12/19, 2:58pm
Verizon upgrades Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, Droid Mini to Android KitKat
Verizon is rolling out Android KitKat to its current range of Droid smartphones. Owners of the Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, and Droid Mini will receive the update from today onwards, with version 4.4 of the operating system bringing a full-screen mode, camera improvements, an updated Droid Zap app, an update for Motorola Assist, and support for the Fitbit, among other items.
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12/19, 12:41pm
Motorola puts color-changing ad into print Wired magazine
Motorola will tout its Moto X customizable smartphone next month in the print edition of Wired with an interactive ad that slightly mimics the company's Moto Maker customization site. Mashable reported on Thursday that about 153,490 copies of the January 2014 issue of Wired will be distributed in New York and Chicago with paper-thin electronic components integrated into a page. That page will hold Motorola's Moto X ad, which will change the color of the Moto X unit on the page with the press of a button.
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12/18, 6:29am
Motorola adds Bamboo backing option to MotoMaker
Motorola has finally made a wooden backing available for the Moto X. Users of MotoMaker can choose to have a Bamboo coating on the rear of the smartphone, at a cost of $100 and an extra week on the delivery time according to TechnoBuffalo. Bamboo is currently the only option in the "Natural" category on the site, with previously-spotted options for Ebony, Rosewood, and Teak yet to be added to the backing list.
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12/16, 7:42pm
Microsoft-led suit led to embargo of older Motorola devices, suits continue
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld Microsoft's ban on Motorola's products that used a meeting scheduler patent. Google-owned Motorola attempted to get the ruling overturned, hoping that the court would invalidate the patent and overturn the US International Trade Commission finding holding it valid.
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12/15, 7:48pm
Read-out PIN can unlock Moto X, Droid Ultra, Mini, Maxx
Motorola has updated its Touchless Control app with more voice commands, amid other changes. The app, available as an update through Google Play for compatible Motorola devices running Android KitKat, introduces the potentially-insecure option of verbally providing your security PIN to the smartphone in order to unlock it.
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12/12, 6:20am
Adverse weather conditions slows production, shipping of smartphones
Deliveries of the Moto G and Moto X to customers in the United States have been delayed, because of adverse weather conditions. The manufacturing and shipping facility in Fort Worth, Texas was affected by "Winter Storm Dion," with the snow causing significant transportation issues for finished goods as well as for Motorola employees.
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12/04, 12:40pm
Sale price available today and Monday
Following technical difficulties on Cyber Monday, Motorola has extended the holiday promotion for its Moto X handset. The company's flagship smartphone is available today and Monday for just $349, marking a $150 savings, with full customization options via the Moto Maker site, though today's stock appears to be sold out.
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11/30, 4:53pm
Moto X sees big price cut for holiday season
Motorola is offering a steep discount on its Moto X flagship smartphone on Monday. The manufacturer announced a $150 discount on the device last week that will go into effect on Cyber Monday, the day many online retailers give discounts on purchases. The phone will be available starting at $350 with the discount.
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11/27, 6:20am
Moto X wood options will be available in coming weeks
The Moto X will have options for a wood backing in the future, but not in time for Thanksgiving, according to a Reuters reporter on Twitter. Despite this, Motorola is allegedly aiming to offer the backing option to customers through Moto Maker in the coming weeks, "in time for some holiday shopping." Original sightings of the backing showed options for Ebony, Rosewood, Teak, and Bamboo, though it is not clear which of these will be offered to customers.
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11/26, 11:14am
Unsubsidized pricing starts at $179
Motorola Mobility has announced that it is bringing the unlocked version of its Moto G smartphone to the US early in time for holiday shoppers. The company is already taking pre-orders for the unlocked GSM editions, which will ship on December 2 and carry respective prices of $179 and $199 for the 8GB and 16GB variants.
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11/22, 1:56pm
3D Systems developing 3D printing line for Project Ara module construction
Motorola's modular smartphone has taken one more step into becoming a reality, thanks to a multi-year agreement with a manufacturing partner. 3D Systems has agreed to create a "continuous high-speed 3D printing production platform" for Project Ara, and ultimately creating modules as "Motorola's exclusive fulfillment partner" if it completes the platform's development.
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11/20, 2:37pm
Moto X to be joined by Razr HD, Razr Maxx, more
Motorola surprised much of the tech world on Tuesday by revealing that the 2012 line of Droid devices would be receiving an update to Android 4.4 KitKat. The news came just a day after Android updates began rolling out for the Verizon model of the Moto X. The Google-owned manufacturer did not, however, give any information on the time frame for the new wave of updates.
