Motorola is reportedly bowing out of the smartwatch market and will not pursue a release under the Android Wear 2.0 banner.
Shakil Barkat, the head of global product development at Moto, told The Verge there isn’t “enough pull in the market to put [a new smartwatch] out at this time.”
Related: Moto 360 Sport review
This comes following a number of Moto 360 releases that flattered to deceive amid very high expectations.
The follow up devices, the Moto 360 2 and Moto 360 Sport, addressed some of the initial gripes but have not proved critical or commercial hits.
Meanwhile, those seeking a replacement for Moto in the realm of circular-faced smartwatches could soon be considering the Apple Watch.
A pair of newly published patent filings (1, 2) suggest Apple is considering mixing up the form factor for its watchOS-powered wristwatch.
Related: Apple Watch 2 review
According to the filings (via Apple Insider) entitled “electronic device having display with curved edges,” there would be little different to the existing screen beyond the change in shape.
Should I Buy the Apple Watch Series 2? Head-to-Head
Would you prefer an Apple Watch with a circular face, a la the Samsung Gear 3? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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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.
