This is kinda a question and a discussion starter.
The Moto X has allot going for it above other phones:
-It has great battery life
-It has features aimed at the general consumer and keeps the interface looking pretty while doing it
-It has the Moto Maker
-It looks beautiful and unique (wood backs anyone?)
-The price is great for the specs
-The screen is bright and clear despite being only 720p
-Aiming at the everyday consumers not just the geeker consumers
-The marketing budget I think was close to 500 million (I may be wrong)
-It is on all carriers, and has big displays in all their stores (when I was looking around my area at carrier's stores to see if this is true a couple of stores had people actually were looking at the Moto X with delight)
-It has several other small features like fast updates and a decent camera
-Insert other things I forgot to add of what it has going for it
So my question is this. With all these things going for it why wasn't it successful? It is a phone that could have competed with the likes of Samsung and Apple and would have done well doing so, this has always confused me.
Sent from my Moto X which is better than the S4 or HTC One
1. Most people like high end specs which the phone kinda lacks.
2. Not enough exposure in media
Motorola did a great job with moto x. I hope they continue with it.
Sent from my XT1056 using xda app-developers app
I have no idea where they spent that marketing budget but the blame has to rest solely on them. So many tech and industry people agree the Moto X was one of the top devices or the top device of 2013. The engineering team who designed it should be extremely proud of the design and features. It really was a total let down in the advertising department - they really needed to push touchless control and active notifications.
Comes down to sammy and apple, those 2 brands seem to be in peoples minds , cool & hip. If you have neither you're second class. I was offered an s4 from Rogers which would have cost me less but I just preferred the feel of how the moto felt in my hands, nor did I want to follow the herd. bah bah bah bah
Sent on my Gummy running Lenoto X
Here's what I think. While people know about Motorola, they know Samsung and Apple better. Just about everyone I've talked to knows who Samsung is and what they make for the most part. The Galaxy S series is very popular and has a lot of media attention. The Moto X didn't get a lot of this and MotoMaker even less. Apple on the other hand has a loyal crowd. Macintosh is one of the top three operating systems and a good chunk of those that use Macs are going to to pick up an iPhone because it's an Apple product.
I work as an indirect cell phone retailer (basically I sell AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and a lot of prepaid). When I talk with a customer, almost all of them know about the newest Samsung Galaxy S and/or the newest iPhone. I will also get customers the come in and ask "what's the best phone?" (I love getting asked this) I'll try to ask questions to help find a phone that fits their needs, but most will just pick the phone with the most features, specs, or the simplest to operate.
The thing is, most of us here probably spend a good amount of time looking into the phones we're interested in. We learn what works, doesn't work, how optimized (or not) the system is, and so on. We here are generally the minority of cell phone consumers. Those that have done their "homework" don't come to me asking what phone to get. They generally get the phone themselves and usually off-contract. The majority of consumers will get a familiar named phone that has features and high specs, even if a mid-range phone that's optimized can out perform it.
I think I'm gonna start referring to the iPhone 5S as a midrange device with its 640p screen, dual-core processor, and 1GB of RAM. I don't think 1080p would be beneficial in a 4.7" screen. Offloading the sensor and voice data to tailored DSPs was a smart choice too.
Anyway, it takes time to chip away at the big names like Samsung and Apple.
Where the 2013 Nexus 7 gets praise for its quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro (a rebadged S600), the Moto X gets derided for its dual-core S4 Pro (also using most of the S600 internals). People think it's old hardware, but it's not. That was another uphill battle for Motorola.
A better camera would have resulted in my wife and sister both getting one. I can deal with it, they can't.
However for the first time in years I was asked "what kind of phone is that" by someone. the cashier at home Depot when they were scanning my return email off my phone. "I like the size, it's not huge".
I think moto is (was) off to a great start with a new line of phones with great performance and not huge. Hell the new galaxy s5 is going to be as big as the note at 5.25". What iphoner is going to do that? Not my mom that's for sure. But the x could win those people over over the next few generations of devices.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Yeah...I don't think Motorola failed as much as Samsung and apple succeeded.
People get iPhone and Samsung thrown at them in ads and word of mouth....so that's what they buy.
It will be hard to change that. Very. Look at iPhone. They've made no significant changes in years. Same old thing...just slightly quicker. But people are buying them...cause that's what their friends have. LOL
It may never change. The other makers can just hope to turn a profit at this point.....beating out the two giants will be a long haul.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
The general public does know about devices like we do. If you asked most people if they knew what was different about the iPhone 5s they would say its gold and has a finger print scanner. Its all word of mouth really. Everybody at my work had I phones but one person bought a galaxy so now everyone else bought a galaxy. Once I go to work with my bamboo back x they will drool.
I have literally owned every smartphone that att has sold plus Nexus's. Moto x blows all of those phones away.
Yeah, I can't even count the number of GS4 and GN3 variants there are internationally. Samsung sells their products EVERYWHERE. They have some serious market penetration, which partially explains their ridiculous sales numbers.
