Motorola is poised to shake up the wearable tech space with its upcoming debut in the open-ear audio category. Leaked images of the company’s first open-ear true wireless earbuds, alongside a sleek new smartwatch, have ignited excitement among tech enthusiasts. The visuals, which surfaced online this week, suggest Motorola is blending its signature minimalist design with cutting-edge functionality to compete in the crowded wearables market.
The leaked images, shared by renowned tipster Evan Blass on X (formerly Twitter) and later reposted on Weibo, showcase the earbuds’ striking design. Unlike traditional in-ear models, Motorola’s open-ear buds feature a curved, hook-like structure that rests gently on the outer ear, leaving the ear canal unobstructed—a boon for runners, cyclists, and users who prioritize situational awareness. The matte-finish charging case appears compact, with a pill-shaped design that echoes the aesthetic of recent flagship earbuds from rivals like Samsung and Sony.
Sources familiar with the project claim the earbuds will prioritize comfort for long wear, with IPX5 sweat resistance and touch controls for music playback and calls. While battery life remains unconfirmed, industry watchers speculate Motorola could leverage its partnership with parent company Lenovo to integrate rapid-charging tech. Audio quality, often a pain point for open-ear designs, might get a boost from bone conduction technology or directional drivers to minimize sound leakage.
A Smartwatch Steals the Spotlight
Accompanying the earbuds is a new smartwatch that revives Motorola’s iconic circular display, last seen in the Moto 360 series. The leaked renders reveal a stainless steel chassis with a rotating crown and a vibrant AMOLED screen. Fitness tracking appears to be a focus: sensors on the underside suggest heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep monitoring, while workout modes for running, swimming, and yoga are hinted at via the interface.
Notably, the watch face displays a “Moto” logo instead of “Motorola,” signaling a potential rebranding effort. Compatibility with both Android and iOS devices is expected, along with GPS and NFC for contactless payments. If priced competitively, the watch could undercut premium rivals like the Apple Watch SE or Galaxy Watch 6.
Strategic Timing and Market Ambitions
The leaks arrive as Motorola seeks to expand its footprint beyond smartphones. Open-ear audio, popularized by brands like Shokz and Bose, has surged in demand for its comfort and safety benefits. By entering this niche, Motorola could attract fitness enthusiasts and hybrid workers—a demographic increasingly wary of noise-cancelling earbuds that block out ambient sound.
Meanwhile, the smartwatch market continues to boom, with Counterpoint Research reporting a 23% year-on-year growth in Q1 2024. Motorola’s re-entry into this space after years of dormancy suggests a renewed focus on ecosystem-building, possibly integrating the earbuds and watch with its upcoming smartphones.
Availability and Pricing
While pricing remains under wraps, the earbuds and smartwatch are expected to hit shelves later this year. Interested buyers can sign up for updates via Motorola’s official Amazon page to stay in the loop.
With these leaks, Motorola proves it’s not content to coast on nostalgia. By merging sleek design with practical innovation, the company is betting big on wearables—and if early reactions are any indication, that bet might just pay off.
Stay tuned for more updates as Motorola’s launch event approaches.