Motorola Confirms Which Devices Will Receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow And What Features Will Be Dropped

With the latest version of Android rolling out in the coming weeks many devices owners are wondering when and if their devices will see the update. Fortunately for Motorola owners, (sorry Samsung, HTC and LG folks no word for you yet!) the company published a list of devices set to get the upgrade on Friday, along with some plans to trim back some its proprietary software.

Here’s the full list of Motorola devices set to get Android 6 Marshmallow:

• 2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
• 2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
• 2015 Moto X Play
• 2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
• 2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
• 2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia² (2nd gen)
• 2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE² (2nd gen)
• DROID Turbo
• 2014 Moto MAXX
• 2014 Moto Turbo
• Nexus 6

On the Motorola Blog the company notes that things may change and such they are referring users to their software upgrade page for the latest, and specifics by country.

As for exact roll-out times Motorola suggests it could take at least a few weeks before these updates start to deploy (excluding the Nexus 6 which is set to get Marshmallow next week). How soon your own device gets Android 6.0 could also depend on whether it’s an unlocked device or a carrier model. Carrier models are generally dependent on each individual carrier so that may vary widely.

With the newest update Motorola users will receive all of the following Android 6 Marshmallow features:

• Doze Mode -- This new feature monitors your phone and puts it into a deep sleep when it’s not being used, which can extend battery life substantially. 
• Now on Tap -- We love Google Now, and it’s improved in Android M. Simply long press the home button to bring up the Google Now feature and display information based on whatever you’re doing at the time.
• Android Pay -- Android M allows you to bring up Android Pay with a simple tap and easily make purchases without having to open a separate app.
• Direct Share -- Share your photos, news, links, etc. with your favorite contacts easily and quickly.
• Simpler volume controls -- A more intuitive way to control ringtone and media volume.

Changes to Bundled Software and Moto Enhancements

Motorola has also confirmed they will be dropping several of their signature software enhancements and bundled add-ons as part of the plan to update its phones to Android Marshmallow noting that many of these enhancements offer functionality that is already covered in the new OS or Google's own services. That means no more Motorola Assist, Migrate, and Connect.

Motorola Jumps Into The Smartwatch Business With Sexy New Moto 360

Wearable tech is the hottest thing going today, with companies like Samsung, Pebble, Sony and even Apple (reportedly) jumping into the smartwatch business. It should be no surprise then that more manufactures are looking to cash in on the new crazy. Motorola has become the latest to do so as today the company unveiled the Moto 360, one of the first smartwatches powered by Google's new Android Wear platform.

While the video above gives us a brief overview of the design of the new device hardware and specification details are still a bit scarce on the Moto 360. As for the new Android Wear platform we do have a bit more information than to Google's developer preview. 

The new software will provide the same type of card alerts as Google Now, letting you know when you have an appointment, what the score is in your favorite team's game or how long it will take you to get to work. The software will also feature a voice-activated search that fires up when you say the phrase “OK Google.” Just say ‘Ok Google’ to ask questions, like how many calories are in an a slice of bread, what is the weather or what time your flight leaves. You can also use basic commands by saying things like ‘Ok Google’ to get stuff done, like calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation or setting an alarm.

Moto 360 will be available in a variety of styles globally in Summer 2014, starting in the US. To learn more about Moto 360 and stay up to date on product news, click here. 

Motorola Offering $100 Trade-In Credit For 2011 Smartphones That Won't Get Jelly Bean

Motorola appears to be committed to keeping customers up to date with the latest Android platform. So much so they are planning on putting their money where their mouth is. The company is offering customers who own a 2011 or later smartphone that won't be getting the Jelly Bean update a $100 back towards the purchase of a new Motorola smartphone.

"We want to give you the best of smartphone technology. That means not only pushing the boundaries on design, utility, and speed, but also providing the best mobile software out there. Today, that's Jelly Bean, the newest Android operating system. That's why we're upgrading Motorola smartphones first offered for sale in 2011¹ and later to Jelly Bean. If we don't upgrade your phone to Jelly Bean, we don't want you to miss out. Buy a select new Motorola smartphone, trade in your old phone, and we'll give you $100 back.² So you always enjoy the best from us."

