How Moto X inspired these West Hollywood stylists

Spring is here and with the warm weather are endless ideas for cute looks. We’re a big believer in choosing your own style, which is why we give you the choice to customize your Moto X in a variety of different combinations, including genuine leather and wood backs. So we asked West Hollywood-based fashion experts at The Style List on Sunset Boulevard for their advice on creating a look that works.

They gave three tips:

Tip #1: Make a statement - A statement piece is a great way to define your look. It could be a skirt you love, a bold piece of jewelry—or even your phone!

Tip #2: Customize your style - It doesn’t matter what this season’s trends are—the most important thing is that you’re your own person! Make the style your own by choosing pieces and colors you love.

Tip #3: Be inspired - Look around you for inspiration to bring together your outfit or your style. Your statement piece could be a great place to start.

Want to see happens when you put these tips to work? The Style List uses customized Moto X’s as their statement pieces and put together three adorable outfits based on the phones:



Visit Moto Maker to create your own customized Moto X today.

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Changing the Rules

Recently, our president, Rick Osterloh, has been sharing his thoughts about the mobile device industry and other topics on Medium. We wanted to share one of his posts here. He'll be posting more stories like these on Medium, and you can find them here.

Last week the Times of India reported that Flipkart, India’s leading e-commerce site, would abandon its desktop website and go all-mobile. This says something about how they see their market and the users they are cultivating. India is one of the great growth stories for mobile -- a country with 1.25 billion people and just over 200m mobile Internet users. 

But that great untapped market is also a conundrum. Many of the people on the fringes of global mobile Internet adoption have radically different expectations and habits than the consumers we’re used to dealing with. In some cases they’re buying bandwidth literally a few kb at a time. No matter how inexpensive good devices get, many of these people don’t have the years of accumulated experience that make modern mobile operating systems decipherable.

This is a great illustration of something I’ve been talking about with my team recently. The mobile device business remains one of the most amazing growth stories of our age. But three forces are profoundly changing the shape of the industry, making this the most interesting and perilous time since it emerged in its modern form in 2007. We have to adapt to this new world to survive. These three forces are new users and markets; China; and new competitors and new models. 

Read the full post on Medium here.

Posted by Rick Osterloh, President and COO

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What is Patina?

You might have heard the phrase in an art history class, read it in article, or even heard a friend use it describing her shoes: patina. It’s the term people use to describe what happens to an object over time. Patina has an especially beautiful effect on leather and wood—which means that your Moto X and Moto 360 become more beautiful over time.

So we turned to an expert to learn more—Nick Horween, CEO of Horween Leathers, whose family has worked in leather for generations and provides the leather for our products. 

Though many different types of material patina, leather has a particular beauty when it ages.

“Horween leathers are vegetable-tanned leathers,” he said. “That means they are cured by tree barks. Because of that, the leather is very accepting of the environment: sunlight, oils, waters. Since all our leathers have an aniline finish - which means there are no pigments - nothing gets in the way of it interacting with the environment. That lets the leather patina pretty quickly.” 

Just as important is how you handle the leather. The way you touch and hold your phone, how it rubs against your pocket or when you expose it to light - all these things affect the patina. A tobacco-colored piece of leather might develop a caramel shine while black leather takes on highlights that give the leather visual depth.

To treat your leather well, be careful not to overexpose your leather. Too much sunlight can actually be harmful so leaving your Moto X baking in the sun at the beach or on the dashboard is definitely not a good idea. And moisture can lead to issues like mold so be very careful to dry your back and front if moisture does get on the phone. No need to worry about special cleaners, just wipe down with damp cloth when needed.

This is good news for people looking to develop a patina on their phone in short order. But, as Horween is quick to add, there are no short cuts. “The best you can do is just to use it.”

Photo Credit: Kevin Flynn

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Project Fi and Nexus 6: More choice in how you connect

We want to give you the freedom to choose the mobile experience that’s right for you, which is why we are proud to be the first hardware partner to bring you Google’s Project Fi on Nexus 6 by Motorola.

Google recently introduced Project Fi -- a wireless experience that intelligently moves you to the fastest available high-quality connections between Wi-Fi and 4G LTE network partners. This service is designed to push the boundaries of what’s possible wirelessly and makes it easy to communicate across multiple networks and devices.

Nexus 6 is the first smartphone to work with Project Fi. Nexus 6 is a bigger phone with more everything. Together, it gives you more ways to connect and more control of your mobile experience.

Learn more about Nexus 6 here. If you live in an area where Project Fi has coverage in the U.S., request an invite at fi.google.com/ to get started.

Posted by Andria Nickel, Nexus 6 product manager

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Moto 360: It’s time for an update

Simpler, easier and more fun. In the next few weeks, an update is coming to Moto 360 equipped with fun few new features like Wi-Fi connectivity, new gestures and easy-to-draw emojis. That way, you can get more done and have some fun with your watch.