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11/15, 6:16am
Price of Moto X lowered on carriers after Moto G launch
Following the launch of the low-cost Moto G, a number of carriers in the United States have started to lower their prices for the Moto X. While Republic Wireless offers the device off-contract, versions as part of a two-year commitment have received price cuts, with one offer seemingly being priced at $0.01.
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11/14, 1:12pm
Moto X could head to Europe in future, after Moto G
The Moto X could potentially head to markets further afield than the United States, after an executive reportedly hinted at a possible launch in the future. The suggestion comes shortly after the company unveiled the Moto G, a cheaper version of the handset that is enjoying a global launch for areas other than the United States over the next few weeks.
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11/13, 9:46am
Budget Moto G offers 4.5-inch 720p display, Snapdragon 400 processor
Motorola has launched its rumored Moto G smartphone at its live event in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The smartphone, a budget offering when compared to the preceding Moto X, offers a 4.5-inch, 720p, edge-to-edge display with a pixel density of 329ppi, in a device said to be the third of the cost of premium smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S 4.
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11/11, 1:22pm
Moto X customization now on all major carriers
As many expected, the Moto Maker Moto X customization feature has now expanded from AT&T to include all four major American carriers. The Moto X site now shows Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile as carrier options, along with AT&T. The expansion of the feature to at least Verizon was anticipated by many, as the carrier accidentally leaked a page showing off the Motorola flagship and saying it could be customized. That page, though, was quickly taken down, and the feature was put back under wraps until its proper launch today.
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11/11, 7:19am
Amazon listing confirms 4.5-inch display, Android KitKat upgrade in future
The Moto G could be shipping to customers the day after its expected launch on November 13th. A sales page for the phone on Amazon UK shows the device, under the previous name of the Motorola DVX, as being "due to be released on November 14th," as well as seemingly confirming a number of rumored specifications.
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11/10, 6:38pm
Customization options for Moto X on Verizon said to start tomorrow
Verizon's own version of the Moto Maker site reportedly came online for a brief period earlier today, with a page giving the option for the customer to customize their own Moto X smartphone. The Moto Maker page, now redirecting to the front page of the Verizon online store, apparently came online the day before the store is rumored to go live for Verizon customers.
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11/08, 7:29am
Customized Moto X said to reach T-Mobile today, Sprint on 11th
Customized versions of the Moto X could be heading to the other carriers in the near future, according to reports. Leaked images said to be from Sprint allegedly show that the Moto Maker system will be available to customers in the near future, while another rumor claims that T-Mobile will also be receiving access to it soon.
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11/04, 7:57am
Budget Motorola smartphone to see international release
Motorola will be hosting an event on November 13th for the launch of the Moto G smartphone. The Google-owned device manufacturer will be showing off the successor to the Moto X during a live event later this month, with the device name having previously been confirmed courtesy of a mistake on the Motorola website and a trademark filing.
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11/01, 11:27am
Moto X, current Droid range to gain KitKat
Motorola has revealed a list of devices that will receive Android 4.4, also known as KitKat. A dedicated upgrades page on the Motorola website allows users to select a large number of combinations for carriers and devices, with the Moto X and the new Droid range on Verizon being shown as receiving Android KitKat in the future.
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11/01, 6:16am
Moto G to be mid-range device with Snapdragon S4 Pro processor
Specifications for a future mid-range smartphone from Motorola have allegedly leaked, suggesting that it may be less of a "budget" device than initially believed. The new Moto G rumors come at the same time as the release of the Motorola Camera app on Google Play, though it appears that it is only compatible with the Moto X.
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10/30, 7:35am
Website menu confirms smartphone name after trademark filing
Motorola may be closer to launching another in the Moto line than first believed, thanks to a slip-up by Motorola itself. The Google-owned manufacturer allegedly leaked the existence of the Moto G through its website, less than a week after it was discovered that the company had applied for a trademark through the USPTO for the smartphone name.
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10/29, 6:17am
Users can choose individual modules to create unique smartphone
Motorola is developing a system that could be used to create highly-customized smartphones in the future. Project Ara is hoped to become a "free, open hardware platform" that will let users pick and choose specific components for a smartphone from various manufacturers, followed by combining the modules together into a single mobile device.
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10/25, 12:33pm
Moto X now $99 on Moto Maker site
AT&T customers can now pick up a customized Moto X from the Moto Maker website for just $99. The Moto X still retails for $199 in AT&T stores in standard colors, but interested parties can now get a customized model for half the price, though they will have to have it delivered. Additionally, Motorola is showing off what appears to be a Moto X-exclusive augmented reality game to be launched in the coming days.
