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Engadget Daily: Moto G review, Facebook enters the healthcare business, and more!
The Moto G has done it again. We we reviewed this year's model, and surprise: It's still the best budget smartphone around. But wait, there's more -- read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Moto G review (2014): still the best budget smartphone
Last year's Moto G took us all by surprise. Sure, we knew Motorola wanted to reinvent the cheap smartphone experience, but the very first device in the company's cost crusade was even better than we expected. Let's be honest, though: The G's greatest asset was its small, small price tag. For $180 off-contract, it became awfully easy to forgive the thing for not being the quickest, the prettiest or the smartest. Still, it was one of those gadgets that wound up being more than just "good enough"; between the price and performance, the Moto G was one of the best cheap smartphones you could own, period. Here we are less than a year later, and we've got a sequel to play with (one with the same name, no less). If you took a quick peek at what it brings to the table, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Motorola wanted to play it safe the second time around -- the new Moto G isn't a game changer, and it doesn't have to be. Does this year's model clear the "good enough" bar once again? And just how far will $180 take you this year?
The new Moto G keeps the amazing price, improves the screen
Along with the new Moto X, Motorola also unveiled a new Moto G today. And yes, Motorola apparently doesn't like renaming things, because it doesn't have a new one -- it's still simply the Moto G. And seeing as this humble device was the company's best-selling smartphone of all time, it certainly behooves it to keep it as identifiable as possible. Indeed, the new Moto G will even retail at the same exact price: $179.99 (£144.99) unlocked.
Motorola's next Moto G smartphone poses for photos
So we largely know what Motorola's Moto X follow-up looks like, but what about the expected sequel to the budget-conscious Moto G? You might not have to wonder any more: HellomotoHK has posted a batch of photos that appear to show the future low-cost Android phone in all its glory. For the most part, it looks like a subtle evolution of the Moto G LTE -- there's a slightly larger (reportedly 5-inch) display, Moto E-inspired speakers and a microSD storage slot. We can't verify rumors of a faster Snapdragon S4 Plus processor and an 8-megapixel rear camera just by looking, but it's evident that there will be both swappable back covers and a dual-SIM option in at least some countries. While you'll likely find out everything you'd care to know about this new G (G2? G+1?) at Motorola's September 4th event, these snapshots could help whet your appetite.
Moto G with LTE and expandable storage is now available for £160
The Moto G is a fantastic smartphone for the price, but Motorola knew it could make the handset even better with just a few small tweaks. Thus, the Moto G with LTE and expandable storage (thanks to a microSD slot) was born, and today it's become available in the UK after launching in the US last week. Phones 4u has declared first dibs on the device, and is offering the phone free from £19 per month on contracts, for £150 on pay-as-you-go, or £160 unlocked -- the retailer is also claiming exclusivity on the new white model until the end of July. A number of other sites are expecting stock sometime this week, at which point we hope to see a repeat of the discounted pricing war that was fought over the Moto G shortly after launch. Hold off a week or two, and we imagine you'll be throwing £20-£30 less at your screen. Bargain.
EE Kestrel review: a good low-cost 4G phone, but with a Moto on its back
The adjectives "affordable" and "budget" often allude to something of inferior quality -- a questionable substitute for something more premium. Something out of financial reach. A few years ago, I would've assumed the same, having set up enough low-end Samsungs for family members to want only high-end handsets, extortionate contracts attached. Thanks to devices like Google's Nexus range and, most recently, the OnePlus One, we've never been more aware of value for money. The Moto G, in particular, proved that a solid smartphone could be an absolute bargain. It's this newfound, positive connotation of affordable that EE's aiming for with its first own-brand smartphone, the Kestrel. Launched earlier this month for £99 on pay-as-you-go, or free from £14 per month on contracts, it's EE's play for the 4G-curious, money-conscious consumer. The Kestrel's LTE radio and inviting price tag aren't the sum of its selling points, either; there's also expandable storage and a very capable processor. Components such as the display and cameras are understandably more modest, but on paper, the Kestrel still ticks the value box. In the increasingly competitive area of low-cost handsets, however, the question isn't just whether the Kestrel is a worthwhile purchase, but whether you'll see it the same way a month later.
