Motorola launches Moto X

MOTOROLA and Google's voice-activated smartphone the Moto X is set to launch in the UK. The product was the first to be launched following Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility in 2012, and has been on sale in the US since last August.

Featuring Google Now's voice activation system, users will be able to check the weather, set an alarm or find directions by addressing the phone with the phrase "OK Google Now", without even touching it. The device also claims to learn its owners voice and speech patterns, alongside 24 hours of battery life.

The option to reply to texts and notifications via your desktop computer is made possible by the Motorola Connect extension for Google Chrome, and photos, texts, contacts and call histories can be transferred to the Moto X from previous Android phones through Motorola Migrate.

The 10 MP camera can be activated with two flicks of the wrist, and photos can be taken by pressing any point on the touchscreen. The curved back of the device has been designed to ergonomically fit comfortably and securely in users' hands.

Much emphasis has been placed on the model's customisation options, as casing in a variety of finishes including wood are available to be tailored to customer specification.

Andrew Morley, Vice President & General Manager of Motorola Mobility UK said: “At Motorola our roots are deep in mobile hardware – we invented mobile communications.

“Now, as a Google company, we’ve become the kind of company that can build a 4G smartphone like Moto X. It fuses our history of mobile innovation with the best of Google mobile services.”

The Moto X is launching in the UK on 1 February at the price of £380 for the handset minus contract.

A Carphone Warehouse spokesperson said: “Mid-tier smartphones are very popular with customers looking to upgrade from basic feature phones to smartphones. Devices like the Moto X have opened up the smartphone market to a whole new demographic - giving people the chance to keep up to date with the latest advances in technology at a price point that suits them.

"Motorola is one of the original mobile greats and a manufacturer that consumers still get excited about today. The attractive price point of Moto handsets, together with the compact size, impressive design and tech specs make them perfect for those looking to enter the smartphone market for the first time.”