“Wear OS Is Missing a Major Brand, Rendering Now the Perfect Moment for Its Comeback”

"Wear OS Is Missing a Major Brand, Rendering Now the Perfect Moment for Its Comeback"

“Wear OS Is Missing a Major Brand, Rendering Now the Perfect Moment for Its Comeback”


# The Moto 360 Comeback: The Case for Motorola to Revive Its Esteemed Smartwatch

## A Nostalgic Plea for a Contemporary Moto 360

The smartwatch market has undergone remarkable transformations in the last ten years, yet certain designs endure the test of time. Among them is the **Moto 360**, a smartwatch that once established the benchmark for Android wearables. Although Motorola has diverted its attention to affordable fitness trackers and basic smartwatches, many fans—including myself—are longing for a **revamped Moto 360** featuring **Wear OS 5** and enhanced hardware.

Instead of opting for **budget squircle Moto Watches** or **smartphone-embellished wearables**, Motorola should honor its heritage and bring back a **high-end, round smartwatch** to rival the industry’s finest.

## The Heritage of the Moto 360

The **Moto 360** made its debut in 2014 and was nothing short of revolutionary. At a time when most smartwatches were designed with **square displays**, Motorola took a bold step by creating a **circular smartwatch** that mimicked a traditional wristwatch. This design innovation played a pivotal role in shaping the **round smartwatch aesthetic** that various brands, including Samsung and Fossil, would later embrace.

However, despite its **gorgeous design**, the initial Moto 360 was not without its issues:
– **”Flat tire” display**: The bottom bezel contained an ambient light sensor, resulting in a portion of the screen being cut off.
– **Subpar battery life**: The early version of Wear OS (previously Android Wear) consumed a lot of power, and the Moto 360 struggled to last the entire day.
– **Lackluster performance**: The watch was equipped with an outdated processor, leading to slow responsiveness.

Even with these drawbacks, the Moto 360 held its ground as **one of the most cherished smartwatches** of its era. A second-generation model released in 2015 made several improvements, but by 2016, Motorola had exited the smartwatch game.

## The Rationale for Motorola’s Return to Wear OS

### 1. **Wear OS Has Made Notable Advances**
When Motorola departed from the smartwatch arena, Wear OS suffered from **lagging performance, poor battery longevity, and limited application support**. However, Google’s **collaboration with Samsung** in 2021 revitalized the operating system, resulting in:
– **Wear OS 3 and 4**, which enhanced performance and battery functionality.
– **Enhanced app support**, featuring Google Assistant, Google Wallet, and various third-party fitness applications.
– **Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 processors**, which provide improved energy efficiency.

With **Wear OS 5** on the horizon, now presents an ideal opportunity for Motorola to **re-enter the smartwatch domain** with a device designed to take full advantage of these enhancements.

### 2. **Motorola’s Smartphone Triumph Requires a Smartwatch Ally**
Motorola has made a **noteworthy resurgence** in the smartphone sector, especially with its **Razr foldables** and **Moto G series**. Yet, unlike Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, Motorola currently lacks a **Wear OS smartwatch** that complements its mobile devices.

A **new Moto 360** could deliver Motorola users a **fluid smartwatch experience**, featuring capabilities like:
– **Google Assistant integration**
– **Google Wallet for seamless payments**
– **Comprehensive health tracking**
– **LTE connectivity for independent use**

### 3. **The Market Deserves More Chic Wear OS Watches**
While manufacturers such as **Samsung and Google** lead the Wear OS arena, their designs often favor **sporty looks**. Fossil, which once occupied the **fashion-focused smartwatch niche**, has largely withdrawn from the scene.

A **revamped Moto 360** could reintroduce the **timeless, sophisticated smartwatch appearance**, attracting users who desire a **luxurious, stylish smartwatch** rather than a cumbersome fitness device.

## Features a Modern Moto 360 Should Incorporate

Should Motorola choose to resurrect the Moto 360, it would be essential to **update the hardware** while remaining loyal to the original’s **sleek, round design**. Here’s what it should offer:

### ✅ **Premium Aesthetic**
– **Round AMOLED display** with **minimal bezels** (eliminating the “flat tire” design).
– **Stainless steel or titanium casing** for a luxurious touch.
– **Customizable wristbands** for personal flair.

### ✅ **Wear OS 5 with Google Integration**
– **Google Assistant** for voice interaction.
– **Google Wallet** for NFC transactions.
– **Google Maps** for navigation at a glance.
– **Google Fit & Fitbit integration** for tracking health metrics.

### ✅ **Robust Hardware**
– **Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 or later** for optimal performance.
– **Multi-day battery longevity** with quick charging capabilities.
– **LTE variant** for standalone functionality.

### ✅ **Sophisticated Health & Fitness Features**
– **Heart rate and SpO2 assessments**.
– **ECG capability** to monitor heart health.