Motorola's smartphones can now alert your close contacts in an emergency
You'll usually want to call emergency services if you're in truly dire straits, but the odds are that your friends and family also want to know if you need help. How do you reach them quickly? If you pick up the Moto E or Moto G LTE, you'll have Motorola Alert at your disposal. The new app lets you trigger an emergency mode that sends regular alerts and location updates to important contacts. You can also tell people to meet up (at a shelter, for instance), and you can define your home or workplace to let people know that you're in a familiar area. Alert won't work on the Moto X or original Moto G until an update arrives in the near future, but you can still get a peek at it on Google Play if you're curious.
Motorola launches the $129 Moto E, a durable and affordable Android smartphone
It's hard not to love the Moto G, it being an incredible handset for the asking price and the benchmark against which other affordable smartphones should be judged. A lot's happened since that phone's release, though, namely the news of Lenovo's planned acquisition of Motorola from Google. Motorola may be facing new leadership, but recognizes it's on to a good thing with low-cost, high-value Android hardware, today announcing another smartphone of that nature, the Moto E.
Motorola adds LTE and microSD support to the Moto G
Motorola's Moto G was a great handset, but if we had a gripe, it was that it lacked a 4G modem. Last night, however, Amazon let it be known that a tweaked version of Motorola's mid-ranger was coming, and this time it would be able to take advantage of super-fast mobile speeds. At the London launch of the Moto E, the company confirmed that the Moto G with LTE is real, and is even packing a microSD card slot, too. The unlocked handset is priced at £149 in the UK and $219 in the US with a choice of black or white bodies -- and both should be hitting retailers in the next few weeks.
Unannounced Moto G with LTE pops up on Amazon
As good a deal as the Moto G might be for frugal smartphone shoppers, it doesn't have speedy LTE data; for some, that's practically a deal-breaker. However, it might get that often-sought upgrade relatively soon. Amazon has posted listings for two unannounced Moto G variants with "universal LTE," including one in a previously unavailable white hue. Detailed store pages are sadly missing, but both entries mention a $220 price (slightly above the $200 you'd pay for a 16GB 3G model) and a June 30th ship date. We'd also expect these to work only with GSM-based networks like AT&T and T-Mobile, so don't count on there being a Verizon equivalent.
IRL: A closer look at the Moto G
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. I love low-cost smartphones that punch above their weight, like the Lumia 620. They're proof you don't need high-end hardware to get a full smartphone experience. As you might imagine, then, I was eager to try the Moto G. A modern quad-core processor, a 720p screen and an up-to-date version of Android for under $200 off-contract? In theory, that's an astounding bargain. With that in mind, I've been testing a Moto G on Telus' network here in Canada to see whether I could live with it instead of the flagship phones I'm used to.
The Moto G lands on US Cellular for $99 sans contract
The Moto G is the best cheap Android phone you can get your hands on, and now you've got another way to nab one. US Cellular today confirmed what a blurry screenshot told us yesterday: the 8GB model will hit store shelves on February 10. Just can't wait? Those with itchy trigger fingers can order one online now for $99, just like you can at Verizon. It's almost the same Moto G we fell for in our review, albeit with Android 4.4 KitKat instead of the Jelly Bean build the phone first shipped with. Just remember that you won't be able to hop on the carrier's LTE network - despite a solid spec sheet, the G (sadly) lacks LTE support. You can't unlock the thing since it's technically Motorola's CDMA variant, but hey: a good deal's a good deal.
Motorola Migrate can now shepherd iOS users (and their data) to a new life on Android
If a Motorola device has recently charmed you away from the iPhone, make sure to check out the company's Migrate app. Moto just refreshed the transfer tool to add iOS support (similar to the one found on MotoMaker), making it easier to transfer iCloud data to Google's services -- so long as you have a supported handset. Unfortunately, it'll only work with the Moto X, Moto G, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx and Droid Mini at the moment, and it can only port calendar entries and contacts. Still, those are two things to slash off your list when moving phones, leaving you with more time to worry about transferring all those selfies.
