Thursday, January 29, 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...
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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...
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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)...
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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...
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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...
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The Download: Lollipop for Moto G in India and Brazil — And How Lollipops Are Made
As you unwrap the new software, we wanted to use this week’s Download—our regular spotlight on software—to answer three of the most frequently asked questions we’ve been hearing about our upgrade process.
How come everyone doesn’t get the upgrade as soon as Google releases Lollipop?
Though we try to make the process seem easy, it’s actually pretty complicated. That’s because we want to ensure a quality experience across every device that gets the upgrade. Let’s do a quick recap of how a major new version of Android comes to your phone.
Google improved the Android release process with Lollipop, which was important because Lollipop is the biggest and most ambitious release of Android ever. Everyone needed time to adapt. Several developer previews were released early so that developers—and device and chipset manufacturers that are part of the early access program—could kick the tires.
A critical milestone occurs at the “public push” of a new version of Android—when Google releases the source code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), typically with the introduction of a new Nexus device.
At this point, we are able to start testing the software with most other third parties, such as local carriers in different markets and various governing organizations. The process varies from region to region. Fortunately, one benefit to shipping cleaner software with no skins and less bloatware is that it allows us to test more quickly with fewer third-party apps to validate. This enables us to bring you updates even faster.
Once the testing is done, we are able to begin pushing the update to your device.
Even though Lollipop was way bigger than past releases, we raced to beat our prior record, releasing the first upgrades to Moto X (2nd Gen.) Pure Edition just eight days after the public push.
How come some users in my country get the upgrade and not me?
Before releasing an upgrade widely, we perform “soak” tests, during which we release the software to a small group of users so that we can monitor performance data and user feedback over several days to make sure everything looks good.
It is very important to us that an upgrade improves your experience. The soak test can reveal problems that need to be fixed, and based on the feedback we may decide to tweak or incorporate new changes to correct any issues.
Sometimes we expand to a larger set of users to account for issues that might only appear in a bigger group. Once we’ve taken these steps, we open the upgrade for all users for that model and country combination. If you see someone posting a screenshot or tweeting that they got the upgrade, and you still haven’t received it, they are likely part of a soak test group.
If you’d like to learn more information about soak tests and the Motorola Feedback Network, you can visit this page.
When will the upgrade for my specific device be available?
You can see which products will be receiving the Lollipop upgrade on our software upgrades page, however there may be many different software builds for each device to develop and test, so availability times can vary by carrier and region. We’ll always announce upgrades as soon as they become available.
Carrier partners often have additional features and test requirements that need to be completed for each device. These requirements vary from carrier to carrier and across different regions. They also have lab testing times that can range from weeks to months. In some cases, devices on older or less powerful chipsets may need more work to ensure good performance when running Lollipop.
We hope you enjoy this latest push of Lollipop! Let us know what other questions you have on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook, and we’ll keep answering. You can also check the software upgrades page for the latest status of your device and read our support FAQs and release notes for more information.
Posted by David Schuster, Software Updates
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Your Guide To The Ultimate Game Day Setup With Motorola
For the ultimate game, you’ll need the ultimate viewing setup. Here’s your guide for watching the game in all its multimedia glory with Motorola.
TV
The game airs on NBC this year. And while you’ll certainly want to watch the network feed to see the amazing ads, you’ll also need to check out NBC’s stream of the game, which is available on the web or the NBC Sports app. It promises to be an incredible multimedia experience, including multiple camera angles, live stats, instant replays, and more.
With Google Chromecast, it’s easy to stream the game to your living room. In fact, if you have a second TV, stream it there as well to give you and your guests another way to check out the action. Or look at how well the puppies are playing in their annual match up.
Phone
Before the kickoff, make sure your audio/video system is a well-oiled machine. Use the THX tune-up app on your Moto X to properly calibrate your TV and surround sound system.
Once the ball is in play, keep one eye on the TV and the other on your phone to follow all of the hashtag action on Twitter. If you don’t have it already, get the NFL Mobile app for your phone. It’s the best way for you and your friends to keep up with all of the gritty gridiron news, stats, videos, and more.
Make sure you're ready with Shazam. If this year’s game is anything like last year, some ads will feature exclusive content for Shazam users. If not, you can always use the app to find out what song is playing in that catchy car commercial.
Watch
Once the ball is in play, keep one eye on the TV and the other on your phone to follow all of the hashtag action on Twitter. If you don’t have it already, get the NFL Mobile app for your phone. It’s the best way for you and your friends to keep up with all of the gritty gridiron news, stats, videos, and more.
Make sure you're ready with Shazam. If this year’s game is anything like last year, some ads will feature exclusive content for Shazam users. If not, you can always use the app to find out what song is playing in that catchy car commercial.
Watch
Style. Functionality. Smack talk. And what better way to use your Moto 360 than to instantly talk some good-natured smack with your friends. Use your voice to send Hangouts to your friends. We’re pretty sure the intensity will translate. You can also get Twitter feed to your Moto 360 via the Twitter app.
