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Moto X (2016) Variants Tipped With Modular Accessories Called 'Amps'

Moto X (2016) Variants Tipped With Modular Accessories Called 'Amps'

By Tasneem Akolawala | Updated: 10 May 2016 12:58 IST

Highlights

Lenovo will reportedly manufacture two variants of the Moto X.
Vector Thin is the high-end version with just 5.2mm thickness.
A host of modular backplates will also be launched alongside.

Leaks from earlier this week gave us a sneak peek into the upcoming Motorola smartphone lineup, and now, another report is claiming fresh new details about the next generation Moto X smartphone - from variants to specifications, as well as details about modular attachments from the Lenovo-owned company.

The previous leak of the Moto X (2016) had shown us 16-pins on the rear panel. While speculation hinted that these may in fact be speaker grilles, apart from the obvious connector for a dock, Venture Beat's Evan Blass cites a person familiar with the matter to claim it is in fact a connector for modular accessories called Amps. The report adds that the new Moto X will come in two variants, codenamed the Vector Thin and Vertex.

Starting with Vector Thin, it is pegged to be the high-end Moto X variant, and to ship with a 5.5-inch QHD (1440x2560 pixels) display. It will be powered by an underclocked (2.0GHz maximum frequency) Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor, and come in 3GB and 4GB or RAM variants. The Vector Thin is said to sport 16-megapixel rear camera with laser assisted and phase detection autofocus, and 32GB of inbuilt storage. The smartphone comes with 2600mAh battery, and is said to be sleek with just 5.2mm thickness.

In comparison, the Vertex variant will have a full-HD (1080x1920) display and an overclocked (2.4GHz maximum frequency) octa-core Snapdragon 625 SoC. It will be paired with 2GB of RAM for the 16GB inbuilt storage variant and 3GB of RAM for the 32GB inbuilt storage variant. The Vertex variant will sport a 13-megapixel rear camera with laser autofocus and OIS. The Vertex variant has a bigger battery at 3500mAh and is thicker as well with 7mm thickness.

Alongside the smartphones, the Lenovo-owned company is also expected to release an ecosystem of modular backplates called Amps, meant to be "snapped onto" either Moto X variant to add more functionality. The ecosystem is said to be open to third parties. The 16-pins at the back panel will work like connection pins for the plates, and the company is reportedly planning on six Amps at launch - a battery pack, a rugged cover fitted with a wide-angle lens, a camera-style grip complete with a flash module and optical zoom, a stereo speaker setup, and even a pico projector. The company will reportedly also ship a simple, coloured backplate for free with the Moto X variants.

There is no word on the pricing of the smartphones, Blass reported, and pointed to a possible August launch based on the dates visible on the leaked handset renders. He also adds that while LG G5 may be first to market with its modular design, Motorola may enjoy better adoption due to a superior design not being based around a removable battery.

However, several reports are pointing to a launch at Lenovo's Tech World conference on June 9, and in its press invitation, the company besides announcing "the world's first consumer Project Tango-enabled smartphone in partnership with Google," is also clearly hinting at the launch of new smartphones from Motorola, including snap-on accessories and a third-party ecosystem.

"Lenovo will also announce new mobile technology designed by Motorola that will dramatically change the way people think about and use their most personal devices - in a snap," the press release reads.

Yang Yuanqing, chairman and CEO, Lenovo, is also quoted to say, "Lenovo is no longer just a PC or smartphone company. Lenovo will play a role in developing new smart devices, delivering the smart connectivity required to enable new services and experiences, and providing the infrastructure that makes the new connected world possible. At Tech World 2016, we'll share our latest technologies, launch some of our most important products, and - along with some of our friends and partners - showcase our vision for the future of technology."

Yuanqing had previously also confirmed a June 9 launch for Motorola's next major offering.

In the meanwhile, Motorola is due to launch the Moto G (Gen 4) aka Moto G4, as well as the Moto G4 Plus variant, at its India launch event on May 17.

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Further reading: Android, Lenovo, Mobiles, Motorola, Vector Thin, Vertex, Amps, Droid Maxx 3, Droid Turbo 3, Modular Smartphone, Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus, Moto X 2016, Moto X4