Why a Modern Moto 360 Smartwatch Makes Sense for Motorola in 2025

The article discusses the legacy and potential future of the Moto 360 smartwatch. The original Moto 360, launched as part of Google’s first Wear OS (then Android Wear) generation, was beloved for its futuristic, borderless design despite notable flaws like poor battery life, a ‘flat tire’ display, and difficult band connections. Subsequent models failed to capture the same excitement, and Motorola eventually stopped producing the line. A 2019/2020 reboot, produced under license by eBuyNow rather than Motorola, showed promise but was hindered by outdated hardware and software. In recent years, Motorola has focused on fitness-oriented smartwatches running RTOS, leaving the Moto 360 name dormant. The article argues that with advancements in Wear OS and hardware, and Motorola’s brand resurgence, a new Moto 360 with modern specs and the iconic design could be a standout product. However, challenges remain: Motorola’s customer base is price-sensitive, making a premium smartwatch a tough sell, and there may be legal or licensing hurdles due to eBuyNow’s ongoing use of the Moto 360 branding. The author concludes that the time is right for a true Moto 360 revival, as the market needs more options and the original design still holds strong appeal.