gen.). Show all posts
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.
Thursday, May 07, 2015
The Download: Introducing Chop Twice for Flashlight with Lollipop 5.1 for Moto X (2nd Gen.)

Today we began rolling out Android 5.1, Lollipop for Moto X (2nd Gen.)—and with it, we’re pleased to introduce a new Moto Action: Chop twice for Flashlight.
First some details on the rollout. We began rolling out the update in a soak test to those of you who bought your Moto X (2nd Gen.) at select retail partners in Brazil. We have been working on putting the software through carrier and regional testing in other countries and for other devices, so please stay tuned for more.
Now for the fun stuff. Google’s latest build of Lollipop 5.1 provides stability enhancements and squashes some bugs. At Motorola, we’re also throwing in a new Moto Action we believe is both useful and fun. In addition to twisting twice to launch camera, waving once to silence an incoming call, or passing your hand above the screen for Moto Display, you can now do one more thing.
How many times have you fumbled through your settings or awkwardly opened an app to turn on the flashlight? When you typically need a flashlight, you need one quickly. Chop twice for flash allows you to make a natural chopping motion (that’s right, like when you’re chopping an onion) to turn on the flashlight. Then simply chop twice again to turn it off.
We hope you enjoy the update. Learn more about 5.1 for Moto X (2nd Gen.) here and get other information at our software updates page. Let us know what you think about it on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.
How many times have you fumbled through your settings or awkwardly opened an app to turn on the flashlight? When you typically need a flashlight, you need one quickly. Chop twice for flash allows you to make a natural chopping motion (that’s right, like when you’re chopping an onion) to turn on the flashlight. Then simply chop twice again to turn it off.
We hope you enjoy the update. Learn more about 5.1 for Moto X (2nd Gen.) here and get other information at our software updates page. Let us know what you think about it on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.
Posted by David Schuster, Software
Friday, May 01, 2015
Time-lapse Inspiration: Make a beautiful video like this professional videographer in Hawaii
We asked a professional videographer at 9th Ave Studio in Hawaii to take a Moto X out to shoot time-lapses and this was the beautiful result:
Want to make the most of your Moto X camera? Here are some other cool built-in camera tricks:
Want to make the most of your Moto X camera? Here are some other cool built-in camera tricks:
- Take a short cut and open your Camera quickly. Use Quick Capture by simply twisting your wrist twice to launch your Camera app and never miss a shot.
- Add some drama with 120 fps slow-motion.
- Get the full effect with a panorama shot. Select panorama mode by opening by swiping right from the left edge of your screen.
- Save some time by using Recommended Shot which helps you choose the best picture.
- Take a selfie out of arm’s reach. Just call to your Moto X using your voice trigger and say, “Take a selfie.”
- Store and easily share your photos from the cleanly designed Gallery app.
- Backup your photos and videos automatically to Google Drive, so you don't need to worry about losing your memories.
Monday, April 27, 2015
What is Patina?
You might have heard the phrase in an art history class, read it in article, or even heard a friend use it describing her shoes: patina. It’s the term people use to describe what happens to an object over time. Patina has an especially beautiful effect on leather and wood—which means that your Moto X and Moto 360 become more beautiful over time.
So we turned to an expert to learn more—Nick Horween, CEO of Horween Leathers, whose family has worked in leather for generations and provides the leather for our products.
Though many different types of material patina, leather has a particular beauty when it ages.
“Horween leathers are vegetable-tanned leathers,” he said. “That means they are cured by tree barks. Because of that, the leather is very accepting of the environment: sunlight, oils, waters. Since all our leathers have an aniline finish - which means there are no pigments - nothing gets in the way of it interacting with the environment. That lets the leather patina pretty quickly.”
Just as important is how you handle the leather. The way you touch and hold your phone, how it rubs against your pocket or when you expose it to light - all these things affect the patina. A tobacco-colored piece of leather might develop a caramel shine while black leather takes on highlights that give the leather visual depth.
To treat your leather well, be careful not to overexpose your leather. Too much sunlight can actually be harmful so leaving your Moto X baking in the sun at the beach or on the dashboard is definitely not a good idea. And moisture can lead to issues like mold so be very careful to dry your back and front if moisture does get on the phone. No need to worry about special cleaners, just wipe down with damp cloth when needed.
This is good news for people looking to develop a patina on their phone in short order. But, as Horween is quick to add, there are no short cuts. “The best you can do is just to use it.”
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Feel the #Motolove With Up to $140 Off Your Purchase at Motorola.com
Whether you eat all the caramels first, insist on dark chocolate only or pick through candy hearts for your favorites, how you enjoy Valentine’s Day is your choice. This year, we’re choosing to spread the love with a sweet deal.
Starting next Monday, February 2 at 11am CT, we’re offering a promo code* worth $140 off your purchase of $499.99 OR $50 off your purchase of $249.99 on Motorola.com. Pick your favorite Motorola devices and accessories, such as a new Moto X (2nd Gen.) and Moto 360, add them to your cart, and purchase before February 14.
If you miss that offer, you can still get a great deal. Spend $499.99 and get $100 off, or get $35 off a purchase of $249.99 — no promotion code needed. The same exclusions below apply and you’ll still need to complete purchase by 10:59 p.m. CT on Saturday, February 14.
