Google Ara phone details dropped in OEM documents

It’s time to get another glimpse of what the first modular smartphone from Google is set to look like right out the gate. This device will be coming in three … Continue reading

Motorola names new president ahead of Lenovo deal

Motorola has named its new President and Chief Operating Officer, Rick Osterloh, a former Skype exec who has been running Motorola’s product management for the past two years. Osterloh, who … Continue reading

First Working Project Ara Prototype To Be Ready This Month

First Working Project Ara Prototype To Be Ready This MonthOne of the decisions we make when choosing smartphones is deciding if we are happy to trade off one feature for the other. For example you might like the HTC One M8’s design, but you prefer the Sony Xperia Z2’s camera, or you might like the Nokia Lumia 930’s design but prefer the Lumia 1520’s large screen instead.

This is why Google’s Project Ara has managed to get so much attention because modularity could eventually allow us to create the perfect smartphone for ourselves, much like how PC builders mix and match components to create the rig of their dreams, or at least one that’s value for money.

That being said, when can we expect Project Ara to be released? That is unfortunately still a mystery but the good news is that things have been progressing pretty well at Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects group because it seems that the first working prototype of Project Ara can be expected this month, and could be just in time for the Project Ara Developer Conference which will be taking place next week.

It has also been revealed that Google could be planning on testing Ara devices in South or Central American countries. These devices will be pretty basic and features a WiFi module, chipset, screen, and battery. This is because wireless hotspots are pretty common in such regions and by creating such devices (which apparently only cost $50 each to make), it could target emerging markets as well.

All in all Project Ara sounds like it is shaping up rather nicely and it is definitely something to look forward to in the future, so if you’d like to learn more, do check back with us from the 15th-16th of April during the Project Ara Developer Conference for the details!

First Working Project Ara Prototype To Be Ready This Month , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, , , project ara,



Leather Could Be An Option For Next-Gen Moto X [Rumor]

Leather Could Be An Option For Next Gen Moto X [Rumor]On the surface, Motorola’s Moto X handset looks quite normal, but thanks to Moto Maker, it allows users to customize their handset to their liking, at least visually. One of the more unique aspects of its design is that Motorola has offered wooden backplates which is a nice change of pace from the usual plastic, metal, or glass materials that we’ve gotten used to so far.

However according to a recent tweet by the ever-reliable @evleaks, it seems that Motorola could be shifting their focus away from wood to leather in 2014. The Moto X offered up a variety of different wooden backplates made from different types of woods, so it will be interesting to see what kind of leather finishes Motorola could offer this time around.

In fact earlier @evleaks also revealed that there is a new Moto X successor in the works called the Moto X + 1 (we know it sounds a little weird, but at least it stands out, right?), so we wouldn’t be completely surprised if the Moto X’s successor were to use the rumored leather finish as one of its options.

Leather finishes have been used on smartphones before, although they tend to be found on luxury handsets, so it will be nice to see it used on a “regular” device, but what do you guys think? Would a leather finish be something you’d be interested in, or did you prefer a wooden backplate instead?

Leather Could Be An Option For Next-Gen Moto X [Rumor] , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Rumors, , ,

    



Moto X Successor Might Be Called Moto X + 1

Moto X Successor Might Be Called Moto X + 1

Motorola came up with two highly appreciated smartphones last year, the Moto X and the Moto G. The former came first, being unveiled in August. It was Motorola’s flagship smartphone that held its ground against rivals. The company followed up with Moto G which was primarily aimed at emerging markets. Now there has been a lot of speculation about how the company is going to build on this success, and if the rumor mill is to be believed, the “Moto X + 1″ may carry the baton forward.

There hasn’t been any indication from the company as yet about its 2014 plans. Yes its going to launch new smartphone, but what they will be called and what they’ll have under the hood remains a mystery. Moreover, since Google has sold it to Lenovo, it remains to be seen if that transition has any effect on its plans for the year.