Go Ahead, Put Your Phone Down
Over Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to use your Moto 360 when you are out of Bluetooth range from your phone.

Flick It
With a flick of the wrist, scroll between cards of useful info, check out new notifications or go back to the previous one without ever touching the screen.

Turn Quick Drawings into Emojis
Admit it, life is more fun with emojis. Now you can simply draw something - a burger, a clock with time, a smiley face - and Moto 360 will transform it into an emoji to send to your friends and family.

Always-on Screen, Always-on Apps

Now you can continuously view apps while optimizing battery life.

All screen images simulated. 

These new features and more will be available for Moto 360 in the next few weeks. And if you’re thinking it’s time to consider other upgrades to your watch, check out Moto Maker for the latest options.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M are trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. Android and Google are trademarks of Google, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (c) 2105 Motorola Mobility LLC. All rights reserved.

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Introducing A New Level of Customization – Moto Selfie Stick

Taking the perfect selfie is an art. We understand how important it is to get the perfect shot which is why we created the perfect accessory - custom selfie sticks made with the same craftsmanship and genuine materials we use for our phones, like wood and leather. Because your selfie stick should be as unique as you are.

The self portrait just got more personal. Introducing the Moto Selfie Stick…

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Design Details: Getting to know Horween, the family leather makers for Moto 360 and Moto X

Authenticity of materials and quality craftsmanship are at the heart of every product we make. As designers we understand the importance of what we call “Materiality.” It is a critical component to engaging people’s senses in a visceral way: the look, feel, smell and sound of materials help elevate the quality of an object. Materials can add delight and surprise to a person’s experience and remind people of positive and emotional memories when they use our products.


Every material we choose must embrace a high standard of quality, both in terms of how it looks and how it feels against your skin, so that you can choose a distinct look to fit your style.

So when it came to choosing the leathers for Moto 360 watch bands and for the back of your Moto X through Moto Maker, the details counted. We turned to Horween, a classic, family-run leather company that has been making quality leather for more than 100 years.

We sat down with owner Nick Horween, whose great great grandfather started the company in 1905. Nick answered a few key questions about Horween leather and even let us snap a few pictures around the workshop near Chicago’s Loop.

Can you give us an overview of the Horween story?
I’m a fifth-generation Horween. The company was founded in 1905 in Chicago by my great great grandfather Isadore Horween who worked at a different tannery from 1893-1905. We bought our current building in 1920. The building was a tannery before. There were many tanneries in Chicago when we purchased the property, but we’re the last tannery today. Our factory has always been family owned and operated. All of our hides are fully traceable. They come from here in the Midwest and also Toronto, Quebec, and France.

Why do you think Horween leather ages so well?
It has a lot to do with what we put in the leather. We use vegetable tannage extract made from tree barks. Just like wood, when left out in the sun, the leather darkens. Our leather also reacts well to oils from hands, which instead of breaking the material down give it more color and character.

Where is Horween Leather used?
Forty percent of our leather is used for sporting goods. It’s used for NFL Wilson footballs and NBA Spalding basketballs. About half of the players in the MLB play with Rawling gloves made from Horween leather.

Another 40% of Horween leather is used for footwear. Then 20% is used for small leather goods. One interesting fact is that all of the boots for troops in North Africa during World War II were made using Horween Leather.

Why did you decide to partner with Motorola?
When Motorola approached us, it was a new market segment for Horween, which got us really excited. Motorola has been very good at taking something like Horween leather and making it functional. It’s been a great partnership

What is the production timeline for Moto X and Moto 360 leathers?
Our leather is made completely by hand, as my family has done for generations. For Moto X and Moto 360, the leather takes a total of five to six weeks to make. This includes tanning the hides, splitting the hides to weight, and dying the hides.

What is the best way to care for Moto X and Moto 360 leathers?
Really just continue to use them regularly. If you want to clean the leather, you can simply use a damp, soft cloth to wipe it down. The natural oils in your skin and hands help take care of the rest and make your leather more beautiful and distinctive over time.

Posted by Dickon Isaacs, Design for Wearables.

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Moto Maker for Moto 360: It’s time to design a watch to fit your style

You have a style all your own. Now, you can customize a modern watch that satisfies your personal tastes and have it delivered to your door step. Introducing Moto Maker for Moto 360.

Choose from three case finishes: dark metal, light metal or champagne gold. Then pick one of nine bands, including leather, metal, and our new mono-link design, a modern take on the classic metal band style. Complete your design by choosing one of 11 watch faces. Once you get your watch, it’s easy to swap watch faces from our collection or through Google Play.

Need some inspiration? Each watch has a personality all its own. Ever think about how you would describe yours? Here are just a few fun watch personalities that might come through with these new combinations:

Professor Hip
Light Finish Case with 22mm Cognac Leather Band

It's 20 years from tenure but this Moto 360's leather band is ready to rock with any elbow patches. It's even happy to provide notifications on the latest 17th Century Lit forums. Build your own Professor Hip.