How do you get in on it? Simply register here. Once you enter your contact information, we’ll email you a unique, one-time-use promotion code that can be redeemed no later than Saturday, February 14th at 10:59pm CST.
Starting next Monday, February 2 at 11am CT, we’re offering a promo code* worth $140 off your purchase of $499.99 OR $50 off your purchase of $249.99 on Motorola.com. Pick your favorite Motorola devices and accessories, such as a new Moto X (2nd Gen.) and Moto 360, add them to your cart, and purchase before February 14.
If you miss that offer, you can still get a great deal. Spend $499.99 and get $100 off, or get $35 off a purchase of $249.99 — no promotion code needed. The same exclusions below apply and you’ll still need to complete purchase by 10:59 p.m. CT on Saturday, February 14.
How do you get in on it? Simply register here. Once you enter your contact information, we’ll email you a unique, one-time-use promotion code that can be redeemed no later than Saturday, February 14th at 10:59pm CST.
Here are the details*:
- Register on Monday February 2, from 11am - 11:59pm CT for a code worth $140 off your pre-tax purchase of $499.99 OR $50 off a pre-tax purchase of $249.99.
- You must use a shipping address within the U.S.
- On Tuesday, February 3: $100 off $499.99 OR $35 off $249.99 site-wide.
- Consumers have until until February 14 at 10:59pm CT to redeem.
- This offer excludes Nexus 6, Moto X (2nd Gen.) on Republic Wireless, and the Extended Service Plan. Limit two devices among Moto X (2nd Gen.), Moto G (2nd Gen.), Moto G 4G LTE (1st Gen.), Moto E, and Moto 360. Promotions cannot be combined.
Tuesday, January 06, 2015
Hello China! Motorola returns to China with Moto X, Moto X Pro and Moto G
Motorola has a long history in China and we are pleased that smartphone fans there continue to be passionate about our brand and products. Chinese consumers have long been at the leading edge of smartphone use, blazing trails in mobile messaging, media and more. Motorola's pure Android based devices will give them new choices in how they connect to the world.
Moto X: Choose how it works. Choose how it looks. (Available early February)
Widely hailed by reviewers around the world as one of the best Android smartphones on the market, Moto X features a stylish design with a refined metal frame and a vivid 5.2” HD display, as well as backs made using authentic materials such as FSC® certified woods and genuine Horween® leather.
Starting in early February, just in time for Spring Festival, Moto X will be available to purchase in several different designs. In the spirit of choice, we want the people of China to vote on what colors and materials they would like to see featured first. Visit motorola.com.cn on January 7, Beijing time, to learn more and to let your voice be heard! After Spring Festival, people will be able to design their own Moto X through our Moto Maker design tool.
Moto X Pro: Choose to go big. (Available after Spring Festival)
Designed by Motorola and providing the latest Android, Moto X Pro gives you bigger images and better sound with a 6-inch Quad HD display and front-facing stereo speakers for immersive sound. A 13-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization takes high-quality photos in all lighting. Top it off with the latest 2.7GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 805 processor and a 3220 mAh battery that delivers more than 24 hours of power.
Moto G: Choose a phone that keeps up with you. (Available after Spring Festival)
Moto G was designed with you in mind, focusing on what you’ve said you value most. The curved design fits comfortably in your hand and nicely in your pocket, with colorful Motorola Shells included so you can switch to match your style. Surf the Internet quickly and multitask with ease as Moto G offers 4G LTE and quad-core processing speed, incredible call quality, dual-SIM capability, a brilliant 5” HD display and stereo sound.
We’re eager to build a direct relationship with Chinese consumers and empower them by bringing the mobile Internet to millions of people. With the new Moto X, new Moto X Pro and new Moto G with 4G LTE, the people of China will have the power to choose.
Starting in early February, just in time for Spring Festival, Moto X will be available to purchase in several different designs. In the spirit of choice, we want the people of China to vote on what colors and materials they would like to see featured first. Visit motorola.com.cn on January 7, Beijing time, to learn more and to let your voice be heard! After Spring Festival, people will be able to design their own Moto X through our Moto Maker design tool.
Moto X Pro: Choose to go big. (Available after Spring Festival)
Designed by Motorola and providing the latest Android, Moto X Pro gives you bigger images and better sound with a 6-inch Quad HD display and front-facing stereo speakers for immersive sound. A 13-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization takes high-quality photos in all lighting. Top it off with the latest 2.7GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 805 processor and a 3220 mAh battery that delivers more than 24 hours of power.
Moto G: Choose a phone that keeps up with you. (Available after Spring Festival)
Moto G was designed with you in mind, focusing on what you’ve said you value most. The curved design fits comfortably in your hand and nicely in your pocket, with colorful Motorola Shells included so you can switch to match your style. Surf the Internet quickly and multitask with ease as Moto G offers 4G LTE and quad-core processing speed, incredible call quality, dual-SIM capability, a brilliant 5” HD display and stereo sound.
We’re eager to build a direct relationship with Chinese consumers and empower them by bringing the mobile Internet to millions of people. With the new Moto X, new Moto X Pro and new Moto G with 4G LTE, the people of China will have the power to choose.
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