The Moto Watch Ultra could revive Motorola’s premium smartwatch ambitions

Motorola may be eyeing a return to the realm of premium smartwatches. Renderings of an unannounced wearable, dubbed the Moto Watch Ultra by insiders, have surfaced, showcasing a design that stands in stark contrast to the brand's recent offering. The device boasts a circular display flanked by a numbered bezel, a substantial rotating crown, and a supplementary side button.

Motorola has also chosen a 46mm stainless steel casing, promising a more upscale finish compared to the aluminum frame utilized in the current model. Adorned with a black leather-style strap, featuring red stitching and an inner lining of the same hue, the watch face presents data on steps, activity, calories, time, and date. Printed on the back, the watch confirms the inclusion of built-in GPS, LTE connectivity, IP68 dust and water resistance, and 50-meter water protection.

A prominent optical sensor system is also embedded for health and fitness tracking, hinting at potential independent operation from a connected smartphone. The inclusion of LTE connectivity is particularly intriguing, suggesting the watch could function more autonomously, although the article does not specify which operating system Motorola intends to employ.

Notably, Motorola's latest Moto Watch operates on a real-time operating system (RTOS) platform, rather than Wear OS, which typically emphasizes fitness tracking, basic notifications, and extended battery life. In comparison, Wear OS offers a wider array of applications, mobile payments, and deeper Android integration, making the Moto Watch feel more akin to a fitness tracker than a comprehensive smartwatch.

Motorola once held a prominent position in the Android smartwatch market, with the original Moto 360 helping to popularize circular displays in 2014. However, the company departed from the category in 2016, with the Moto 360 name resurfacing in 2019 under licensing. The Moto Watch Ultra could signal Motorola's resurgence in the premium smartwatch arena, positioning the brand alongside competitors like Apple Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra.

However, the project remains shrouded in uncertainty, as the renderings have not been independently confirmed and Motorola has not officially acknowledged its development. Meanwhile, Apple and Google are making strides in the smart glasses and tracking accessory sectors, with Apple reportedly developing health and fitness companions for its upcoming glasses and Google set to introduce a first-party tracker following its successful Find Hub network.