The rest is brand identity. Old Motorola shot themselves in the foot by not offering the same branded phone on every carrier. On Verizon, you could get a Droid RAZR HD, but on AT&T, it was its cousin the Atrix HD. There was no continous brand identity like there is now with the Moto X and Moto G. That helped Samsung build up their Galaxy line too.
Apple and Samsung have its OWN "shiny" stores in malls and stands in Best Buy. Apple was the first one to open cool stores, now Samsung is doing the same.
Moto X arrived in summer without motomaker and was like on 1 or 2 carriers in USA, months later it came to motomaker and was available on all carriers, and now half a year later its available internationally. Half a year is a long time, its already an "old" phone....we got G2, G Flex, and soon S5 coming out.
All I gotta say is... It's a marathon, not a foot race.
Motorola has broken into the smartphone game again, but they need tablets, phablets, laptops and wearables. They need to be competitive in every aspect of people's lives, then and only then will they gain the market share. That my friends will take time and support from us, the true Motorola fans.
MotoX GSM Developer Edition, Bootloader Unlocked, Rooted, Stock 4.4.2 Great Britain on T-Mobile !
Moto_G said:
Only available in USA on initial release is the biggest problem.
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Only available on AT&T as well. Bad move by Motorola.
Really simple... money.
Samsung can spend tons of money on marketing, Apple doesn't necessarily needs (its just hype), but they also spend a lot...
Motorola have made the perfect phone, but it lacks on money for advertising and distribution...
That's why I'm please with Lenovo acquisition, they got tons and tons of money and, as it appears, they want to keep Motorola as it is but expand the market distribution.
They need to spend billions in ads campaign and have their super bowl commercials. The word "Motorola" doesn't really rhyme with hip. Another factor is the last two Moto phones are made for ergonomic use and price value, it's not the current fad. You can argue Apple is ergonomic, but the MotoX is lost in the sea of Android big screen phones. The current fad is subsidized 2 years contract and a 6" phablet with high end specs and bloatwares with poor software optimization.
Also MotoX and G just came out for a short time, they need more time to build up the 'Moto' name. There are only two devices now (that's how I see it), it's early days, eventually they'll have to make phablet and tablets as well.
sent via my Le Motonovo X
Only one real answer to this question, the rest of the answers like "specs" are not true (most customers don't know). Answer is marketing.
I don't know if that is true. I have seen several commercials about it. I may be wrong though.
Sent from my XT1060 using xda app-developers app
rupterr said:
Only available on AT&T as well. Bad move by Motorola.
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what are you talking about? moto x is available on pretty much every carrier in the us.
lenovo buying motorola will be very good for moto x sales moving forward. lenovo is the 3rd largest phone manufacturer and make very high quality ones at that. hopefully they only look to improve the moto x not change it.
I'd say marketing (see iPhone) and most people are specs/benchmarks whores.
sicmadek said:
what are you talking about? moto x is available on pretty much every carrier in the us.
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It was only available thru AT&T in the U.S. when initially released. It took a couple of months for the other carriers to get it. That's where Motorola failed.
Related
...that there will most likely never ever be an official superphone Nexus 2?
With the online store a relative failure, we will probably have to buy new phones from our carriers (or from the manufacturers God willing) and yea...kinda sucks.
I wish Google REALLY tried to change the game and A) made sure HTC used the absolute BEST materials and hardware for the N1, B) priced it at like 300 without contract and 100 on contract and C) MARKETED THE HELL OUT OF IT
oh well... :-/
I see the Nexus one as a Massive success, personally. Check out all of the newer android phones on the market since it was released.
Compare to the HTC Hero, Samsung Moment, or Moto Droid.
Would definitely be a bummed. I was only going to buy nexus successors, with all the damn new choices all the damn time that would've given some order to my life. Plus its the only reason I renewed with t-mobile. Ill hold out hope at least until January 5th...
Nexus 2
Man that sucks, It would mean that the Nexus 1 is my last Android phone! (I'm waiting on the Nexus 2)
The Nexus One may not have been the insanely high volume sales success of other devices out there. But that doesn't mean it was a failure. In fact, IIRC, Google has come out and said that based on the sales figure, it has technically been a success for them. Whether or not there will be a "Nexus Two" is purely speculation at this point. There's only one way to find out (wait).
And either way, I doubt there will be any disappointment either way. If there is a Nexus Two, then everyone here can go WOOHOO! And if there isn't a Nexus Two, I'm sure something will come out around its ETA that is equally as stunning to those waiting for it.
regardless if there is or isnt going to be a Nexus 2 the Nexus 1 is an amazing phone and has begun aging gracefully. I can say that any Android phone i get in the future i will judge it on how awesome it is/isnt in comparison to my Nexus 1
Did you know that the 2 most discussed device specific sub forums here are the the HD2 and the Nexus sub forums?
What does that tell you?
lorin.bute said:
Did you know that the 2 most discussed device specific sub forums here are the the HD2 and the Nexus sub forums?
What does that tell you?
