Many eyes in the tech world are focused on the upcoming Apple Watch, but there are other wearable devices available now that are showing up on consumers’ radars. Motorola has entered the fray, releasing the Moto 360 smartwatch well before the Apple Watch’s expected launch date in spring 2015.
Here’s a breakdown of the Apple Watch versus Moto 360 to see how these two smartwatches stack up.
Fundamental Operating Models
The most significant characteristics of these watches are quite similar. Both devices need to be synced up to a compatible smartphone. For Apple, that means the iPhone 5 or 6 models. The Motorola model runs on Android Wear, so it must be paired with a phone running Android 4.3 or higher.
Both devices have similar structures, including a touchscreen and voice command capabilities.
Interface Differences
Gizmag notes that the rectangular Apple Watch has a more sensitive touchscreen interface that can detect the difference between a soft tap and a hard tap, and its digital crown mechanism gives users a control option that does not leave their hand blocking the screen. The Moto 360 uses 100 percent of its rounded, touchscreen display.
Fitness Options
Both phones include options for workout and fitness tracking. Apple is promoting the Apple Watch as a tool for staying in shape, with a built-in accelerometer and heart rate monitor, in addition to other features that communicate with the HealthKit system and its third-party apps.
The Moto 360 also has heart rate monitoring built-in, along with a pedometer that tracks steps and distances. Motorola presents other metrics on the watch face, such as calories burned. The Moto 360 uses the Google Fit platform, and users can download third-party apps as well.
Display
The Moto 360 watch comes with defined display resolution of 320 by 290, with 205 pixels per inch. Apple is a little more reticent on actual specifications, and offers a proprietary Retina display on the Apple Watch that’s similar to the company’s other devices.
Virtual Assistants
Watch users also get the built-in personal attention that they had previously only accessed on smartphones. Apple’s Siri can be installed on the smartwatch, and Moto 360 users can get Google Now service.
NFC Capabilities
One big difference in these two designs is the inclusion of Apple Pay on the Apple Watch, which facilitates transactions with a tap of the wrist. The Moto 360 watch doesn’t have near-field communication (NFC) capabilities.
Battery Life
Reports on actual battery longevity for these devices remain unconfirmed, but sites like Tech Times reported on battery problems before the watch even launched, leaving a big question mark for Apple fans. Meanwhile, Motorola is promoting all-day battery capability for the Moto 360. More user tests will determine exactly how long a charge will last in action, an important metric for a lot of buyers.
These two modern smartwatches that are revolutionizing wearables. Look for more on the Apple Watch versus Moto 360 as both models start making their way onto the market in the new year.
Image courtesy of Flickr
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