Roger Fingas
Some rival smartwatches, such as the Android-based Moto 360, saw significant price cuts on Friday in a bid to keep up sales in the wake of Apple opening preorders for the Apple Watch.
In the US the Moto 360 is now available for as low as $179 or $180 at Amazon and Best Buy. The $179-$180 pricetags are for models with a leather band. People wanting a metal band have to pay $220 at Best Buy, or $229 at Amazon. Amazon is also offering a $270 "light" metal variant.
The 360 originally started at $250. It launched last September, and a second-generation model is rumored to be in development. Android Wear devices could soon be compatible with the iPhone, encroaching on the territory of the iPhone-only Apple Watch.
Earlier today, deals site Meh briefly offered refurbished MetaWatch models for just $15 plus shipping. The MetaWatch is both iPhone- and Android-compatible, but uses a black-and-white screen and dates back to 2013. At the time, it cost $179.
The Apple Watch starts at $349, and can potentially cost as much as $17,000 for a top-end rose gold unit. It remains to be seen if Apple's emphasis on fashion and more intricate design will outmatch price concerns and iPhone exclusivity when it comes to attracting shoppers.
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93 Comments
Some rival smartwatches, such as the Android-based Moto 360, saw significant price cuts on Friday in a bid to keep up sales in the wake of Apple opening preorders for the Apple Watch.
As if that’s going to make people think twice about choosing the 360 over the Apple Watch.
So basically what they're saying is the only way someone would buy this over ?Watch is if it's dirt cheap?
And that MetaWatch is some kinda seriously ugly paperweight. No one in their right mind would be caught dead in that thing. Can't wait till my Apple Watch gets here on the 24th!
You smell that?
Smells like fear...
So basically what they're saying is the only way someone would buy this over ?Watch is if it's dirt cheap?
Although I preordered two Apple Watches (Apple Watch Sport, White Band, 42mm and an Apple Watch, Milanese Band, 42mm -- I'll only end up keeping one), at this price I might pick up a Moto 360 to use with my LG G3 work phone.
And if The Verge's report is accurate about Google working on an Android Wear iOS companion app, that would be even better as I could also use it with my iPhone 6. Unlike most people on AI, I actually prefer the rounded design of the Moto 360. All of my watches ever since I was a little kid have been round. It's what I'm most used to.
The only thing that bothers me about the Moto 360's design is the "flat tire" display.