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That we're a bunch of social butterflies and those "other people" are the silent types.
slowz3r said:
regardless if there is or isnt going to be a Nexus 2 the Nexus 1 is an amazing phone and has begun aging gracefully. I can say that any Android phone i get in the future i will judge it on how awesome it is/isnt in comparison to my Nexus 1
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+1. And, it's nice knowing that updates will continue to come straight from Google while others will be at the mercy of the carriers. I rarely keep a phone for more than 6 months or so, but I can't see giving up my N1 anytime soon.
AvengerBB said:
+1. And, it's nice knowing that updates will continue to come straight from Google while others will be at the mercy of the carriers. I rarely keep a phone for more than 6 months or so, but I can't see giving up my N1 anytime soon.
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I see all these "new" phones coming out with 1Ghz processors and AMOLED screens and such and i always go "been there done that". Phones IMHO are just now catching up to the Nexus.
So unless there is something "new" that my nexus doesn't have then i wont be getting a new phone any time soon. And by something new i dont mean a bigger screen because i should be able to put a phone in my pocket without feeling like its gonna break in half, or it makes it uncomfortable to sit down. *cough cough EVO and Droid*
Erm, I thought you could still buy the nexus one sim free from shops, or at least expansys.
I think we'll be spoilt for choice even if there isn't a "nexus two" because HTC are obviously comitted to android phones and aside from various other brands Samsung seem to have come out with a really nice phone in the Galaxy S.
the main reason I got the N1 was because it's uncluttered from carrier overlays, it's 'pure' android (i switched from an iPhone 3G) - and I prefer being contract free.
I hope there is a N2, although I do like the looks of the Droid X (I'm in Europe though). there's plenty of life left in my N1 ...
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
I'm not upset in the slightest.
Yes there are other phones out there with similar/better specs...but from the a developers stand point, its there favorite toy at the moment.
I'm glad that the Nexus One came because it set a new standard beyond the 528 MHz Qualcomms that Android devices were stuck on, and even now has barely been eclipsed in terms of speed or features. There are no phones out right now that I would consider a true upgrade from the N1, more of a side-grade.
I agree we will never see a Nexus Two, and yes, it does make me sad.
I HATE carrier provided phones
They're always laden with ****ware.
There will always be an ADP (Android developer phone) It just may not be called Nexus.
Clarkster said:
There will always be an ADP (Android developer phone) It just may not be called Nexus.
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But none of the developer phones have supported the AT&T or Rogers 3G bands. I'm afraid that no Nexus 2 means no more AT&T support on developer phones.
Dammit.
where is there a competitive smarthphone today that is $300 unsubsidized period?
Given the business and licensing model of Android, there will always have to be some kind of benchmark. Something that defines the minimum spec needed to run new OS versions. What features are needed, what hardware is required, what level of overhead can developers use for their apps. This wasn't as important when there was only 4 models around, 3 of which were from the same manufacturer.
This benchmark doesn't need to be made available to consumers, see the Android Dev phones released prior to the N1. It does need to exist. However, Google also seems interested in pushing the exterior to look as polished as the guts, so if you're going through the expense of creating hardware, software and a casing, why not sell it?
Besides with the N1 just now becoming available in B&M stores worldwide (Vodafone aside), it's consumer success/failure is just now being decided.
the two main reasons i love the nexus are that it has cutting edge hardware, and i was (still am) hoping a new one would come each year, like the iphone. It would be nice to be able to depend on a yearly upgrade, then i could sit back and enjoy the insanity around me that is the ever evolving, ultra competitive, Android industry...i love it, i just cant keep up with it, i need some sort of order and stability in my life!
So I currently own a S4 on Verizon. I've been wanting the X and my dad said he'd buy my S4 and I found someone with a brand new Moto X 16 gb for $300. I really love the design, nexus like look, and special features of the X. I've played with one at best buy an it is really fast. I'm just worried about a new one coming out soon. I know there will always be new technology but since this has been out for a few months, I'm skeptical. Also the 16gb worries me. I think I've read you're left with 11gb new. I just feel I'm going backwards lol
So I figured I'd ask the users of Moto Xs and see what you guys think. Not really asking if its better than the S4, just if its smart or not to get one at this point. It actually won't cost me anything an I'd actually make some money from selling my dads current S3.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
The trend for Apple and Samsung has been to release a new phone every year (so we should officially hear about the Galaxy S5 in March)
Considering the Moto X hit USA Carrier shelves starting in the tail end of August, if Moto follows that "new release every year" trend, then you're not even halfway through the X's shelf life yet. (only about 4 months of 12).
So if you're just worried about "timing" and you like the phone, then get it... otherwise consider....
Coming from a Galaxy S4, consider the smaller screen. Can your eyes adjust? Non-Removable battery (but the X has better life than my VZW GS4), Camera differences (at first GS4 was noticeably better, but with the recent updates, the X's camera matches the GS4's outdoor and good light abilities, it still lags in low light a little), no removable memory slot (so your MP3's, pix, videos have to take up space in the X's main memory).
Out of the box, a 16gig demo X I had for a while had more memory/storage available than my 16gig GS4 (11gig vs 9). I would still opt for the 32gig model X due to lack of removable Micro-SD slot if you want to keep stuff locally on your phone. That being said, I have friends who got 16gig models, haven't filled them up, and are perfectly happy. Me, I have 7 gig of music on my phone and take lots of pictures of my son (who just turned 5).
