Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Redesigning Smartphones with a Snap: Behind the Scenes with Moto Z and Moto Mods

11/08/2016

For a while now, smartphone innovation has been pretty stagnant. We've seen a small change here or a slight modification there. As much as we love our smartphones the way they are, it's certainly time for a shake-up in the industry.

Over the past two years, Motorola has been working on a way to transform the smartphone experience. Last month, we revealed this new technology with the introduction of Moto Z with Moto Mods.

So what went into making this new technology? Read on to learn more about the engineering behind this latest innovation.

The All-New Moto Z: Reinventing the Smartphone from the Ground Up

At first, the challenge of creating the Moto Z seemed daunting: build an all-new smartphone that was thinner and lighter than any we've ever made. And most importantly, we had to do this without sacrificing battery life, durability, and of course, not bulking-up once a Moto Mod was attached.

Challenge accepted.

We had to completely rethink the inside of the smartphone to make sure it was as thin and light as possible. We quickly realized, however, that between the size and processor, overheating would be a potential issue. So, we developed a liquid cooling system a heat pipe solution if you will to optimize thermal evenness by distributing heat over a broader surface, thus enabling the processor to run faster and longer without overheating.

Because space within an ultra-thin phone like the Moto Z is at a premium, we also revolutionized the device's system of four 4G LTE internal antennas, reorganizing internal components while also redesigning the antennas and positioning them in a way that would avoid interfering with the phone's signal while a Moto Mod was attached.

Picking the right battery for the Moto Z was crucial. The biggest challenge here was creating a battery that would fit within a 5.2mm space while balancing energy density and battery rate of charging. That said, our engineers have not only created a high density battery that maintains minimum turbocharging, but also one that is only 3.3mm thin. In addition to that, we also made sure other components on the phone were not only paper-thin but energy efficient, such as the Moto Z's AMOLED display: .8mm thinner than most LCD displays and 10% more battery efficient.

We then moved on to the housing aware that bendgate would be a potential issue with such a thin device, we utilized a unique, aircraft-grade stainless steel casing that's actually 85 percent stronger than our competitors, while keeping the device as light as possible. The backplate is also made from the same, magnetic-grade steel, which not only provides the magnets in the Moto Mods a place to attach simply and efficiently, but also gives the device a sleek and modern look.

Innovation through Collaboration

Up until now, your smartphone experience has been limited by your phone's hardware and software capabilities. When it came to developing Moto Mods, we set out to remove those barriers by creating a phone that changes as your needs change, and does so in a truly seamless way. For example, we wanted to make sure the process for swapping out Moto Mods was as fluid and natural as possible. Our solution: very strong magnets and an automatic connection process that doesn't require additional steps or rebooting.

We also knew that partnering with other companies with the expertise and know-how was an essential part of making Moto Z and Moto Mods a true innovation. By collaborating with fellow tech innovators, like JBL and Incipio, and high-end designers at kate spade new york and TUMI, we had an unique opportunity to learn quite a bit about each other's offerings to the overall device. Once they began integrating with our teams, the entire look and feel of Moto Mods evolved into something new and exciting that neither team could have developed on their own.

After the initial Moto Mods ideas were in development, our engineers set their sights on creating a platform for others to bring their ideas to life.

Moto Mods Developer Program: Opening our Sandbox to New Ideas

Moto Mods open a world of possibilities. They break down the innate barriers that come with smartphone hardware and software. We believe they are the next leap in mobile innovation.

We're excited to be at the forefront of this new frontier, but we know we can't do it alone. We need to provide tools that enable others' ideas to be prototyped and brought to market as well. With open architecture and access to the right resources, our new Moto Mods Development Program provides a platform for innovation in the mobile space.

To lower the technical bar of entry, we're sharing the same hardware and software development kit we use internally at Motorola, allowing everyone from small developers to established enterprises the opportunity to create the next generation of Moto Mods. We're calling it the Moto Mods Development Kit (MDK for short), and it will be available to people around the world to contribute to the ecosystem and redefine the future of mobile. As a result, consumers will have access to completely new experiences through their smartphone.

The MDK is now available in the U.S. Check out developer.motorola.com for more info about the program.
LINK: http://motorola-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/redesigning-smartphones-wi...
See more stories from motorola

More from Motorola

14/10/2020

SUPPOrting our communities during the coronavirus pandemic

As a diverse, global company, we believe we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to support our communities during these challenging times. While the ...

03/04/2020

47 years later, making a phone call seems more important than ever

While we may not be able to see our friends and family in person, we're still reminded of how important it is to communicate and stay connected. Whether it ...

03/04/2020

moto g8 power lite: outstanding battery and triple camera system

Get over two days of power1 with a massive battery, enjoy ultra-responsive performance, and take outstanding photos from ultra-close to ultra-wide with a profes...