The “Moto X + 1″ bit comes from famed Twitter leaker @evleaks. He tweeted out what appears to a be logo for the Moto X successor, and without offering any additional information, only said that its “coming soon.” So one can’t exactly say when this phone is coming out, perhaps Motorola might aim for launch this summer.

It could pair the Moto X + 1 up with the Moto 360. The smartwatch is already expected to be launched over the summer, a pair would make sense. Samsung has been doing that since last year, when it launched Galaxy Gear alongside the Galaxy Note 3.

Moto X Successor Might Be Called Moto X + 1 , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, moto 360, , ,

    



The Moto G Forte Is Actually The Moto G With A Grip Shell Case

The Moto G Forte Is Actually The Moto G With A Grip Shell CaseJust the other day thanks to a tip by @evleaks, it was suggested that Motorola was working on a new Moto G handset called the Moto G Forte. At that time not much was known about the device but based on the photo and the rumors, it was suggested that the handset could be a more rugged version of the Moto G and could even come with waterproof capabilities as well.

It turns out that reality is definitely more boring because it seems that the Moto G Forte, as it has been launched in Latin American markets, is basically a Moto G that comes with the Grip Shell case preinstalled on it right out of the box. (more…)

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  • The Moto G Forte Is Actually The Moto G With A Grip Shell Case original content from Ubergizmo.

        



    Motorola Moto X Boot Animation Updated, Gets “Powered By Android”


    It was at the end of last month when we brought you whispers of Google working on a possible “Powered by Android” boot screen animation requirement for future Android-powered devices so that folks are well aware that the device they use runs on Google’s mobile operating system, instead of dubbing it a “Galaxy” or a “Droid”. Having said that, it seems that the Moto X has just received a new boot animation from Motorola that will feature the said “Powered by Android” boot screen.

    (more…)

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  • Motorola Moto X Boot Animation Updated, Gets “Powered By Android” original content from Ubergizmo.

        



    Motorola By Lenovo Brand Might Be Under Consideration

    Motorola By Lenovo Brand Might Be Under Consideration

    It has been a while since Google announced that its selling Motorola Mobility to Beijing-based Lenovo. When Google picked it up back in 2011 it didn’t put it through massive rebranding, it simply came to be known as “a Google company.” Once the deal closes and the company officially belongs to Lenovo, the world’s largest PC vendor will be able to rebrand it the way it wants to. Though Lenovo may have a lot to gain if it retains Motorola. The name itself has global recognition and could immensely help Lenovo in its aim of becoming a major player in the smartphone market.

    (more…)

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  • Motorola By Lenovo Brand Might Be Under Consideration original content from Ubergizmo.

        



    You Can Finally Use Moto Maker For Your Republic Wireless Moto X

    You Can Finally Use Moto Maker For Your Republic Wireless Moto X

    While you’ve been able to get the Moto X—the best affordable phone—on Republic Wireless—the cheapest unlimited plan—for several months now, you’ve been limited to boring ol’ black and white phones. No longer! Starting tomorrow (April 1) Republic Wireless will offer access to the colorrific Moto Maker , meaning you can design your phone to your heart’s content.

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    Moto G Boosts Motorola’s UK Market Share

    Moto G Boosts Motorolas UK Market ShareBased on all the reviews of the Moto G so far, including our own, the device has proven to be quite the hit. Granted it isn’t the most powerful Android handset available in the market at the moment, but given its hardware specs and its asking price, it certainly makes for a great value for money device.

    That being said it seems that the Moto G has actually helped Motorola achieve a higher market share in the UK. According to a recent Kantar Worldpanel report, the Moto G helped Motorola achieve a 6% market share in the UK. This is pretty small but given that Motorola’s presence in the UK was almost non-existent, according to Kantar, this is a pretty big achievement. (more…)

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  • Moto G Boosts Motorola’s UK Market Share original content from Ubergizmo.