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10/25, 7:56am
Target to offer Ouya in all US stores in time for holiday sales
The Android-based Ouya game console is spreading its retail reach in the United States, ahead of the holiday sales. Previously launching in a number of Target, GameStop, and Best Buy stores, the console will now be available in all Target locations across the US, reports Polygon, with store availability of the Ouya in Western Europe and the Middle East also said to be increasing in the next month.
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10/22, 12:40pm
Position tied to release cycles
The launch of the iPhone 5s and 5c put Apple back on top of US smartphone sales during the month of September, new data from Counterpoint Research indicates. Samsung had been holding that spot since May, peaking at 37 percent in August. In September, though, Apple shot from 17 percent up to 39 percent, pushing Samsung down to 29 percent. The companies' next closest competitor, LG, slipped back under 10 percent, a threshold it was over between June and August. HTC, Motorola, and Nokia each have less than 5 percent of the US market.
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10/16, 11:26am
iPhone 5s, 5c still get high marks
Although the iPhone 5s and 5c are both great phones, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the latest Motorola Droid models -- the Droid Maxx, Droid Ultra, and Droid mini -- are currently better choices, says Consumer Reports. The Droids in particular are said to have superior battery life, and larger displays. CR also points to some software advantages, such as Google Now and Motorola's Active Notifications.
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10/09, 6:47am
Rumor claims update to Droid Ultra, larger Moto X coming soon
Following on from rumors of a tablet and the upcoming budget-Moto X dubbed DVX, Motorola is believed to be working on a phablet and another smartphone. The Xplay, said to have a 6.3-inch display, is accompanied by rumors of a new smartphone for Verizon's popular Droid range called the Droid Quantum.
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10/05, 7:27pm
Moto X customization system said to hit Verizon next month
Verizon customers will soon have the option to fully personalize their Moto X handsets, according to a new report from notorious tech news leaker @evleaks. The rumored November 11 arrival of Moto Maker will allow customers on the United States' largest carrier to choose their own color and configuration options for Motorola's newest flagship model. Until now, the customization option has only been available on AT&T.
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10/04, 3:52pm
Apple increases lead from Samsung, iOS still behind Android
Apple continues to have the highest market share of smartphones, according to the latest comScore MobiLens report. While Android manages to top the list of smartphone platforms for the period, Apple managed to increase its lead on Samsung, HTC, Motorola, and LG from the start of the period by 1.5 percent, reaching a new market share total of 40.7 percent.
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10/04, 1:08pm
5c close behind in some cases
The iPhone 5s was the top-selling smartphone at all four major US carriers during the month of September, according to data from Canaccord Genuity. The iPhone 5c, moreover, came in second place at AT&T and Sprint, taking third at Verizon and T-Mobile. Filling in the top three at each carrier was the Samsung Galaxy S4.
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10/02, 12:06am
Unknown if other board members will go along with plan to remove Gates
On the heels of CEO Steven Ballmer's exit, three of the top 20 investors in Microsoft are pressing the company's board of directors to force BIll Gates out of his chairman position. The investors are concerned that Gates holds a disproportionate influence over the company than his 4.5 percent stake should allow, and his role is preventing the company from implementing new strategies to help it survive a changing industry.
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09/30, 1:21pm
DVX shares physical styling to Moto X, loses LTE, NFC
Motorola could be working on a low-cost version of its Moto X flagship smartphone, according to filings at the FCC. Images in the filing, submitted to show how the smartphone is set-up for testing, gives an almost complete front and back shot of what is believed to be the Motorola DVX, with only a few minor stickers placed on the rear.
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09/26, 12:05pm
Waterloo expansion could take advantage of BlackBerry layoffs
Motorola will be opening a new office in Waterloo, Ontario, the effective home of competitor BlackBerry. The new engineering hub will be expanding on the existing Google Kitchener-Waterloo office occupied by approximately 200 staff, and will apparently be just a ten-minute drive from the doors of BlackBerry's main headquarters.
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09/26, 7:53am
Promotional Twitter account repeats Motorola tablet hint
Motorola could be launching a new tablet on Verizon in the future, if rumors based on an advertisement are to be believed. The carrier's "The Drop" promotional video for its Motorola Droid device line hints at a possible tablet as the next item to be released in the range, something also seemingly confirmed by an associated Twitter account.
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09/19, 12:47pm
Moto X to be sold on Republic Wireless without two-year commitment
Low-cost carrier Republic Wireless has revealed it will be selling the Motorola Moto X on its network for $299. While this is more than the $200 usually charged by carriers for the smartphone, with Sprint offering it for just $100, the Republic Wireless model differs as it is offering it without requiring customers to sign up for a two-year contract.
