14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re browsing tech headlines these days, you’ll surely stumble at least upon one related to smartwatches. And even if customers continue to remain skittish about picking such a device, most of us are familiar with the Samsung Gear or Sony’s SmartView.
Not to mention that Android Wear devices will soon be upon us, further expanding the allure of the smartwatch, with Motorola and LG taking the forefront of this course of action. Anyway, the world of wearables is certainly not limited to the offerings coming from brand vendors.
There’s a lot of more obscure wearables, so to say. One of the them is MOTA and the company behind it already released the first-generation smartwatch. But now, an updated version of the original product is being rolled out under the MOTA SmartWatch G2 name.
Visually nothing has changed much, compared to the first product and the producing entity has maintained the same super affordable price-tag of $80 / €59.
For this super-low price tag, customers jumping on board with the MOTA will receive a sleek-looking device, which is more reminiscent of a fitness band than of a smartwatch, judging by its curved display.
But that’s not all the new intelligent time-piece brings to the table. Bizarrely enough, the Smartwatch G2 has a built-in mic and support for Siri and Google Now. This integration is what truly sets the watch apart from the flock.
Basically, you’ll be able to deliver vocal commands and queries without taking out the smartphone from your pocket. Imagine being able to check the weather forecast or look for the next train to Boston by virtue of just talking to your wrist.
Surely, there’s a oddness factor here, but you don’t have to scream at your watch in public, do you?
The new MOTA can be paired with Android and iOS smartphones via Bluetooth 3.0, so it does not limit compatibility to a certain pool of devices.
Like most smartwatches out there, the MOTA can be used to relay notifications and, when doing so, it will make your wearable vibrate, while displaying the appropriate information on the OLED screen.
The MOTA smartwatch is said to be capable of providing 3 days of standby time, but it will only last you a meager 180 minutes of talk time. To fully charge the smartwatch, you’ll have to leave it to replenish for 2 hours.
The MOTA SmartWatch G2 is up for pre-order for just $80 / €59 and will start shipping out June 20.