With all of that excitement in the air, you’ll want to keep close tabs on your vital signs. With Moto Body, you can see your pulse jump with every heart-racing play. Also, if you’re feeling stuffed with nachos, walk it off at halftime, tracking your distance and calories burned as you do. You can even listen to music while you stroll and keep the party vibe going (without even taking your phone).
With all of that excitement in the air, you’ll want to keep close tabs on your vital signs. With Moto Body, you can see your pulse jump with every heart-racing play. Also, if you’re feeling stuffed with nachos, walk it off at halftime, tracking your distance and calories burned as you do. You can even listen to music while you stroll and keep the party vibe going (without even taking your phone).
When the final whistle blows and you’re sufficiently partied out, use Moto 360 to get a Lyft home safely.
Speaker
Speaker
Turn the party up with some music. Moto Stream lets you turn any speaker wireless, so it’s easy to stream music from your phone, tablet, computer, or Moto 360. Diehard fans may even consider switching over to some additional online game commentary. If you don’t mind sharing control, set Moto Stream to Heist Mode and let others stream tunes from their phones.
Food
Food
Your friends are arriving at your big party. They’ve brought their friends. And their friends’ friends. And you have two pizzas. Don’t worry about running to the store for more food and missing any of the game. Use the Eat24 app to order from select local restaurants from your Motorola device. Even better? You can do it from your Moto 360. Find out more at the Eat24 blog.
The field is set and so are you. Enjoy the game!
Posted by Lally Narwal, Product Marketing
The field is set and so are you. Enjoy the game!
Posted by Lally Narwal, Product Marketing
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Feel the #Motolove With Up to $140 Off Your Purchase at Motorola.com
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.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Motorola Returns to China Today - It Feels Good to Be Back
Together with hundreds of fans and guests we celebrated the launch of Moto X, Moto X Pro, Moto G and Moto Hint in China. It was a thrill to have so many people welcome us back with such enthusiasm.
Working on the HR Team at Motorola for nearly 3.5 years, I’ve been lucky to be able to share my passion for the company and its mission and products. Today, I had the opportunity to see that same passion in longtime Chinese Motorola fans. Here are a few of my favorite moments.
Motorola president Rick Osterloh spoke to fans and guests about Motorola’s history in China, and how important it was to us to be back and bring our products to people here.
In the Experience Zone, fans were invited to walk through a mock Moto lab, similar to our R&D labs in Chicago.
Earlier this month, fans in China were invited to choose their top color choices for Moto X. Today, Lenovo Mobile Business Group VP Zhang Hui revealed that turquoise was the color that got the most votes, and would be sold at a special price RMB 2,999.
It’s been great to see such amazing support at today’s launch event in Beijing. Being here for the return to my home country will always be one of my fondest Motorola memories.
Posted by Nicole Zhou, HR Manager, Beijing
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Meet the Craftsman Who Made a Moto X-inspired Bluetooth Gramophone (and Win One of His Speaker Blocks!)
We sat down with Ryan to learn more about his gramophone and how he came to make it.
What inspired you to make this product?
By 2011, I started seeing more and more people with smartphones, and one thing I noticed in particular was that they were using them to play music on. My flip phone had some songs on it, but these new phones had much improved speakers on them. I would see people playing music on their phones and instead of using headphones, they would just play music through the built-in speakers in the phone. At this point my wife had already upgraded and finally convinced me to upgrade too. I was amazed at how good the little built-in speaker was. I started tinkering in my garage looking for ways to amplify the speaker that was already built into the phone.
Can you tell us about how you designed the gramophone?
I started using musical instruments to amplify the speaker. I started by chopping damaged, unplayable trumpets, trombone, and French horns and using the bells of those instruments to make acoustic speakers. I then started looking for bigger and better ways to amplify the little speaker in the phones so I started using phonographs, gramophones, and tube radio horns. It originally started out as acoustic speakers, but phone models kept changing and with the introduction of so many tablets, I knew I needed something that could accommodate everything so I redesigned them into Bluetooth speakers.
How does your gramophone work?
These work on the same principle as a megaphone. Picture a football game where the cheerleader yells into the small end of a megaphone and it is amplified out through the large end.
Why combine a vintage gramophone horn from the '20s with modern technology?
There is something so intriguing about the mixing of technologies. I think that is why the steampunk culture is growing and why record players are making such a comeback. These speakers take modern music and give them a vintage feel. It is also really cool to listen to music from that era and feel like you are hearing it how they did.
You write on Etsy about how you made the device to match your Moto X! Why did you choose walnut and white for your phone and what did you think about when making the Bluetooth speaker to match?
I have been very drawn to Danish Mid-Century Modern furniture lately. With dressers and credenzas, it has been very popular to paint the trim white to contrast the wood drawers. I was excited to see the wood options for the new Moto X. I had to get the walnut and love how the white looks with it.
When I listened to a demo of your product, it sounded like the speaker has a vintage sound to it. Are there any special acoustics incorporated into your speaker and if yes, what were they?