Motorola's trade-in program is applies to United States sales of Android Motorola smartphones first offered in 2011 or later. The $100 trade-in provided will be in the form of a Gift Card, carrier credit or other cash equivalent at Motorola's sole discretion. Official program details will be posted on the trade-in site at a future date.

While Motorola hasn't officially posted the details for the trade-in plan here is the gist of how it will work. You buy one of the newly introduced Motorola smartphones; the Motorola DROID RAZR HD, Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX HD and the Motorola DROID RAZR M. Send in the phone you're trading in, and you'll get the $100 back in one of the forms previously mentioned.

For more details visit the Motorola Trade-In Site

Google Closes Acquisition Of Motorola Mobility Names New Motorola Mobility CEO

Google is confirming today that they have closed the $12.5 Billion Acquisition of Motorola Mobility.

In a blog post released this morning Google CEO Larry Page writes:

The phones in our pockets have become supercomputers that are changing the way we live. It’s now possible to do things we used to think were magic, or only possible on Star Trek--like get directions right from where we are standing; watch a video on YouTube; or take a picture and share the moment instantly with friends.

It’s why I’m excited to announce today that our Motorola Mobility deal has closed. Motorola is a great American tech company that has driven the mobile revolution, with a track record of over 80 years of innovation, including the creation of the first cell phone. We all remember Motorola’s StarTAC, which at the time seemed tiny and showed the real potential of these devices. And as a company who made a big, early bet on Android, Motorola has become an incredibly valuable partner to Google.

Sanjay Jha will be stepping down from his current post as CEO of Motorola Mobility; Dennis Woodside, currently a senior vice president with Google, will take over the CEO post for the newly acquired company.

Woodside has promised "fewer, bigger bets" meaning a simpler strategy: Fewer but bigger phone launches for Motorola Mobility, which will be an independent subsidiary of Google.

For more information read the Motorola Press Release.

Motorola Offers Business Users Up To $200 To Switch To Android

Motorola Mobility wants professional consumers – or “prosumers” -- to make the switch to an Android powered device and they are offering you cash back to do so.

Motorola has announced a new program targeting the enterprise level consumer and business users. The company will be offering up to $200 cash back for a consumer’s old device when a Motorola Business Ready smartphone is purchased. In addition, Motorola Mobility will be offering the MotoAssist™ IT service to give business users access to IT professionals who can help set up accounts, transfer contacts seamlessly, and even work directly with corporate IT departments.

The new program went live this afternoon at http://www.motorola.com/switch. Businesses and consumers looking for more information about the company’s Business Ready devices will find resources at motorola.com/businessready, including information on the company’s Business Ready product portfolio, security and software features, numerous support resources, and industry case studies.

Get 50% Off Motorola Hands Free Devices

To help foster awareness of National Safe Driving Month Motorola has teamed with several local law enforcement agencies to reward responsible drivers that pledge to be “Responsible on the Road” by using hands-free technology if they need to communicate while driving. In honor of the program Motorola Mobility, Inc. will reward drivers a coupon good for up to 50% off select Motorola hands-free devices. All you have to do is visit Facebook.com/Motorola during the month of June and pledge to be “Responsible on the Road”.

They have the promotion on their front page at the Motorola Store so if you don't want to "register" through Facebook simply find a hands free device you like and enter the promo code HNDSFREE at checkout

To further underscore the importance of responsible driving and reinforce local or state laws that restrict or ban the use of hand-held devices while driving, select cities will conduct Motorola Responsibility on the Road events throughout the month of June. The events are aimed at educating drivers on hands-free laws and reward those who pledge to drive responsibly with a hands-free device.

Those interested in the program or offer you can visit Motorola.com/motospeak for more details.

Motorola Confirms $600 Wi-Fi Only Xoom Coming March 27th

Motorola has confirmed the price and release date of the new Wi-Fi only Motorola Xoom. The device will be available at several  retailers across the United States starting March 27 for a suggest retail price of $599.