17/03/2020

bring the best out of every moment with the new moto e6s

A class-leading dual camera system and an ultra-responsive performance to ensure you make the most of every day. Meet the newest addition to our moto e family, ...

05/03/2020

meet the new moto g8 and take outstanding snapshots from ultra-close to ultra-wide

Capture the perfect shot no matter where you are or when you're taking photo...

08/02/2020

new additions to moto g family celebrate 100 million moto g phones sold globally

Motorola is celebrating 100 million moto g smartphones sold around the world. New arrivals packed with innovation and premium experiences are hitting the market...

05/12/2019

motorola one hyper maximizes your experiences

From the moment you wake up in the morning to the moment your head hits the pillow at night, you need the best technology to enhance your next great adventure, ...

15/11/2019

five things to know about the new motorola razr

Innovation is part of Motorola's DNA. That's why we reinvented the razr as a modern smartphone that folds completely. But we also believe that every in...

15/11/2019

everything you can do on razr's Quick View display

Motorola is innovating once again and bringing to the market a re-invention of the iconic flippable cell phone: RAZR. At the time, the original razr had an ext...

15/11/2019

behind the scenes with Motorola's design & engineering team

It's an icon. A style statement. And an incredible piece of technology. Who knew how much work went into creating the modern flip phone?...

24/10/2019

we have the best for you: introducing motorola one macro, moto g8plus, moto g8 play and moto e6 play

more of what consumers want including new cameras, better batteries and more pow...

05/09/2019

moto e6 plus: more display. more camera. a design you will love.

We've always said that top shelf features don't need to come with a top shelf price tag. With the moto e family, we're proud to offer consumers reli...

05/09/2019

motorola one zoom: perfect from every perspective

Why settle for photos that don't do justice to every important moment in your life? Now you can get your hands on a smartphone that has you covered from eve...

16/08/2019

Experience 5G on moto z2 force with the 5G moto mod

Motorola and Verizon are bringing the power of 5G to moto z2 force. Starting this week, the 5G moto mod will be compatible with the moto z2 force, along with f...

16/08/2019

motorola one action: the industry's first ultra-wide action cam

Life doesn't stand still, and neither should you. Luckily, we're giving you a way to capture more of what matters. Meet motorola one action, the newest ...

25/07/2019

new moto e6 - big screen. all day fun.

High quality, up-to-date features that you can count on that's what makes moto e smartphones stand out. Many value-tier smartphones include common feature...

06/06/2019

A Look Back at a Successful Year

A note from Sergio Buniac: It's an exciting time at Motorola, a Lenovo Company. With successful product launches, 5G milestones, and strong financial perfor...

31/05/2019

the new moto z4: uncompromised phone. unreal price.

On April 3, 2019, our moto mods technology full potential came to life when the moto z3 combined with the 5G moto modTM became the world's first smartphone ...

16/05/2019

motorola one vision: life's highlights. even in low light.

Imagine a movie experience so incredible, it fits in the palm of your hands. A camera with photos so sharp in any lighting, it feels like you have the power to ...

05/04/2019

Motorola makes history again as the first to connect to 5G

At Motorola, innovation is a part of our DNA. Motorola created the mobile communications industry as we know it, inventing most of the protocols and technologie...

04/04/2019

Motorola Helps Refresh Your Phone Habits

At Motorola, our priority is to listen to consumers and bring the latest innovations that help them focus on what matters most. We've partnered with Google ...

08/02/2019

What matters most to you: new moto g7

Welcome to the fastest performing, smartest, most immersive moto g family experience ever. Since moto g redefined the smartphone market in 2013, more and more ...

14/11/2018

A 5G first for moto z3

Since launching the moto z3 and 5G moto mod earlier this year, we've continued to work with our partners to make the future of 5G a reality in 2019. Today...

25/09/2018

9 Ways Motorola's Changed in 90 Years Before and After

In sweet home Chicago on September 25, 1928 brothers Paul and Joseph Galvin incorporated Motorola's founding company, Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, with...

31/08/2018

Motorola + Android One

We've added two new smartphones to the Motorola family - motorola one and motorola one power. These Android One smartphones give you the Android experience ...

15/08/2018

Baked For You: Android Pie Is Coming To Motorola

Fresh out of the oven, we're excited to share that Android 9.0 Pie (Android P) is on its way to a Motorola smartphone near you. The new Android OS updates ...

02/08/2018

Motorola Connects You to 5G First

Earlier this year, we celebrated 45 years of major mobile moments. From the world's first portable cell phone to the iconic RAZR to the launch of the moto z...

