Motorola has announced a new partnership with Polar to launch the latest Moto Watch. This collaboration integrates Polar’s established health and fitness algorithms into Motorola’s hardware.
The new wearable focuses on detailed physical tracking and extended battery performance, offering up to 13 days of use on a single charge.
Motorola–Polar Partnership
The partnership marks the first time Motorola has utilized Polar’s specialized fitness and health software. Polar is a Finland-based company with decades of experience in heart rate monitoring and sports science.
While Motorola handles the hardware design, manufacturing, and integration of the device, Polar provides the backend data processing and training insights.
This collaboration aims to provide users with data-driven wellness metrics typically found in dedicated sports wearables.
Fitness and Health Features
The Moto Watch includes a suite of sensors to monitor daily activity and physiological data. Key features include:
Heart Rate and SpO2: Continuous monitoring of heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
Sleep Analysis: Breakdown of sleep stages including light, deep, and REM, alongside a sleep score.
Recovery Insights: Utilizing Polar’s “Nightly Recharge” and “ANS Recharge,” the watch measures how well the body recovers from daily stress and exercise.
Activity Tracking: Monitoring of steps, calories burned, and various workout modes with auto-pause functionality.
Dual-Frequency GPS: Support for L1 and L5 bands to improve location accuracy during outdoor activities like running or cycling.
Battery Life and Power Use
The Moto Watch is designed for longevity, with Motorola claiming up to 13 days of battery life under standard operating conditions. Battery consumption varies depending on how the device is configured:
Always-On Display (AOD): Enabling this feature reduces the estimated battery life to approximately 7 days.
GPS and Calling: Frequent use of dual-frequency GPS or the built-in Bluetooth calling feature will further increase power draw.
Fast Charging: The device supports quick charging, with the manufacturer stating that a five-minute charge provides enough power for one day of typical use.
In comparison to many smartwatches that require daily or every-other-day charging, the Moto Watch leans toward the endurance range of the fitness-tracker category.
Hardware and Software Overview
The watch features a 1.4-inch circular OLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It is housed in a 47mm aluminum case with a stainless steel crown.
Sensors: Equipped with an accelerometer, gyroscope, PPG heart rate sensor, and e-compass.
Durability: The device holds an IP68 rating and 1 ATM water resistance, making it resistant to dust and shallow water exposure.
Software: It runs on a custom operating system (Moto Watch OS) rather than Wear OS. It is compatible with mobile devices running Android 12 or newer.
Connectivity: Includes Bluetooth 5.3, a built-in microphone, and a speaker for wrist-based calls and voice notifications.
Who the Moto Watch Is For
The Moto Watch is positioned for users who prioritize battery endurance and wellness data over a broad app ecosystem. It is suitable for individuals who want to track their recovery and fitness metrics without the need for frequent charging.
Practical use cases include multi-day hiking trips, long-distance travel, or daily activity monitoring for users who prefer a traditional round watch aesthetic.
The partnership between Motorola and Polar introduces a device that combines a traditional 47mm aluminum design with science-backed health metrics.
By focusing on essential tracking features and a 13-day battery life, the Moto Watch offers a streamlined alternative to high-power smartwatches. It emphasizes recovery insights and location accuracy as its primary functional goals.