Amazon.com, Best Buy, Costco, RadioShack, select Sam’s Club locations, Staples and Walmart will be offering the 10.1-inch widescreen HD tablet with Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) through both online and retail store channels starting Sunday March 27th . The MSRP for MOTOROLA XOOM Wi-Fi with 32 GB of memory will be $599.

Rumors, as well as several pictures, have suggested that Sam's Club will be offering the Wi-Fi only Motorola Xoom for a discounted price of $539. This has yet to be confirmed however its likely if they are selling them at that price they would officially be on-sale on the 27th as well.

MOTOROLA XOOM showcases the innovations of the Honeycomb user experience – including widgets, true multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization – on a 10.1-inch widescreen HD display, enabling video content that’s richer and clearer than ever before. With a 1GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM, MOTOROLA XOOM delivers exceptionally fast web-browsing performance. The latest Google Mobile services include Google Maps 5.0 with 3D interaction and access to more than 3 million Google eBooks and apps from Android Market. MOTOROLA XOOM also supports a Beta of Adobe Flash Player 10.2 downloadable from Android Market, enabling the delivery of rich Flash based web content including videos, casual games and rich Internet applications.

iFixit Does A Motorola Atrix Teardown

Thanks to the folks at iFixit Motorola Atrix fans get to see the inner workings of their new toy.

Courtesy iFixit

The iFixit geeks have done the usual awesome job on their Motorola Atrix teardown which reveals the full details of the inner workings of the Atrix as well as the usual easy to follow step by step guide on how to get to those workings.

The phone is equipped with 16GB of NAND flash, 4" qHD (Quarter High Definition) PenTile LCD Display capable of 960x480 resolution , 1GB DDR2 RAM and a beast of a chip in the 1 GHz Cortex-A9 Dual-Core NVIDIA Tegra 2 CPU. There are also two cameras one 5 MP Rear-facing camera with 720p video capture (A software update to be released soon will reportedly allow for full 1080p video capture.) and VGA Front-facing camera

Even more exciting for DIY'ers is that the teardown reveals that the glass panel is not glued to the LCD. This means that for those of us that are clumsy and drop and break our phone's screens or those that are always scratching the screens there is hope that we may be able to swap out the glass on our own.

AT&T Adds Three Android Based Motorola Smartphones

AT&T today announced it is significantly expanding its portfolio of Android devices by introducing three new Motorola smartphones powered by Android, the Motorola BRAVO, Motorola FLIPOUT and Motorola FLIPSIDE. All three smartphones will feature the Android 2.1 platform and the latest version of Motorola’s MOTOBLUR

MOTOROLA FLIPOUT

MOTOROLA FLIPOUT delivers an enhanced user experience, with a stylishly square, affordable and innovative pivot design. FLIPOUT whips open to reveal a full keyboard below its touch screen with a dedicated fifth row for numbers. Users can customize the color to match their mood with Dark Sapphire and Saffron battery covers included in the box for personalization. Additional colors will be available for purchase in AT&T stores and online. Get all the MOTOROLA FLIPOUT details at http://att.com/flipout.

MOTOROLA BRAVO

BRAVO offers the power of Android, an 800 MHz processor and a large screen all in a compact design. The device features a 3.7-inch full WVGA touch screen experience, enhanced Web-browsing and entertainment while on the go. With a 3-megapixel camera with digital zoom and auto focus, customers can catch memorable moments to share with one-touch social media uploads to Facebook, MySpace, Picasa and PhotoBucket. Motorola BRAVO is a Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) enabled device, so customers can stream, store and share entertainment with multiple devices around the home—including PCs, TVs and other mobile devices using an existing home Wi-Fi network. Get all the MOTOROLA BRAVO details at http://att.com/bravo.

MOTOROLA FLIPSIDE

MOTOROLA FLIPSIDE enables users to seamlessly manage their work and personal life. With a full slide-out QWERTY keypad, FLIPSIDE’s 3.1”-inch high-res HVGA display supports pinch to zoom gesturing, while the laptop-like track pad provides an alternative way to navigate with one hand while keeping your fingers off the screen. Users can stay connected to work with full push corporate e-mail, support for Microsoft Exchange, unified inbox and enhanced features for IT compliance like remote wipe and password enforcement. Get all the MOTOROLA FLIPSIDE details at http://att.com/flipside.