Daily Roundup: Sony Xperia T2 Ultra and E1, court blocks parts of FCC net neutrality rules and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Moto G Google Play edition now available for $180
The Moto G now has an official Google Play Edition. The device, which just popped up on the Google Play Store, is available for $180 (8GB) or $200 (16GB). Just like we've seen on other Google Play edition devices, the Moto G will offer the same specs as the GSM version along with a stock version of Android 4.4 KitKat. It'll be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile here in the US, although it doesn't appear to offer AWS support for T-Mobile's HSPA+ network. We're still waiting to hear details about its availability in other parts of the world. Head to the source link to grab one of your very own.
Motorola announces January 14th event in UK, hints at Moto X in the invite
UK residents that liked the Moto G, but wanted the Moto X might not have to wait long. In middle of untold CES-based emails, rants and schedule updates, Motorola tells us that it'll be holding a London event for a "new addition" to the Motorola family. Oh look, there's a Moto X right in the photo. You can join the dots, right?
Moto G for Verizon now on sale at Best Buy for $100 contract-free (update: Verizon launch details)
When Motorola said that a CDMA version of the Moto G would reach the US in January, it was being overly cautious. Best Buy has confirmed that it's already selling the Verizon edition of the budget smartphone in its retail stores; as soon as a store has inventory, you can pick one up. And it's cheap, too. At $100 off-contract, Verizon's Moto G is less expensive than both its GSM equivalent and many slower, smaller devices. You won't get to pick up the handset until after New Year's Day, but we have a hunch that it will be worth the wait. Update: If you're not willing to make a pilgrimage to Best Buy, Verizon will begin selling the Moto G through its online store on January 9th at the same contract-free $100 price. Retail stores should get their units in the "coming weeks."
Moto G gets KitKat, improved camera features in the US
Given that Motorola's budget-friendly Moto G launched just last month, you would have figured the mid-range smartphone would have packed some KitKat. Sadly, it did not, but Mountain View's hardware arm began rolling out Android 4.4.2 to select owners today. If you purchased your Moto G from Amazon or on Motorola.com in the US, it's time to snag that update. Devices sold through carriers and in other regions will get some love "soon." The company's also offering up the same camera update that hit Moto X devices last week, enabling tap to focus and expose, locked exposure for panoramas and support for additional languages. Those camera enhancements will also be making their way to Droid Mini, Maxx and Ultra.
Motorola gets snowed in, delays Moto G shipments due to winter storm
Winter storm Dion has been wreaking icy havoc across the US for a few days, but now it's hitting technophiles where it hurts: phone shipments. Customers who pre-ordered the Moto G have been receiving emails from Motorola, explaining that bad weather has stalled operations at the company's Fort Worth facility. Long story short, Moto G deliveries are going to be to be delayed, and there's no firm date on when the devices will ship out. The email posted on Android Central does mention a December 17th shipping date, but the website reports that it varies from person to person. Whatever date they get, buyers will receive their orders the next day, thanks to Motorola spreading goodwill (and softening the blow) by shipping out all units overnight for free. [Thanks, Dom]
Moto G review: an affordable smartphone, done right
Since Motorola was acquired by a certain tech giant last year, its new owner hasn't had a particularly strong impact on the way it does business. Not too long ago, in fact, Motorola dealt another brag-hand of Droids, but there was something distinct about the Moto X that followed them. The first evidence of a change in direction, perhaps. In the same vein, the recently announced Moto G feels very much like a Google phone, and it makes a ton of sense. If the Nexus 5 is for smartphone aficionados, and the Moto X is for upgraders who can't resist the offer of a custom handset, then the Moto G is for those who want a functional device at a reasonable price. At $179 or £135 unlocked, the Moto G slots into the low-cost niche Samsung and others have been steadily cashing in on. That price tag, however, includes an unwritten disclaimer: Sacrifices were made. It's certainly true with the Moto G, but with expectations in check, it's hard to not be impressed with what Motorola has managed to achieve.
