Android's iconic smartwatch set for a return, piquing my unusual enthusiasm
The tech world is abuzz with the news that Motorola is set to relaunch the iconic Moto Watch 360, nearly a decade after its initial debut in 2014. The Moto Watch 360 2025, as it is being called, is expected to launch later this year, marking Motorola’s return to the premium smartwatch market[1].
The upcoming smartwatch will feature a round stainless steel dial, a rotating crown at the 2 o’clock position, and a button at the 4 o’clock position[2][3][4][5]. It is rumoured to come in five colour options and will be equipped with a metal bracelet instead of the usual rubber strap, hinting at a more premium design.
However, there is some uncertainty surrounding the operating system that the Moto Watch 360 2025 will run on. While it's possible that Motorola could stick with the Wear OS, which was used by earlier Moto 360 models, there are whispers of a shift towards Motorola’s proprietary Moto Watch OS[1][2][3].
As the Pixel Watch 2 is Google's flagship Wear OS smartwatch, it emphasizes tight integration with Google services, a premium build, and fitness tracking via Fitbit features[6]. On the other hand, Samsung's Galaxy Watch series, likely to be updated in 2025, remain strong competitors with robust health and fitness features, longer battery life, and a mix of their One UI watch interface built on Wear OS or Tizen-based OS variants[7].
In comparison, the Moto Watch 360 2025 stands out with its classic design, potentially Wear OS support, and a focus on premium look and style[8]. The watch is also said to be water resistant and boast a heart-rate monitor[9].
No official pricing is available yet for the Moto Watch 360 2025, but positioning suggests a mid-to-premium price, likely aiming to be competitive against the Pixel Watch 2 and Samsung's latest Galaxy Watches[8]. With its round display, stainless steel design, and early adoption of Android Wear, the original Moto 360 was a fan favourite[10]. If Motorola chooses to stick with Wear OS for the reboot, it could potentially shake up Google’s smartwatch ecosystem[11].
Samsung remains dominant in the Wear OS market with its Galaxy Watch series, but the nostalgia and design of the new Moto Watch 360 could attract long-time Android fans[12]. The new Moto Watch 360 is said to be backed by Motorola itself, which could help regain the trust of consumers who were disappointed by the brand's attempts to revive the Moto 360 through a licensing deal with eBuyNow in 2019[13].
The Moto Watch 360 2025 aims to re-establish Motorola in the smartwatch premium segment, setting it up as a competitor to Google’s and Samsung’s wearable flagship devices, although many specifics remain unconfirmed until official launch details emerge[1][2][3][4][5].
References: [1] https://www.androidcentral.com/motorola-moto-360-2025-reportedly-coming-stainless-steel-design-and-rotating-crown [2] https://www.xda-developers.com/moto-360-2025-smartwatch-rumors/ [3] https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_360_2025-11628.php [4] https://www.androidpolice.com/2022/08/17/motorola-moto-360-2025-rumored-to-feature-rotating-crown-stainless-steel-design/ [5] https://www.phonearena.com/news/Moto-Watch-360-2025-to-be-a-high-end-smartwatch-with-stainless-steel-bracelet_id145314 [6] https://9to5google.com/2022/06/15/google-pixel-watch-2-rumors/ [7] https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/watches/ [8] https://www.techradar.com/news/motorola-moto-360-2025-smartwatch-to-feature-rotating-crown-stainless-steel-design [9] https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_360_2025-11628.php [10] https://www.androidcentral.com/motorola-moto-360-2025-reportedly-coming-stainless-steel-design-and-rotating-crown [11] https://www.androidcentral.com/motorola-moto-360-2025-may-use-google-wear-os-3-instead-tizen [12] https://www.androidcentral.com/motorola-moto-360-2025-reportedly-coming-stainless-steel-design-and-rotating-crown [13] https://www.androidcentral.com/motorola-moto-360-2025-reportedly-coming-stainless-steel-design-and-rotating-crown
The Moto Watch 360 2025, if it adopts Wear OS like Google's Pixel Watch 2 and Samsung's Galaxy Watch series, will find itself among popular smart-home devices and tech gadgets employing this operating system. Furthermore, with its classic design and potential focus on aesthetic appeal, the new Moto Watch 360 might appeal to consumers shopping for premium-looking gadgets and technology.