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09/11, 11:09am
Future Motorola tablet could have Moto X-style color options
Motorola could be releasing a tablet in the future, according to comments made by its CEO. The Google-owned smartphone manufacturer is said to be working on such a device, and considering its current factory system and personalization options for the Moto X, it could end up being a customizable device constructed in the United States.
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09/11, 5:22am
US Moto X employee cost three times higher than China equivalent
Production of the Moto X smartphone is operating at a brisk pace, with Motorola's contracted Texas-based factory churning out 100,000 devices each week. The high customized order numbers are still increasing, according to a report, with Google also taking the time to add the inside of the facility to its indoor Street View collection.
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09/06, 2:59pm
Moto X goes on sale through Sprint, $100 credit for number transfers
Sprint has started selling Motorola's flagship smartphone, the Moto X, on its network. Priced at $200 alongside a two-year contract, the carrier will be offering customers switching their number to Sprint a $100 instant credit off the up-front cost of the device. Though it is not launching with Moto Maker customizations, Sprint states that it will be available to its customers "in the coming months."
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09/04, 10:49pm
Microsoft paid for expenses incurred by Motorola's abusive demands
Microsoft has won another victory against Google's Motorola Mobility over fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing of standards-essential patents. The jury found that Motorola violated its agreements with standard-setting organizations to license patents at a fair rate, by asking for billions from Microsoft to use video codecs for its Xbox 360 console and its Windows operating system. Microsoft was awarded $14 million, nearly half of what it asked for.
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09/03, 2:59pm
Feature should return in near future
The Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court has stayed enforcement of an injunction blocking push email for German iCloud users, reports say. The injunction stems from a lawsuit filed by Motorola, and was originally issued by the Mannheim Regional Court in February 2012. With the Karlsruhe ruling, push email should return as soon as Apple can post a bond, meant to ensure that Motorola can collect damages should it win the related lawsuit.
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08/31, 1:36pm
Moto X to get price drop, wood backing option
Motorola's new Moto X customizable flagship smartphone will see a 50 percent discount in the next quarter, according to sources. Ever-prescient leaker @evleaks tweeted the news on Saturday, revealing that Motorola will indeed position the Moto X to compete better in terms of price. In addition to the price drop, the Moto X will also be getting a long-awaited build configuration.
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08/27, 5:56am
Web-only launch for Verizon Moto X, stock for stores in coming weeks
The Moto X will be going on sale through Verizon on August 29th, almost a week after AT&T launched the smartphone on its network. The increase to the list of carriers offering the Motorola-made device comes at the same time as potential customization pricing for a wood back cover is allegedly leaked by Motorola's own website.
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08/25, 5:42am
Motorola prepping Moto X Developer Edition with unlockable bootloader
Motorola has quietly revealed a Developer Edition of its new flagship Moto X smartphone. The new device will get a unique appearance with a black front and white rear panel as well as silver highlights around the camera bezel and on the volume and power controls. It will also carry special branding on the rear, while shipping in standard trim with 32GB of RAM on board as well as an “unlockable” bootloader.
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08/24, 5:52pm
New Droid sports physical keyboard
Motorola may soon release a new Droid 5 handset that sports a physical keyboard, according to image posted to Chinese social network Weibo. The new handset so far has no release date, and little is known about its internals. It does sport Verizon branding, though, meaning it will likely hit the United States' largest carrier some time in the near future.
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08/23, 3:01pm
Customers visiting store can buy Motomaker card for online Moto X ordering
The Moto X has gone on sale through AT&T. The Motorola flagship smartphone is available through both AT&T's website and through retail stores, with the site offering the plain black and white options, and customers buying a Moto X card in-store being able to customize their device's color scheme through the Motomaker website.
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08/22, 5:37pm
Decision follows joint amicus curiae brief
The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has declined to allow Verizon, Ford and the American Association of Advertising Agencies from participating in an upcoming hearing on the Apple v. Motorola patent dispute. As noted by patent analyst Florian Mueller, the third parties previously submitted a joint amicus curiae brief that backed Judge Posner's June 2012 dismissal of infringement claims from both companies.
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08/20, 12:32pm
Two Motorola Droids go on sale, Verizon shipping August 27th
Two Motorola smartphones have gone on sale on Verizon, at the same time as the carrier announces its plan to add 4G LTE service to the New York City subway system. Launched last month, the Droid Ultra and the Droid Maxx have both appeared on the carrier's online store, though buyers will have to wait until August 27th for the smartphones to ship.
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