The X is my daily driver. I get phones free for my job and for a while via the VCC (don't ask) for personal use. (full list of my phones is -> HERE) The X was the first phone *I purchased* since I got my Moto E815 back in 2006. After using a carrier supplied 16gig Demo X for two months, I purchased the Dev Edition X for Verizon (full price) in early November, and its been my daily driver since. If you look at my phone list, and consider an X (first the demo and now my Dev X) has been on my personal line since early September when I originally got the demo X, you should get an idea of how much I like this phone.
I lived with a 16gb Nexus 4 for a year and unless you have a large music collection, keep many movies on your device or download many 1gb+ games then you will be fine with 16gb. I hovered around 5gb left while keeping one or two full backups as I was flashing roms alot on the N4, that said I was deleting stuff on a regular basis to keep memory free.
If you plan on rooting I would personally recommend the Developer Edition, unlocking and gaining root is very simple and you retain your full Motorola warranty even after unlocking. It is also 32gb, selling the S3 & S4 you should be close to it not costing you anything.
Thank you guys a lot. Very nice info. Yeah, timing is a good reason I was hesitant to pull the trigger. But knowing its still not half way through is nice to know.
Smaller screen, I believe I can adjust. I didn't have any issues when I played with it in best buy. Now I'm sure I'll realize it more as I use it more but I think it'll be okay. Its more knowing I'm going from 1080p to 720, but I know its not a huge difference an really only noticeable if you set the devices next to one another. I don't store anything on my phone. All music is through Google music. Though I keep a couple playlists of about 100 songs each stored on phone through Google music, but not a huge deal since I have unlimited data. I also never change out batteries so the removal one isn't a deal breaker.
Lastly I Dont bother rooting my phones anymore cause I always end up tinkering too much lol so I just want a solid, fast device. I'm just tired of Samsung's slow UI cover. Plus I hear so much praise on the X with its features that I want to try. Just worry downgrading in specs but I know performance is just as good as the S4. Main thing is the screen I guess.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
The colors on the Moto X are better imo as well as many other people then the S4. As far as specs just remember this might be the first time the software and hardware have been trully optimized for Android, when that's done there is no need to use more processor cores just like Apple has been doing with I-phones.
I have been a flashing junkie since I bought an original Droid, I rooted my Dev Edition for the main purpose of using Titanium Backup for games and apps in case there is a bad update in the Play Store. I found using Xposed with the Gravity Box module gave me practically every option I usually looked for in a rom while using the stock software, I have since flashed all my families devices back to stock and use Gravity Box.
I don't think you have to worry about Moto releasing a new phone until late summer/fall, they know that style of releasing phones every few months doesn't work for them as it does for Samsung. Producing quality handsets and supporting them with very fast updates is winning Motorola new/past customers and the way they are treating the Android community is something that the other OEM's should strive to emulate.
Yeah the internal specs Dont bother me much because the I know the performance is still top notch. Its mostly the the screen adjustment and going for a 5" screen to 4.7". But I think itd be nice to be able to use my phone again with one hand lol my S4 I can do most things one handed but there are still definitely instances where I need two.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
tu3218 said:
Yeah the internal specs Dont bother me much because the I know the performance is still top notch. Its mostly the the screen adjustment and going for a 5" screen to 4.7". But I think itd be nice to be able to use my phone again with one hand lol my S4 I can do most things one handed but there are still definitely instances where I need two.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
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If you decide to buy, I have a way to knock $50 off for you http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2617346
freeintruth said:
If you decide to buy, I have a way to knock $50 off for you http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2617346
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Thank you so much but I'd be buying it from someone off Craigslist for $300, brand new in package. But I appreciate the offer.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
I don't see how the Moto x2 could be much better. LOL
Plus it'll cost way more.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...
Absolutely. The X is the first phone I don't really care what the internal specs are or feel compelled to switch to CM or any other roms. I love it.
S3 ->Note 2 -> s4 -> HTC one -> nexus 4 -> moto x
My point is I've slowly downgraded the spec sheet and have no regrets. Comparing apples to apples. Every device listed was running AOSP/AOKP/CM and the last 2 phones have been by far the smoothest even though on paper they don't quite stack up to the others. Battery life is above average but not great in my opinion but the ergonomics of this phone is one of the best I've had in a long time
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
Best phone I've ever owned. It's so fast and fluid even with the "inferior" specs. Not only that, but coming from a Droid DNA with its 1080p screen, I prefer the Moto X screen with the much nicer colors and I can't even tell the difference in resolution.
Get the Moto X.
Putting in my 2 cents,
I have had a Galaxy note 2 with a 5.5in screen for the past year. I love the phone, mostly due to the amazing battery life and the large screen.
I bought my wife a Moto X last week. I have since rooted it, and have been tinkering with it. I gotta say, I want one. I don't really mind the difference in screen size that much. Battery life is just as good, if not better (remains to be further tested). Always on voice controls are super cool. And you have kitkat.
