Motorola Finally Introduces the Moto X Smartphone

It's August 1, and that means Motorola has finally revealed what its mysterious Moto X smartphone is all about. Actually, it hasn't been that mysterious for quite a while, but at least consumers now have the final specs instead of relying on unofficial configurations leaked by supposed insiders.

As Motorola has stated all along, the new phone responds to you, it's designed by you, and made for you deep in the heart of Texas. It's not the device we first heard about that let customers configure the hardware like a desktop, but there are a number of options for making the device more personal than competing phones on the market.

According to the specs, the new Moto X uses the "Motorola X8 Mobile Computing System" which consists of a software-optimized Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro dual-core SoC clocked at 1.7 GHz, a natural language processor and a contextual computing processor. Backing this system is 2 GB of RAM and a 2200mAh battery promising up to 13 hours talk time and up to 24 hours mixed usage time.

The phone also features a 4.7 inch AMOLED 720p screen, 16 GB (standard) or 32 GB of internal storage, dual-band wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.0 + EDR connectivity, and location services consisting of aGPS (assisted), AGPS (autonomous), sGPS (simultaneous), Standalone GPS, eCompass and GLONASS. Android 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean" is the OS of choice although Google will likely update that to v4.3 very soon.

As for the cameras, the phone has a 10MP Clear Pixel camera on the back capable of 1080p recording at 30fps. The phone also has a unique Quick Capture feature which allows the user to make two quick twists of their wrist to activate the rear camera. Other features include an LED flash, 4X digital zoom, Auto HDR, slow motion mode, tap to focus and more. There's also a 2MP camera mounted on the front capable of 1080p video as well.

The company points out that the new phone has a unique curved back (0.22 to 0.41 inches) that's designed to fit comfortably in anyone's hand. It's also rather thin, measuring 2.57 (w) x 5.09 (h) inches and weighing a mere 2.5 pounds.

"With Touchless Control you can check the weather, get directions, or do just about anything without lifting a finger," the company said. "With Active Display, Moto X keeps the information you need to know at your fingertips. Instead of a constantly blinking light, important information quietly appears on the screen."

As for customization, the company provides an online studio called Moto Maker that allows customers to choose the colors, and decide on the details including the front plate, the back plate, accents, storage and wallpapers. As previously reported, customers can even add an engraved name or a short message.

"Choose from more than 2,000 possible combinations, with more to come," the company said. "We’ll be constantly exploring new offerings, such as real wood backs, starting later in the year. Still love the classics? You can choose an eye-catching woven black or woven white model right in the store."

Moto X will be available in the US, Canada and Latin America starting in late August/early September, the company said. "Woven black" and "woven white" models will be available at AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless and at national retailers including Best Buy stores with a suggested retail price of $199 with a new two-year agreement. It will also be available on all carriers, including T-Mobile, at Motorola.com.

Check out our sister site Laptopmag.com for a hands-on with the Moto X.