This trendy watch is smarter than it looks

With its stainless-steel clasp and black leather strap, the Moto 360 is a classy looking watch. What you may not notice at first glance, however, is that the Moto is actually Motorola’s latest smartwatch. 

Its circular display makes it look like a fashionable watch rather than a piece of technology strapped to your wrist, which makes it appealing to techies and non-techies alike. Mashable reviewers agree that “it’s fashion that makes the Moto 360 such a sensation,” and Gizmodo calls it “GORGEOUS” (in all caps so you know they mean it). Motorola’s wearable products lead, Lior Ron, adds that the gap between the metal housing and the electronic face design is a “nod to the premium watch aesthetic.”

Not just for fashion, the Moto 360 is also as functional, if not more so, than any other smartwatch.  Reviewers said the screen was responsive, and easy to use and read. What’s more, the notifications adapt to the circular face, giving the watch a “friendly” feel. It will also automatically wake when the wearer raises his or her wrist, as if to check the time. As an Android Wear product, the screen will look and run similarly to other Android Wear watches, like the Samsung Gear Live (unlike that watch, however, the Moto 360 will not include a heart rate monitor), and come with many typical Google features, such as Google Maps.

Smartwatches have a long way to go before they become as ubiquitous at the smartphone, but the Moto 360, speculated to be released sometime in August, could definitely be a big step in spreading the appeal of the smartwatch.

By MaryElizabeth Koepele