I wouldn't pay attention to the so called "specs". Yeah it's a dual core compared to my quad core Note 2, but in reality it is just as snappy (if not snappier)
Plus, my Note 2's compass sensor has always been dysfunctional. It never was steady, just jumps around. When I saw Windy Day and how flawlessly it worked with the built-in sensors, I was blown away.
I think Motorola is on the right path. With the recently lowered prices, near stock experience and the unlocked developer edition (on Verizon, which I still can't believe those bastards allowed it) Moto X is an awesome phone with great value. I especially like that Moto is going for improving the overall experience rather than getting into a pissing contest over specs.
I hate, really *HATE* Verizon, but let's face it, they have the best LTE network and I still happen to have unlimited data. I especially hate their practice of not letting anybody else sell devices that are compatible with Verizon's network (ie. Nexus 7). I hate the fact that I can't simply buy a cheap new phone from the manufacturer, but instead have to buy them from Verizon or their approved vendors like BestBuy for much more than what they would cost direct from the manufacturer.
I honestly can't believe that Motorola was able to price the Moto X at $399 with no contract on Verizon. Verizon likes to say that the phones actually cost $700 but you're getting a $400 discount when you sign a contract and pay $300 for the phone, when in reality, the phone would cost $400 and you're only getting a hundred bucks for signing the contract. Kudos to Moto. I hope it sets the stage for other manufacturers
tu3218 said:
Its mostly the the screen adjustment and going for a 5" screen to 4.7".,
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Coming from a Note 2, the adjustment wasn't difficult at all. The only thing I miss is multi-window.
nhizzat said:
Coming from a Note 2, the adjustment wasn't difficult at all. The only thing I miss is multi-window.
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Verizon has the moto x for 50 bucks right now with a 2 year contract. I just bought one for my son. My wife and I both have the DE phones I paid 450 each on motorola.com...I have unlimited on both. Best phone I have ever owned hands down.
Well my original offer fell through but I'm suppose to be getting a 32gb version tomorrow for $350. So fingers crossed!
I never use multiwindow on my S4 so won't miss that. And the IR blaster, very cool but I only use when screwing around with friends TVs lol I think in the end, the moto x has more useful extras than the galaxy devices.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
If you're worried about space, it does come with 50gb added to your drive storage on Google
Sent from my XT1060 using xda app-developers app
Yeah true. Well since I'm gonna get a 32gb version, I should be set.
I just hope this phone doesn't show its age too soon. Just read an artical comparing the nexus 5 and X. Talking about the X showing its age quicker. Which is obvious since the nexus 5 has upgraded processor, etc. But just hoping I don't slow downs in speed and use in a year from now.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
This phone is hands-down the best that I've ever used. Not only in performance, but features too.
tu3218 said:
Yeah true. Well since I'm gonna get a 32gb version, I should be set.
I just hope this phone doesn't show its age too soon. Just read an artical comparing the nexus 5 and X. Talking about the X showing its age quicker. Which is obvious since the nexus 5 has upgraded processor, etc. But just hoping I don't slow downs in speed and use in a year from now.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app[/QUOTE
If you have the mindset about not getting a phone because its going to be outdated or not the newest, shiniest in a year your never going to get a phone!!!
The phone cycle is practically six months or so.
To be honest, phones are hitting their critical ass point ad far as specs go. When all these reviews talk about this phone is faster than that one they're talking millisecond at this point.
Find a phone that you like size wise, screen looks good to you and just buy it.
If you don't ur always gonna be waiting for the next new thing.
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Hey there,
Just read the recent news that Google has sold off Motorola Mobility to Lenovo. While I can't say this is surprising news, given recent rumors, it does change the landscape for current and perspective Moto X owners. So what are your thoughts? What does the acquisition mean for the relationship between El Goog and Moto, for future support of the X, and for the brand as a whole?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
How do we know this changes anything? Does anyone really know to what degree, if any, Google was responsible for the Moto X? The only thing official that I heard was they would not be involved with Moto's day to day business.
The only changes I see coming are decisions that will be made to return Moto to profitability. Those may or may not be a good thing, but I don't see it affecting the Moto X during its life cycle.
I also think Motorola has a multi-year agreement to continue to make "Droid" line phones for Verizon.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Solutions Etcetera said:
How do we know this changes anything? Does anyone really know to what degree, if any, Google was responsible for the Moto X? The only thing official that I heard was they would not be involved with Moto's day to day business.
The only changes I see coming are decisions that will be made to return Moto to profitability. Those may or may not be a good thing, but I don't see it affecting the Moto X during its life cycle.
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Well, the design choices for the Moto X are definitely very Google in the style of the device, the focus on voice and on the phone trying to tell what you're doing by what its sensors tell it. The lack of crap-ware (at least to a bare minimum compared to Samsung and other manufacturers) is also not something you see often in the handset market. I'm not sure how much anything will impact the Moto X, but it is conceivable that it will impact it very little. However, it is also conceivable that since Lenovo desires to make a brand for itself in the handset market of the US that they are going to try to compete the same way the big players in the handset market do now. It is also the same way that Windows machines are built now, which Lenovo is very good at, load the machines up with as much crap and trialware as possible. They do this on Windows computers because say Norton pays them a large chunk of money to bundle their crap with the computer and this makes the device turn a larger profit margin per unit.
