Motorola has confirmed a host of new software features for its US-centric Droid family of devices that had previously been tipped for inclusion within the long-awaited Moto X phone.
As part of the reveal for the new Motorola Droid Ultra, Maxx and Mini smartphones – exclusives on the Verizon network Stateside – Moto and Verizon highlighted many of the features many had expected to make their debuts on the X phone or as part of Android 4.3.
Thanks to some joining of dots from SlashGear, first up is that new camera interface which, as we reported, leaked in full earlier today. It has now been confirmed for Moto’s new Droid-branded line-up.
The UI, which had previously appeared in a leaked Moto X video from Canadian mobile provider Rogers, allows users to swipe from left to right to access camera settings and then easily cycle through options like flash, focus, HDR, slow-mo video and more.
Staying with the camera for a second, the rumoured shake-to-launch-camera feature for the Moto X has also been confirmed for Motorola’s new Droids.
Literature following today’s launch revealed users of the new Droids will be able to “quickly launch the 10-megapixel camera with a simple gesture.”
Another new feature officially revealed before next week’s Moto X launch is the new Open Mic voice command functionality. As rumoured, Open Mic is always listening for the user’s commands and allows users to ask for help without touching the phone.
On its sales page, Verizon writes: “When Droid Mini is on, it’s ready. Command this smartphone without touching it, even when it’s asleep. Use voice commands to get directions or open a Mobile Hotspot.”
While it now seems clear that these features will appear across all new Motorola devices, it remains to be seen whether they’ll be integrated into the core Android experience by Google which, of course, owns the American manufacturer.
The new Droids are still running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, so it would appear the features are Moto-centric for now, rather than part of Android 4.3, which is likely to be revealed tomorrow at a Google event.
In terms of the Moto X, widely expected to be the first Android 4.3 phone, it’s still likely to have one two software surprises up its sleeve. We’ll know for certain on August 1, when the Moto X is officially announced.
As for Moto’s new Droid devices, it seems unlikely that any of those will make a UK appearance in the near future.
Via SlashGear
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