Golden Goddess
Champagne Gold Finish Case with Cognac Leather Band

Does the champagne gold finish match a sun-kissed golden forearm? Of course it does. This watch keeps a constant eye on UV levels using its weather app—all while perfecting an impeccable watch tan line. Build your own Golden Goddess.

On-the-Go Stylist
Light Finish Case Champagne Gold Metal Band

Where “boyfriend” meets fashion trend, consider this watch your On-the-Go Stylist. It'll add that finishing touch to whatever outfits you wear throughout the day, from your morning meetings to post-dinner drinks. Build your own On-the Go Stylist.

Wheeler Dealer
Light Finish Case Dark Metal Band

This watch style says that it's here to close. It's serious and sleek and ready for some smooth talking. A quick check of the messages may mean the final detail needed to seal the deal. Build your own Wheeler Dealer.

The Modernist
Light Finish Case with Slim Champagne Gold Metal Band

It is, in a word, impeccable. It prefers simplicity and elegance in both fashion and design. It could fit into any design magazine—cultivated with clean lines and polished steel—but instead it's on your wrist. Build your own Modernist.

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Show Off Your Moto X

Photo Credit: Judith Brocks

With a little bit of care and a whole lot of use, a piece of leather takes on a life of its own. It tells a story about the person who owns it—where the leather has been, the choices they’ve made along the way, and how we all get more beautiful with time. The beauty of aged leather is otherwise known as patina, which creates a unique look depending on the specific wear over time.

We think that’s pretty cool. How you choose to use a piece of leather and how much you use it will change your phone into one that’s beautiful like no one else’s. Which means that, as BGR pointed out recently, the same goes for your customized leather-back Moto X (2nd Gen.) made through Moto Maker.

This month we’re celebrating the beauty of your personal Moto X and how yours looks different from anyone else’s, even if you’ve chosen the same colors. Consumers and Motorolans have been sharing pictures of their Moto X using the hashtag #MyMotoX.

Here are just a few of the one-of-a-kind Moto X phones we have seen so far:

Photo Credit: @Jesusinvans


Photo Credit: @TheLazySmith







Photo Credit: Bhavesh Shah

Have an awesome Moto X? Tweet a picture at #MyMotoX and follow us on Twitter for a chance at more goodies and to stay on top of the latest news. And if you don’t have one to call your own, check out Moto Maker to get started today.

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Moto E: The Back Story

Our challenge: Create a premium smartphone experience for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money. We put some of our top engineers on the task and the result is the new Moto E which brings some of our most premium experiences to our most affordable phone for the first time. Now more people everywhere can choose a great smartphone experience.

“When we were designing this new generation of Moto E, we went back to consumers who bought the first generation,” said Kristin Arnold, one of our consumer researchers. “We really listened to what they liked about the phone and how we could make this affordable device even more useful to them and more powerful.”

For instance, we heard you like taking pictures—selfies to be specific. So we added a front facing camera and, for the first time, we brought one of our most popular experiences on the Moto X to the new Moto E.

“Quick Capture has been one of the most popular features we have on Moto X. So we decided to bring it to Moto E, too. It’s just one more way we are able to bring our premium innovation into a smartphone that doesn’t break the bank,” said Michelle Gattuso, product management director.

There’s more than just Quick Capture, too. The new Moto E is engineered to include dual accelerometers that enable some of the most popular features found on Moto X. We included Moto Display and Motorola Assist. With Moto Display, the Moto E will stay dark until you nudge it or get a notification, so you can stay up on top of things with just a subtle glance. And with Motorola Assist’s Sleep Mode and Meeting Mode, you can tell Moto E when you don’t want to be bothered.

A phone is more than just what is inside of it. It’s also about how it looks and feels. The Moto E has a curved back, ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in your hand and not bend in your back pocket. You can also choose a soft touch finish on the black Moto E for a more comfortable feel and better grip.

And we sweated the small stuff.

“We embrace authentic materials and focus on even the tiniest design details, like the elegant spin finish around the camera bezel and texture on the buttons. This kind of attention to detail creates a premium look you usually see in more expensive devices,” said SangSoo Park, a designer for Moto E.

And we always want to give you the ability to personalize the device with customizable colors to fit your style. You can choose from among six colorful Motorola Bands that are easy to swap out. Not only are these patented bands designed to look great, but they also feature a unique ridged pattern which provides an even better grip.

Our President Rick Osterloh said it best, “We designed the Moto E with the idea that people shouldn’t have to pay a lot to join the connected world and experience it at its best. So we did what other companies weren’t doing with their affordable devices. We packed in great design, great engineering and great software. We’re also providing great customer service and software updates that continue long after you buy the phone. Now that’s real bang for the buck. And that’s what makes Moto E different. ”

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