If Lenovo attempts to do the same thing with the Moto X once they have control over the platform they could very well decide to do the same thing, Verizon already does this with NFL mobile even on the Moto X. We could see an increase in trialware and other similar cruft, the note of the day for mobile devices is also currently ecosystem, is there something that Lenovo has they could try to load onto mobile devices to try to lock a person into their ecosystem, I think here to Apple's iTunes only devices but also Samsung making their devices interface with other Samsung devices to the detriment of the device experience as a whole.
I would like to see Lenovo start to take the high road and spend less time on crufting up and crapifying the OS and more time increasing value with an eye toward simplicity and the kind of 'just works' point of view that made the iPhone originally so powerful. This point of view toward simplicity and innovation also has made the Moto X so desirable.
---------- Post added at 04:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:45 PM ----------
hehfahq said:
I also think Motorola has a multi-year agreement to continue to make "Droid" line phones for Verizon.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
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I don't think the Droid line is ever going away really, it is an excellent brand with superb name recognition. It would be silly of them to stop making them, even without an agreement. Lenovo does this with the ThinkPad line that is bought the name to.
titanshadow said:
Well, the design choices for the Moto X are definitely very Google in the style of the device
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Hmm... Not if you consider what Google has chosen for the Nexus phone of late. Based on that, I'd say that it was quite the departure.
Solutions Etcetera said:
Hmm... Not if you consider what Google has chosen for the Nexus phone of late. Based on that, I'd say that it was quite the departure.
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You have a point, they are quite divergent from the Nexus line, but also from Motorola's Droid line as well. It does beg the question of who hatched the idea for the design doesn't it?
titanshadow said:
You have a point, they are quite divergent from the Nexus line, but also from Motorola's Droid line as well. It does beg the question of who hatched the idea for the design doesn't it?
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We may never know, but my money is on Motorola. I have always been a fan of their hardware. But not so much regarding the software experience. I don't think it would take a rocket scientist to make the determination that stock Android has matured enough at this point to not mess with it so much.
I think the one thing that Motorola might have taken from Google is more of a willingness to listen to your customers, and by this I mean users and not carriers. I think with the Moto X they have really stepped it up in this regard. It has resulted in the first real hit they have had in some time (with both the press and user communities). I doubt they will waiver from this discovery anytime soon.
Lenovo built IBMs Thinkpads before buying the brand, and for the most part the Thinkpad series has decent reputation. I think Lenovo will build Motorola into a formidable competitor to Samsung, which for current Motorola device owners will benefit.
Google hasn't exactly been a picnic for Motorola. Through sell-offs and layoffs they have trimmed Moto's workforce from ~20000 employees prior to their acquisition down to 3800. Hopefully Lenovo provides a cash influx into Moto, which has been hemorrhaging money for Google, and Google's continued cost cutting for Moto did NOT bode well for them.
One has to believe that Lenovo bought Moto with idea of building them up to become a force again in the handset market. What other reason could there be? Google got the patents out of them, Moto was not in direct competition with Lenovo and they're not exactly a cash cow for them to bleed dry.
I'm adopting a wait and see attitude but I really don't see the acquisition as a bad thing at this point.
to Lenovo. Makes me wonder what's in store for the future. Speculate below.
skeevydude said:
to Lenovo. Makes me wonder what's in store for the future. Speculate below.
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OMG NO! I was hoping for a real GOOGLE/motorola NEXUS. Anyways http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2629392
I'm mobile and didn't zoom in....lol
Google had this on mind since before rhey bought Moto. What they actually got off that deal were the Patents. They need it more power against apple.
Sad news
Makes me wonder if we're still going to get the official KitKat.
Sent from my MB886 using xda app-developers app
TecknoFreak said:
Google had this on mind since before rhey bought Moto. What they actually got off that deal were the Patents. They need it more power against apple.
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Against microsoft+ patent portfolio. Microsoft makes more profit per device using android on licensing than google for the entierty...
Sent from my MB886 using Tapatalk
I knew they bought Moto for the patents, but I didn't think they'd drop them this quick. That said, Lenovo buying them could be a blessing in disguise. Lenovo almost runs the low end market and isn't known for uber locked devices like Moto is. I can see futute Moto phones being a much more open platform if Lenovo sees that the closed nature (and lack of updates) of Moto is their weak point. As for us and KitKat??? I dunno. I just hope it's not a wish in one hand, crap in the other situation. We really won't know anything until Lenovo releases their business plan.
