Friday 2 August 2013

MOTO X. THE WAKE: NOT SO SWEET!



SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
MOTO X. THE WAKE: NOT SO SWEET (FOR THE UK)!
#Google #GoogleMotorola #MotoX #UKnoMotoX

Good evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! What do you reckon now that the dust has settled on the Moto X from Google Motorola? Here’s the latest buzz...

NO UK RELEASE
Apparently Google has stated that there are no plans for the Moto X in the UK or anywhere else for that matter. Instead there will be other releases from Google Motorola intended for the overseas market. I figured that this would be the case (no pun intended) as custom Moto X’s is being sold as ‘Made in the USA’.  As you'd imagine, I am very curious as to what handset or handsets are being planned for the UK / International markets.

My thoughts on the USA only Moto X is that once it becomes a success Google will expand manufacturing to other countries. That would be great for the global economy.

ANALYSTS PREDICTIONS
Some analysts are predicting that the Moto X will not have an impact on the iPhone market. In fact they are saying that the Moto X will not be a success because of the modest spec. But I think the analysts are wrong and here’s why...

THE SPECS (AGAIN)
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (MSM8960Pro) dual core 1.7 GHz
Motorola X8 System (SoC+NLP Processor+Contextual Processor)
Display 4.7-inch AMOLED (RGB) 1280x720
RAM 2GB LPDDR2
WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, BT 4.0
Storage 16GB standard, 32GB online, 2 years 50GB Google Drive
I / O microUSB 2.0, 3.5mm headphone, NFC, Miracast
OS Android 4.2.2
Battery 2200 mAh, 3.8V, 8.36 Whr
Size / Mass 65.3 x 129.3 x 5.6-10.4 mm, 130 grams
Camera 10MP Clear Pixel (RGBC) with 1.4µm pixels Rear Facing
2MP 1080p Front Facing
Price $199 (16GB), $249 (32GB) on 2 year contract

The Moto X has the right specifications for its intent; it doesn't need the quad-core muscles that you'll find in the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, etc. The spec of the Moto X is certainly better than the current iPhone 5! That said, the iPhone just goes to prove the point that today’s handset isn't all about component power. Many “analysts” have missed the point if they are concentrating on the spec alone. I think Google Motorola have got it bang on! I think the Clear Pixel camera will go down well.

Now about the Moto X not being able to sway folk away from the iPhone... I think there is a good possibility that the Moto X could eat into the iPhone cut of the smartphone market in the States (obviously) due to not only the spec but the customization feature that will give consumers a personalized experience like no other manufacturer. And let’s not forget the immense pride of American’s who will buy into the ‘Made in America’ pitch. It’s a powerful pitch. And that’s probably why the pricing is a little high to purchase SIM free; the 16GB model of the Moto X will cost you $575, while the 32GB is priced at $629. Once the Moto X takes off I am sure that the end result will be a lower price point for the second generation. Considering the iPhone 5 is manufactured cheaply in China it is so expensive for what it is. Bearing in mind that the Moto X will be competing with Google Nexus the pricing can’t directly compete. Google Motorola and Google Nexus are still separate entities.

GOOGLE NOW
The analysts are underestimating the value of the Google core apps that have recently been updated for the Chromecast dongle and for better interactivity: YouTube, Calendar, Play Music, Gmail, Maps and Google Now. I don’t think these analysts have understood that Maps alone bailed Apple out of their map fiasco and increased iPhone 5 sales as a result.

The hands free Moto X is a very attractive aspect that I am sure will sway many who are up to renew their contract. I love the idea of just being able to interface with my phone through my voice alone.

FAN BOYS & GIRLS
Some Android Fanboys have expressed their outrage that the Moto X isn't rocking Android 4.3 and I don't understand it. The Moto X will be able to upgrade in due course and I have read somewhere that the Moto X should enter the market with 4.3. I can't confirm that. However, upgrading to Android 4.3 is not an issue to worry about. Add some disappointment to the mix for the Moto X not being a muscle phone! With a teeny weenie bit of time the Android Fanboys and Fangirls will come to understand the nature of this brilliant smartphone. But having said that, the Nexus concept will take care of the consumer base that must have the latest version of Android!

THE DOMINANCE OF SAMSUNG
The analysts state that because of Samsung’s dominance on the Android market the Moto X doesn't stand a chance. I think that’s some lazy-ass analyzing! Why? Ok, I will tell you why...

Before Google acquired Motorola Samsung had a massive head start with the Galaxy S and has become the state of the art premium Android. Samsung didn't just land on the scene by luck, they worked hard! And the transition from Motorola to Google Motorola meant that there would be a calculated loss through putting out some handsets that were already on schedule. Through the eyes of the unobservant it looks as though Motorola have gone downhill with no chance of resurging. The announcement of the Moto X is also an announcement that Google are now in the driving seat. Google have been telling all who would listen that the transition for them to get into the driving seat was one that would require patience. I believe that Google Motorola has just gotten started; we are going to see a lot more in the coming months from Google Motorola. We in the UK are excited about the prospect of a new Android handset if it is not going to be the Moto X (from Google Motorola).

I think it will be difficult but not impossible for Google Motorola to come up with Android handsets that will appeal to those who would otherwise go for Samsung, HTC, LG, etc. And let’s not forget that there are many, like me, with more than one handset. So, this talk of Samsung’s dominance is quite silly. The market is open to any manufacturer to create a handset / tablet that is unique. Another important aspect is bravery in that some risk should be taken when developing handsets and that’s why Samsung have become so successful: Galaxy Note, Galaxy Camera, Galaxy S4 Zoom to name a few.

LEARNING FROM HTC
When I look at what HTC has done it is not surprising that they have problems. As you know, HTC has some of the best designed Android handsets on the market but very, very often they get the specifications completely wrong! My HTC Desire is practically useless as it can’t store decent apps these days! It’s the retro-like beauty of the design that stops it from being a doorstop. Google Motorola should observe where HTC went wrong and continues to go wrong.

In my mind HTC is constantly falling down what seems like an infinite flight of stairs; it won’t stop falling until every metaphorical bone is smashed beyond recognition. If you have been following my articles you will know that I have recently acquired the HTC One X and while it replaces my damaged Galaxy S I am not too over the Moon with it: the camera is average and the non-replaceable battery life is crap! But, hey, it looks great! Wonderful! As much as I love HTC designs it is doubtful that I would go HTC over Samsung for my premium handset in the future. But I am open to any other manufacturer given what they have to offer! I don't instantly buy from Samsung just because... Uh-uh! I weigh up what the others have to offer and make a decision. Samsung have been consistent throughout.

I know without a shadow of doubt that there is great scope for Google Motorola. Google is one maverick company that is not afraid to take chances and the ability to take chances is what will separate them (and any other manufacturer apart).

GoogMoto-roll on!

What do you reckon?   

Take good care!


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