14/07/2018

moto e5play: Performance and Protection with Android Oreo (Go edition)

Our moto e family is growing again. With moto e5 play1 with Android Oreo (Go edition), our commitment to creating smartphones with the features you want at a ...

07/06/2018

Make your everyday extraordinary with the new moto z3 play

There are lots of premium smartphones on the market today, yet many consumers struggle to find one with all the features they want that is also accessible to th...

06/06/2018

Style In Sharp Focus with the New moto x4

moto x has always represented the best of what Android has to offer. The powerful combination of pure Android and Moto Experiences has been a mainstay of the mo...

06/06/2018

Say Hello to Android Oreo

Sweet just got even sweeter with the new Android OS update that gives you faster speeds, longer battery life, split-screen capabilities, smart text selection, i...

06/06/2018

Moto Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa: On Your Phone and on the Go

With the Moto Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa on your moto z, just ask and Alexa responds, even when you're mobile. Play music, get news, ask questions and...

06/06/2018

Snap, Print and Share Anywhere with Polaroid Insta-Share Printer Moto Mod

Turn your smartphone into an instant photo printer to share your moment, in the moment, with the new Polaroid Insta-Share Printer moto mod. Your moto z already ...

06/06/2018

New Year, New Moto Mods and a Challenge for More

At Motorola, we know that the best ideas can come from anywhere. Last year, we worked with developers on the moto mods ecosystem in a variety of ways a crowdf...

06/06/2018

Motorola Study Shows Alarming Results That Confirm Need for Better Phone-Life Balance

There is no denying, our phones have become an extension of ourselves. They ente...

06/06/2018

Motorola Joins the Android Enterprise Recommended Program

This week, Google announced the launch of its Android Enterprise Recommended, a Google-led program that sets a new standard of excellence for enterprise devices...

06/06/2018

Changes in our leadership

Earlier this year, our President Aymar de Lencquesaing decided it was time to spend less time on a plane and more time doing the things he loves outside of work...

06/06/2018

45 Years Calls for a Celebration

At 45, Motorola found its true calling. There's no denying that it's difficult to imagine a world without cell phones whether it's staying connec...

06/06/2018

Push your boundaries with the new moto g6 and moto e5

Five years ago, we set out to address a gap in the market: quality smartphones that could do great things at a price even more people could afford. Phones that ...

15/06/2017

From New Releases to Hackathons, Moto Mods Gain Momentum

Six months ago, we took a stand against incremental innovation with our Moto Z family of smartphones and Moto Mods and we've never looked back. Since ann...

15/06/2017

Mod the Future Visits the Big Apple: Behind the Scenes at the NYC Hackathon

What do 53 developers, 18 entrepreneurs, three designers, one surgeon and a dog named Goose have in common? These eager participants (and K9) all gathered this ...

15/06/2017

Unlimited Possibilities: Moto Mod Innovation Goes Global

When we launched the Moto Z family of smartphones and Moto Mods, we opened up a new world of possibilities. We shared our commitment to innovation and engaging ...

10/02/2017

Meet the Indiegogo Transform the Smartphone Challenge Finalists

For the last few months, developers and entrepreneurs have been busy sharing their ideas for creating the next generation of Moto Mods through our Transform th...

06/02/2017

Unlimited Poibilities: Moto Mod Innovation Gs Global

When we launched the Moto Z family of smartphones and Moto Mods, we opened up a new world of possibilities. We shared our commitment to innovation and engaging ...

23/01/2017

Magnifying Community Impact: Moto Dedicates Music Studio in So Paulo, Brazil

Our mission: to promote the social inclusion of low-income youth in Brazil through cultural entrepreneurship. The result? Est dio Moto (Moto Studio) in Kemel,...

16/12/2016

Mod the Future Visits the Big Apple: Behind the Scenes at the NYC Hackaon

What do 53 developers, 18 entrepreneurs, three designers, one surgeon and a dog named Goose have in common? These eager participants (and K9) all gathered this ...

06/12/2016

From New Releases to Hackaons, Moto Mods Gain Momentum

Six months ago, we took a stand against incremental innovation with our Moto Z family of smartphones and Moto Mods and we've never looked back. Since ann...

22/11/2016

Moto Z and Moto Z Force: Now Daydream-Ready

Last month, we told you Android 7.0 Nougat would be making its way to several of our smartphones before the end of the year, including Moto Z. Well, we have som...

03/11/2016

Transform the Smartphone Challenge: Moto Mods and Indiegogo

With Moto Mods you can transform your smartphone in a snap - and the possibilities are truly endless. So far, we've unveiled Moto Mods that turn your phone ...

04/10/2016

N is for Nougat: Android 7.0 is coming to your favorite Moto phones

Are you ready for the sweetest OS update yet? It's one that speaks your language (particularly if you speak fluent Emoji), offers the ability to seamlessly ...