Yeah i know. Google just trying to stay strong/stronger with their nexus phones. They will try the best they can to minimize the android manufacturing market and in the future narrow it to just be google phones on their operating system that be. The way i see everything they are doing is the way i picture this. :what: :banghead:
From what I've read Google might do away with Nexus altogether and is trying to pressure manufactures to not alter AOSP and release phones without Touchwiz, Blur, etcetera. Google's trying to only do the Android software and not hardware. Apparently some manufactures (Sammy) felt Google would screw them by releasing phones with newer Android versions first and make them look bad by being behind in software. IMHO, no Nexus or Moto Mobility not being Google owned might not be a bad thing IF manufactures actually release AOSP phones -- it could make the market more competitive in terms of quality hardware and price if manufactures weren't too busy doing piss-poor skins...granted some aren't bad, but most suck, especially 2.2 Blur.
Up!
skeevydude said:
I knew they bought Moto for the patents, but I didn't think they'd drop them this quick. That said, Lenovo buying them could be a blessing in disguise. Lenovo almost runs the low end market and isn't known for uber locked devices like Moto is. I can see futute Moto phones being a much more open platform if Lenovo sees that the closed nature (and lack of updates) of Moto is their weak point. As for us and KitKat??? I dunno. I just hope it's not a wish in one hand, crap in the other situation. We really won't know anything until Lenovo releases their business plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if their record with the IBM Thinkpad and now their own branded devices is any indication, Google is right, Lenovo will do more good/right for Motorola Mobility hardware. It isn't/wasn't Google's intention on doing anything with the phone hardware market as they stated anyways.
As I said, I would have liked a Google Motorola Nexus phone, before they handed them off, but oh well. Here's to hoping Lenovo's strengths behind Motorola bares fruit and competition for the good of the consumers.
clockcycle said:
Well if their record with the IBM Thinkpad and now their own branded devices is any indication, Google is right, Lenovo will do more good/right for Motorola Mobility hardware. It isn't/wasn't Google's intention on doing anything with the phone hardware market as they stated anyways.
As I said, I would have liked a Google Motorola Nexus phone, before they handed them off, but oh well. Here's to hoping Lenovo's strengths behind Motorola bares fruit and competition for the good of the consumers.
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The X (Dev Edition) and G are the closest to a Moto Nexus that we'll get, sadly (I don't like either, wanted a G, no video out was the deal breaker).
Keep in mind that the sale isn't complete until the American Government approves it. The sale might not go through if AG doesn't want the Chinese (Lenovo) to have IBM and MM.
skeevydude said:
The X (Dev Edition) and G are the closest to a Moto Nexus that we'll get, sadly (I don't like either, wanted a G, no video out was the deal breaker).
Keep in mind that the sale isn't complete until the American Government approves it. The sale might not go through if AG doesn't want the Chinese (Lenovo) to have IBM and MM.
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IMO X & G aren't much more / enough of a move from my Atrix HD for me.
clockcycle said:
IMO X & G aren't much more / enough of a move from my Atrix HD for me.
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My thoughts as well. I'd have really considered the G if it had some sort of hdmi out, but I can't justify the X's price for some extra low powered cores and a spiffy design. I don't have to go into the lack of sdcards...I'm pretty vocal about that.
If we get Official KitKat with HDMI fixed and a 3.2 or 3.4 kernel then this platform will keep me happy for a good while longer, though I would like a phablet sized Atrix HD....or a phablet from Moto with the same usb/hdmi configuration we have (for my lapdock) and an sd slot. I don't need a tablet, but I'd like a slightly bigger screen for reading books. Hopefully Lenovo will come through and deliver where Moto's been failing. They're ambitious and want to have an American market, no screwing us and it up will give them exactly what they want (Sammy's Business).
/BF4 + Mantle is here
//Damn Netflix movie needs to end. Finally installed the updated Catalyst driver with Mantle and the nets congested so I can't play :crying:
///Mantle let me increase some lows to medium and some mediums to high and increased my framerate from 50's to 60 smooth (single player) :victory:
skeevydude said:
My thoughts as well. I'd have really considered the G if it had some sort of hdmi out, but I can't justify the X's price for some extra low powered cores and a spiffy design. I don't have to go into the lack of sdcards...I'm pretty vocal about that.
If we get Official KitKat with HDMI fixed and a 3.2 or 3.4 kernel then this platform will keep me happy for a good while longer, though I would like a phablet sized Atrix HD....or a phablet from Moto with the same usb/hdmi configuration we have (for my lapdock) and an sd slot. I don't need a tablet, but I'd like a slightly bigger screen for reading books. Hopefully Lenovo will come through and deliver where Moto's been failing. They're ambitious and want to have an American market, no screwing us and it up will give them exactly what they want (Sammy's Business).
/BF4 + Mantle is here
//Damn Netflix movie needs to end. Finally installed the updated Catalyst driver with Mantle and the nets congested so I can't play :crying:
///Mantle let me increase some lows to medium and some mediums to high and increased my framerate from 50's to 60 smooth (single player) :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rumored 1 of 2 devices moto has is a 6.3" device in it's lineup. Lenovo says it wont interfere with the lineup.
Sent from my MB886 using Tapatalk
clockcycle said:
Rumored 1 of 2 devices moto has is a 6.3" device in it's lineup. Lenovo says it wont interfere with the lineup.
