With the release of its Moto 360 last year, Motorola defined what an Android wearable could be like, namely: clean design, a round face and something that wouldn’t look out of space in a boardroom. Its follow-up further improved on the formula by providing faster performance and a battery that didn’t crap out mid-way through the day. Now, we have the sport variant of the 2nd generation Moto 360, promising to be only fitness tracker we’ll ever need. Is it though?
FITNESS BAND
Unlike its more premium sibling, the Moto 360 Sport adopts a silicone body and band that fits pretty snugly on the wrist. Other than that, it is virtually identical, down to the trademark ‘flat tire’ on the bottom of the watch face. Considering that other watch makers have managed to make round faced watches without the flat tire, we’re seriously questioning Motorola’s decision to keep it in, though in all honesty you won’t really notice it after a few days with the watch.
There’s an ambient light sensor within the flat tire, allowing it to automatically adjust brightness levels – a godsend for battery life. A single bottom can be found on the right side of the watch; with a grippy textured surface. It feels solid if a little dull compared to the shiny metal version on its sibling.
ANYLIGHT
The one difference in terms of external hardware is the display; Motorola calls this its AnyLight Hybrid Display, and it promises visibility under any kind of lighting, even direct sunlight. It does this by allowing the display to reflect ambient lighting, providing visibility without generating, well, light. This works pretty well, allowing the watch to be read under virtually any circumstance. On the flipside, the new display is a step down in terms of quality compared to its sibling, which utilises a screen with far better colour reproduction and deeper blacks.
The Moto 360 Sport also allows the ambient display to be completely off until you raise up the watch to see the time, allowing you to stretch its legs when battery levels start dipping to precarious levels. Overall, the display is perfectly serviceable and most will be quite happy with it.
SOFTWARE
Running Android Wear, the Moto 360 Sport will be immediately familiar to anyone who has had experience with any other Android based wearable. The difference here is Motorola’s proprietary app, Moto Body. The app calculates daily steps, calorie burning rate as well as your heart rate, giving you an analysis of your daily fitness regime. However, when it comes to measuring active sports, it really only caters for running; there is no section for weight training, swimming, or even climbing. Granted, unlike the regular Moto 360, the Sport comes with a GPS chip. Again, it is only for the benefit of runners.
Sadly, the app is pretty limited in its function; it just collects data, but it doesn’t use that data to tailor any fitness program for you, suggest when to pick up the pace or adjust your goals automatically. For a ‘Sport’ wearable that seemingly only focuses on running, it’s pretty disappointing.
VERDICT
The Moto 360 Sport simply doesn’t offer enough compelling features for what it is advertised as. You’re better opting for the far more premium feeling Moto 360 and get a dedicated fitness tracker if you’re serious about your fitness.
Specifications
Dimensions: 45 x 11.5 mm
Weight: 54 g
OS: Android Wear
Display: 35mm, 360 x 325 (263 ppi)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
Graphics: Adreno 305
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 4GB
Battery: 300mAh
Water resistance: IP67 dust and water resistant
Microphone: Dual digital mics
Band: Silicone
Value: 6/10
Features: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Design: 7/10
Usability: 7/10
Price: TBC
Verdict: Plenty of initial promise, but execution leaves something to be desired.
Total Score: 7.6/10