Enhanced MOTOBLUR

MOTOBLUR is Motorola’s exclusive experience that syncs contacts, posts, messages, photos and much more — from your favorite social media sites, work and personal e-mail, and last.fm — and automatically delivers them to the home screen. MOTOBLUR can locate or remotely wipe lost or stolen devices, MOTOBLUR can also automatically restore a user’s contacts, log-in information, home screen customizations and e-mail with one username and password.
The new and enhanced MOTOBLUR functionality and features include:

• Filter social networking and Messages widgets – filter by social networking account, by contact(s) or by contact group to only see the information you want.
  
• Screen customization – move and resize preloaded widgets on up to seven home screens
  
• Battery Manager – manage battery consumption by operating in one of three performance modes
  
• Personal and Corporate e-mail – pushed directly to the device
  
• Improved social networking functionality – Retweet, like Facebook comments and more
  

Pricing

FLIPOUT will be the cheapest of the three phones will a list price of $79.99 while the FLIPSIDE will be available for $99.99 and BRAVO will come in with the highest price tag of $129.99. Each requires a new two service agreement and 2 year smartphone data plan from AT&T. The phones are expected to be available by this holiday season.

Source: Motorola

iFixit Motorola Droid 2 Teardown

We loves those geeks over at iFixit, they are always tearing stuff apart. So you know as soon as they got their hands on the new Motorola Droid 2 they'd tear it apart like a ragdoll. Today we get to see the full results of that teardown and the new Droid 2 in all its barenakedness!

The Droid 2 features:

• Motorola Droid 2 measures 4.58" x 2.36" x 0.54" and weighs in at 5.96 oz.
• Texas Instruments OMAP (Open Multimedia Application Platform) 1GHz processor with dedicated GPU.
  
• 8 GB internal storage space.
  
• 5 MP camera with auto focus.
  
• 3.7" WVGA display
  
• Android 2.2 OS (Froyo)
  

For more picttures and details checkout the full iFixit Droid 2 Teardown

Droid X Screen Problems? Get A Replacement From Verizon!

It has been confirmed that Motorola's hot new Droid X has a few screen issues, and unlike some competitors (cough Apple, cough cough) the company has quickly confirmed the issue and will be offering a quick concise fix.

The statement below was released via Engadget who confirmed reports that a small number of Droid X displays, approximately one-tenth of one percent have been experiencing issues.

Verizon's statement:

"Verizon Wireless and Motorola are aware of a very small number of DROID X units that have experienced a flickering or banding display. Motorola has resolved the issue and is continuing to ship the phones. Any consumer who experiences a flickering or banding display should contact a Motorola customer support center or Verizon Wireless."

According to Verizon Wireless representatives any Droid X owner with the display problem will receive a replacement phone. Good to see at least one company is willing to own up to their mistakes!

Motorola BACKFLIP To Be AT&T's First Android Phone

AT&T and Motorola, Inc. have announced that beginning March 7 the Motorola BACKFLIP will become AT&T's first Android based smart phone.

The BACKFLIP not only features the Android OS but a 3.1" touchscreen and "flip-out" QWERTY keyboard which as its name infers is designed to be opened more like a book than like a traditional slide-out keyboard. Other features include a five megapixel camera with flash and camcorder functionality, Wi-Fi, and the ability to tap into AT&T's fastest 3G network, the new HSPA 7.2.

The BACKFLIP will also offer AT&T users their first look at MOTOBLUR, a social networking tool that allows users to keep track of contacts by syncing with sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. From the MOTOBLUR home screen, consumers can update their status to Facebook, MySpace and Twitter all at once. The service also offers users simplicity and peace of mind, as lost devices can be located from a secure personal information portal and GPS can be used to locate them. One user name and password brings back a user’s contacts, messages and connectivity to previously configured networks and email providers.

“Motorola BACKFLIP brings together the best of social networking with the nation’s fastest 3G network,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With the ability to ride on our newest and fastest 3G network, access to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots, and the ability to talk and surf at the same time, BACKFLIP boasts a better Android experience.”