Sent from my MB886 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Had to Google that. It's gonna be called the X Play and rumored to be released sometime this year. It better have an sd slot and the same usb/hdmi configuration or I'll be pissed....but I'd settle with 64-128gb internal if no sd is available....and an unlocked bootloader --> that's essential.
Rumors also said that Lenovo isn't gonna mess with what Moto is currently doing or their upcoming lineup. Hopefully that means our Kit Kat updagrade is still on track.
A 6.3" Moto. Now wouldn't that be nice. With it being called the X Play, I'm wondering if it'll be the X's Big Brother, with the Droid Quantum (the other rumored phone) being the new RAZR/Atrix model.
I have 2 Nexus 5's and I sold one and have $ to buy another phone I'm looking @ the Moto x and it looks cool (bamboo wood edition)
I'm wondering what model number should I purchase for T-Mobile and for their LTE and HSPA+ also does the Moto X support all T-Mobile bands?
Secondly who provides the updates to the Moto X, I see so many versions such as America Movil or whatever.. all confusing me does the updates go through the carrier or straight to device like a Nexus?
Third hows the battery life on this thing, I'm talking about screen on time and real world usage!
markdapimp said:
I have 2 Nexus 5's and I sold one and have $ to buy another phone I'm looking @ the Moto x and it looks cool (bamboo wood edition)
I'm wondering what model number should I purchase for T-Mobile and for their LTE and HSPA+ also does the Moto X support all T-Mobile bands?
Secondly who provides the updates to the Moto X, I see so many versions such as America Movil or whatever.. all confusing me does the updates go through the carrier or straight to device like a Nexus?
Third hows the battery life on this thing, I'm talking about screen on time and real world usage!
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Click to collapse
i just picked up a 32gb developers edition for $250 2 hours ago. I love it. I still have the white nexus 5. I never felt a connection with the nexus 5, its just like a flat brick, this feels much more like the nexus 4, and s. Solid in your hands and ****. I recommend it, but as for the roming portion, I dont know yet, thats what im worried about because the development looks weak as hell in here.
Any recommended roms?
I don't think there is a lot of development for the Moto X because you pretty much already have a stock Android experience with a couple of added benefits that aren't just gimmicks. No bloatware either. Only reason most people root this phone is to install Unicon and Xposed in order to change icons and make visual tweaks without the need for third party launchers or roms.
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Once Motorola stops giving updates, development will increase.
Necessity is the mother of inventions. There is no need for roms at the moment as it is an awesome phone out of the box.
I had similar exp with my previous phone .
:angel:
All of above applies only if you have non-AT&T Moto X. If you buy an AT&T Moto X, you will be laughed at. Don't fall for a phone with locked bootloader, never. HTC's fortune started to fall when they put out phones that were unfriendly to developers and hackers. Samsung has started down the slippery slope as well and they will begin to suffer as a consquence. Moto X was a great phone but their myopic decision to cripple the phone with unlockable bootloader for the largest US carrier (ATT) consigned it to the dust bin, it seems.
I'd suggest buying a GSM Developer Edition so you keep your warranty intact after unlocking. This phone with Xposed Gravity Box installed has ended my 4 Year obsession to flash roms entirely. Gravity Box can do almost anything a Rom can do, I even went back to stock on my Nexus 7 with this module and couldn't be happier. Not thinking about the latest Rom or waiting for a new build to try and then have to wipe and setup my phone/tablet again is a blessing.
This is the first phone I've had that I've ever run stock. I'm thinking of unlocking it, just to install xposed, but that's really it.
Even my three Google Experience devices (Nexus One, Nexus S, and Xoom) were all rooted within a day or two of owning them. This phone is just really nice as-is.
-Jim
ill echo what everybody else said. The Moto X is the first Android phone that i have zero desire to install a different ROM. with just root and Xposed, the phone gives me everything i need without forcing me to give up the great features like Touchless Control, Active Display etc...
jamesc760 said:
All of above applies only if you have non-AT&T Moto X. If you buy an AT&T Moto X, you will be laughed at. Don't fall for a phone with locked bootloader, never. HTC's fortune started to fall when they put out phones that were unfriendly to developers and hackers. Samsung has started down the slippery slope as well and they will begin to suffer as a consquence. Moto X was a great phone but their myopic decision to cripple the phone with unlockable bootloader for the largest US carrier (ATT) consigned it to the dust bin, it seems.
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Click to collapse
Samsung has a wider range of customers now that android has developed. It is the iPhones competition and people who are tired of iPhones and iOS look at that competition with on sheet greater specs, camera and a wide array of commercials going against the iPhone people are leaning towards the gs5 vs any other android device. The gs5 has outsold the iPhone 5s in the first weekend of its release. I'm not a Samsung fanboy nor apple fanboy, I've used both ecosystems before I loved iOS but now that android has developed I wouldn't think about going back to iOS unless there's specs and other enticing options to draw me back. I have a macbook air, but I have the moto x and let me get on topic with this one. The moto x is a really great device but I think the op should wait for the successor of the moto x or wait for the "last" nexus device. There's more great devices coming out later on this year and I think he should hold off.
MOTO X SLAPPED