Yes and no. There is nothing special that I am doing to these horns. I am using these horns the same way they were used 100 years ago. It is a very simple process. Music is going into the small end and it is being amplified out the big end. I am using modern technology to get the music to the horn, but it gets that vintage sound because it is being amplified the same way it was 100 years ago.
What's your favorite thing to play through the gramophone?
Etta James's "At Last" is always a go to when I am playing one for someone for the first time, but there are plenty of modern singers that sound amazing on these. One of my favorite songs to play is Lana del Rey's Video Games and Duffy sounds awesome too.
As I think about it, my smartphone really did change my life. I started making acoustic speakers which were inspired by my new phone. I put a couple online to see what people thought. An international publication found them and included them in an article and it blew up my little shop. Two weeks after the article hit, I had a wait list over 100 people long. I was able to quit my job as a restaurant manager two years ago, and this has been my full-time job ever since.
If you’re as inspired by Ryan’s work as we are, here’s your chance to win one of the SpeakerBlocks he created. Tweet your favorite song with the hashtag #MotoTunes for the chance to win starting at 1 p.m. CT.
Posted by the Motorola Blog Team
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
10 Things To Do With Moto Hint That Might Surprise You
Editor’s Note: Emily Price is a freelance tech journalist in San Francisco. We invited her to share her experience using Moto Hint, a discreet wireless ear bud that can give you complete control over your phone.
Bluetooth headsets are typically bulky, uncomfortable and pretty dorky looking. I’ve steered clear of them for the most part, but when Motorola released Moto Hint a few months ago, I had to give it a try. When paired with my Moto X (2nd Gen.), the tiny headset is capable of doing some pretty awesome stuff. Here are a few of my favorite things to do with Hint.
Get the weather
The weather in San Francisco isn’t as easy as just knowing what season it is. One day can be warm and sunny, while the next makes you want to bundle up in your favorite winter wear. While I’m getting ready in the morning, I can ask Hint what the weather is outside and decide if I need to grab a hoodie before heading outdoors.
Listen to my schedule
My morning typically kicks off with a walk around my neighborhood with my dog. While I’m leashing him up I can have Hint give me a rundown of my schedule for the morning and find out whether I need to grab a jacket or umbrella for our stroll. By the time we’ve made it downstairs to head outside I already have a good feel for my day.
Directions while biking
If you’ve ever tried to bike and look at Google Maps for directions, you know it’s not easy. If you’re trying to bike around San Francisco and dodge taxis, street cars and enthusiastic entrepreneurs — it’s downright impossible. One of my favorite uses for Hint is getting turn-by-turn directions in my ear while biking around the city. It’s tons better than trying to bike wearing headphones (you can’t hear the road) or constantly looking down at your phone.
If you’ve ever tried to bike and look at Google Maps for directions, you know it’s not easy. If you’re trying to bike around San Francisco and dodge taxis, street cars and enthusiastic entrepreneurs — it’s downright impossible. One of my favorite uses for Hint is getting turn-by-turn directions in my ear while biking around the city. It’s tons better than trying to bike wearing headphones (you can’t hear the road) or constantly looking down at your phone.
Play some tunes
I use Hint occasionally to listen to some tunes while I’m walking my dog or heading to my next meeting. Hint pulls music from YouTube, and I’ve found myself using it to play a tune I can’t get out of my head. The week before I went to see the Generationals play in San Francisco, Hint was pumping out their tunes daily.
Quick Google searches
I work from home, which means those questions you typically ask your coworkers? I ask them out loud to no one like a crazy person. With Hint, I can ask important questions like “What day is Christmas on this year?” and get an answer back instantly, without the need to pick up my phone or open another browser window in Chrome.
Easy texting
Texting is another thing I’ve really enjoyed doing with Hint. My Moto X can be charging across the room, and I can text friends about evening plans without having to touch my phone.
Texting is another thing I’ve really enjoyed doing with Hint. My Moto X can be charging across the room, and I can text friends about evening plans without having to touch my phone.
Answer calls without finding your phone
My phone typically lives in my purse or book bag when I’m out and about. With Hint, when a call comes in I can answer it without having to dig around in my bag and figure out where my phone is.
Easy call transitions
I’ve found myself reaching for Hint quite a bit at the end of the day. Around 6pm I’m often trying to cook dinner, which also happens to be when all my friends from back home decide they want to call and chat. With Hint, I can chat with friends while keeping my hands free for chopping veggies and even place calls myself without ever touching my phone.
Post to Facebook
Posting to Facebook using your voice isn't something you're probably going to do often, but it's a pretty killer feature. One day I remembered I needed to find someone to watch my dog Tucker the following weekend while I was at a wedding. From my bike, I posted a status message on Facebook asking if any of my friends can help out with the fur ball. By the time I got home, I already had a few messages.
Remind me to buy beer
I’m a huge craft beer fan. Unfortunately, my neighborhood doesn’t have a real good place to buy some of the brews I like to drink. With Hint, I can set a reminder to pick up some of the rare stuff when I’m downtown for meetings and near some better bottle shops.
Posted by Emily Price, Special to the Motorola Blog
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