The Motorola BACKFLIP will be available March 7 at AT&T retail locations nationwide or at www.wireless.att.com for $99.99 after $100 mail-in rebate. (Pay $199.99 and after mail-in rebate receive $100 AT&T Promotion Card. Two-year agreement and smartphone data plan required.) For more information on the Motorola BACKFLIP, visit www.att.com/backflip.

AT&T says this is the first of five Android handsets the carrier expects to bring out this year. All of which will support access to the 20,000+ Apps on the Android Market 

Source: AT&T Press Release

DROID By Motorola Arrives Nov. 6

Verizon Wireless DROID By Motorola: World’s First Smartphone with Android 2.0

High-speed Web browsing, voice-activated search, customizable large screen, access to thousands of Android applications and hundreds of widgets and the best 3G mobile network in the country: DROID by Motorola arrives on Nov. 6.

Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation’s largest wireless 3G broadband network, and Motorola, Inc., a pioneer in the mobile industry, today unveiled DROID by Motorola, the first smartphone powered by Android™ 2.0. DROID by Motorola features the brainpower and breakneck speed of a modern smartphone, designed to outperform where other smartphones fall short.

“We’re proud to work with Verizon Wireless and Google on the first smartphone to feature Android 2.0,” said Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer of Motorola and chief executive officer of Motorola Mobile Devices. “DROID by Motorola delivers a rich consumer experience with warp-speed Web browsing, a mammoth screen, and Motorola’s expertise in design and voice quality. Combined with Android’s open, flexible graphical user interface and the power of Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, DROID is a smartphone that simply doesn’t compromise.”

“This is an exciting announcement for Verizon Wireless, as the DROID by Motorola is the first device that we are bringing to market under our ground-breaking strategic partnership with Google,” said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “DROID by Motorola gives customers a lifestyle device with access to more than 12,000 applications that will help them stay in touch, up to date and entertained, using the best 3G network in the country.”

DROID by Motorola has a solid exterior, intelligent interior and is one of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available. It is a no-fuss, high-tech, location-aware, voice-recognizing, over-the-air updating, multi-tasking machine – and it is available just in time for holiday wish lists.

With DROID by Motorola, you can:

• Zip through the Web: Access the Internet at 3G speeds via the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network or from any Wi-Fi hotspot. The multi-window HTML browser with a massive processor delivers the Web the way you expect.
• See it all in cinema-style: View the Web, e-mail, Google Maps, videos and more in widescreen on a brilliant 3.7” high-resolution screen. Boasting a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning and more than 400,000 pixels total, DROID has more than twice that of the leading competitor.
• Run multiple applications at once: Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market™. Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps.
• Perform Google Search at the speed of sound: Simply tell DROID what you’re looking for using voice-activated search, and it will serve up Google search results based on your location. If you want more, simply type what you’re looking for into the search bar on the home screen and DROID will also search content on your phone, such as apps and contacts, and the Web.
• Capture moments: Snap digital camera-quality photos with a 5 megapixel camera loaded with the works, such as a dual-LED flash, AutoFocus and image stabilization, or capture your friend’s antics in 16 million colors with DVD-quality video capture and playback. Store it all on the included 16 GB memory card, so you always have it on hand.
• Multi-task like a master: Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail™ and Exchange e-mail pushed directly to you, but don’t let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go straight to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart dictionary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts.
• Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It’s powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say “Navigate to [your destination],” and you’ll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.

Pre-loaded Applications and Enhancements to Google Mobile Services:

• Google Maps: With layers in Google Maps, view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia, and transit lines, right on the map.
• Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations.
• YouTube: One-touch recording and playback from homescreen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
• Google Talk: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
• Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers.
• Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.’d to your meeting invitations.
• Facebook: Syncs Facebook contacts to your address book, and a live widget gives the ability to update status and view latest updates from friends.
• Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
• Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.

Pricing and Availability:

• DROID by Motorola will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online on Friday, Nov. 6, for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
• Experience the all-new DROID by Motorola at www.droiddoes.com.
• To get the most from DROID by Motorola smartphone, customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide voice plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide voice plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access for 450 minutes and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan is $29.99 for monthly access.
• For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Source: Motorola