The second gen Moto 360 is an improvement over its predecessor, but the pricing is still a big question for buyers.
Have you ever used a gadget that you really want to like, but can’t find the right use for it? Smartwatches are something like that. The geek in me squeals with joy when I see a new smartwatch, but each time I put one on my wrist, I’m reminded of how little usage I can draw out of it. Yet, I’m excited, especially when I see that companies are improving their devices year on year. Which brings me to the Moto 360 (2nd Gen), or, the older Moto 360 with the button on the 2’o’clock position, as many like to call it. You have to take this device in your hand to realise that it’s improved.
In pictures, the Moto 360 is a slight improvement from the older version, but one swipe around the device is all it takes to realise that it’s more responsive. The move from the single core Ti OMAP 3 processor to the quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 has made navigating around the watch more fluid. Of course, demo devices are supposed to be that way, but I think the fluidity should carry over even when you use this as your regular smartwatch. In addition, the changeable straps are easier to get around this time. While in the older variant you'd have to go to a watch maker to get a new strap on your smartwatch, you can do so yourself this time, using the clip on straps. Motorola General Manager, Amit Boni, also confirmed that the company is planning to sell the straps separately soon. That said, that may pose an entirely different problem.
Motorola is also selling both the metal and leather straps this time, with the prices starting at Rs. 19,999 going up to Rs. 23,999. And that’s where the problem is. While prices are a problem in any budding market, the Moto 360 (2nd Gen) seems all too expensive to buy right now. The lack of real functionality makes smartwatches applicable for a very niche market, but Motorola’s pricing makes it even harder to buy, even for the few interested buyers. This is around the same price that the original version of this smartwatch was launched at, and it didn’t get much traction amongst buyers. So, it begs the question as to what exactly Motorola expected from the same pricing again.
While the Moto 360 does feel better and look just as good as it did last time, Android Wear in itself is not extremely useful and app support is limited at best. While the Moto 360 (2nd Gen), like its predecessor, is amongst the best looking smartwatch in the market, that sadly is all it can boast.
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Prasid Banerjee
Trying to explain technology to my parents. Failing miserably. View Full Profile
