Motorola's Missed Opportunity: The Moto 360 Legacy Lives On?
Motorola's CES 2026 showcase left us with a mix of emotions. While they unveiled exciting new gadgets, including a foldable device, the spotlight also fell on the 'Moto Watch,' a circular smartwatch that's hard to ignore.
But here's where it gets controversial: Motorola's decision to create a new watch that resembles the beloved Moto 360, yet runs on a different OS, has left many scratching their heads. Why not bring back the Moto 360, a smartwatch that captured hearts and minds a decade ago?
The Moto Watch boasts an impressive 13-day battery life (or 7 days with always-on display), a sleek 47mm stainless steel design, and IP68/1ATM water resistance. It even has some first-party watch bands that feel premium. But the real question is, why not build upon the Moto 360's legacy?
Motorola's new watch runs on a basic OS, lacking third-party apps. Its navigation and app drawer bear a striking resemblance to Wear OS, leaving us wondering why they didn't just update the Moto 360 for modern times. After all, the Moto 360's short-lived 2020 reboot is now a distant memory.
In terms of health tracking, Motorola has partnered with Polar, promising 'deep health insights.' The Moto Watch will hit US shelves on January 22, but its price remains a mystery.
And this is the part most people miss: Motorola's decision to create a new watch with similar features but a different OS might spark a debate. Should they have revived the Moto 360 instead? Is this a missed opportunity, or a strategic move? We want to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let's discuss!
