Moto X Google Play Edition Coming Soon

[Hugh Jass]

And you know this how?

Goldman Sachs:

Linky.

 

[TheOldFart]

Since it appears that they were wrong about the $299 off contract, what makes you believe that they are correct about the $225 to build? Being involved in designing and quoting military computers before I retired, I know that there are many cost to build numbers. There is the actual cost of materials and the direct cost of paying the people to build the product. This cost doesn't include the indirect costs or the cost of designing the product. The indirect costs that must be added to the direct costs include the cost of maintaining the facility and the expense of support people and management. If the $225 is only the direct cost then the total cost could easily be double that. Then add in the cost of shipping and distribution, the salaries paid to sales people, the cost of warranty repairs and the cost of replacing phones to people who screw up their root attempt and expect the company to replace it free.

 

[Hugh Jass]

Since it appears that they were wrong about the $299 off contract, what makes you believe that they are correct about the $225 to build? Being involved in designing and quoting military computers before I retired, I know that there are many cost to build numbers. There is the actual cost of materials and the direct cost of paying the people to build the product. This cost doesn't include the indirect costs or the cost of designing the product. The indirect costs that must be added to the direct costs include the cost of maintaining the facility and the expense of support people and management. If the $225 is only the direct cost then the total cost could easily be double that. Then add in the cost of shipping and distribution, the salaries paid to sales people, the cost of warranty repairs and the cost of replacing phones to people who screw up their root attempt and expect the company to replace it free.

We can go there. Nor are you factoring the value of new market creation, marketing sales, brand recognition/increased popularity, increased movement to the Google cloud for data mining, or the benefits of increasing Andorid market share against Apple and decreasing Samsung's market share. I'm not here to argue semantics, i'd go to a religion forum for that, but if you assume that taking a up front loss on overhead cost wouldn't benefit them in the long run I'd say you're overwhelmingly wrong no matter how steep the value is. They didn't have to drop $500 million dollars into marketing a phone if it's priced correctly to sell it's self and start a revolution in the market for budget phones. The entire investment into Motorola (I'll remind you was $12.5 BILLION) was a complete failure, why not change that instead of keeping the same broken model, it's completely nonsensical.

The industry is stagnant with stifled evolution. We need revolution.

 

[pc747]

Oldf anf hugj you both make awesome points. To hold a shop in America is a cost in its own with labor costs, environmental, engineering, and costs to keep the lights on. At the same time if you put this phone out with everyone feeling like 600 is too high you going to take a loss any way.
As far as marketing, i remember being at vzw waiting to get my galaxy nexus on opening day and the thing that employees noted was how the nexus sold and marketed itself through blogs and social media. The same is true for this phone. People badly want another motorola phone to get behind and if they were to price it right 299 (16gb) 399(32gb) and social media markets this phone for Motorola. They say the best advertisement is word of mouth. Who wouldn't want a Motorola nexus that they can customize. It could be a dream for the nerds and the average fans. Even though android nerds are the minority the majority normally ask their Android nerd friends advice about a particular phone. And if the nerd shrugs or smirks that normally means that device will not be bought.
So yes you are right that there are other cost factors but if people don't buy they end up losing their heads any way. And based on opinion not many are willing to pass up the s4, htc one, or even the ultra maxx for the motorola x at the current price point.

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[kodiak799]

What is with all of you? Why do you assume that there is any reason ON EARTH this device should sell for $600? The damn thing costs ~$225-$229

That is just component costs. You are forgetting R&D, marketing, overhead, interest costs, etc... Why do you think most of the OEM's are losing money? And the less volume you sell, the more per unit the R&D, marketing, overhead, etc... costs per unit.

 

[Hugh Jass]

That is just component costs. You are forgetting R&D, marketing, overhead, interest costs, etc... Why do you think most of the OEM's are losing money? And the less volume you sell, the more per unit the R&D, marketing, overhead, etc... costs per unit.

See: Response #33.

 

[xeene]

profit shouldn't be moto's concern right now. customer loyalty and brand exposure should. they're being left in the dust by lg, samsung, apple, lenovo and zte. if this keeps up, moto will be a has been.

 

[kodiak799]

See: Response #33.

That's a non-sequitor and rather off-target You claimed they can make money selling phones for $300. You are flat wrong - no one, not Sammie, not Apple, can avoid losing millions on a $300 phone if it's remotely close to a high-end device (the fully loaded costs on phones they sell for $700 is probably closer to $400, and that's because of massive volume).

Moto is operated almost purely as a stand-alone - Google has stated emphatically, multiple times, they are not going to favor Moto (which would include, especially, subsidizing losses to gain market share). And the cell phone market has quickly matured and largely commoditized. Like I said, there's a reason only 2 companies have been able to consistently make money on smartphones, and it isn't because they sell them for $300.

Wait 12 months. Then you'll get your $300 Moto X :biggrin:

 

[cereal killer]

Anyone who really believed the Moto X would sell sub $300 off contract was smoking some crazy stuff

This phone is geared towards the average consumer not geeks. The features are what put the X in the top tier category thus demanding that price.

"Hey does the One do that thing when you want to take a picture?"
"No sorry"

"That stinks. Will I be able to talk to the S4 without touching it and all that jazz?"
"No sorry"

"Does either of them have that notification thing you showed me? You know where you can see it without unlocking it."
"No sorry"

"Well can I order the One or S4 in a bunch of different colors then?
"No sorry"

"So the Moto X is the only Android phone that can do all those things?"
"Yes"

"OK I'll get the X then"
"Will this be an upgrade?........"


Features over specs for the average consumer. All the high end smart phones are going for $199.00 on contract and $500+ off.

 

[TheOldFart]

Those same features should help the new Droid series sell well too, but only on Verizon. Personally, I prefer the Ultra to the Moto X for the same price (probably). I think all 4 of the new Moto phones will be winners. At least I hope so, as I have always liked most Moto phones. I hope that I don't end up being sorry that I buy a phone with non-replaceable battery and no SD slot for the first time.

 

[pc747]

Anyone who really believed the Moto X would sell sub $300 off contract was smoking some crazy stuff

This phone is geared towards the average consumer not geeks. The features are what put the X in the top tier category thus demanding that price.

"Hey does the One do that thing when you want to take a picture?"
"No sorry"

"That stinks. Will I be able to talk to the S4 without touching it and all that jazz?"
"No sorry"

"Does either of them have that notification thing you showed me? You know where you can see it without unlocking it."
"No sorry"

"Well can I order the One or S4 in a bunch of different colors then?
"No sorry"

"So the Moto X is the only Android phone that can do all those things?"
"Yes"

"OK I'll get the X then"
"Will this be an upgrade?........"


Features over specs for the average consumer. All the high end smart phones are going for $199.00 on contract and $500+ off.

You know i disagree. By the way talking to your phone is not a "unique feature" as i can do that with my current phone.

But we will allow sells to determine how people feel.

Ck we cool but on this issue we are on opposite sides of the fence. Plus can you honestly tell me you would renew your contract and buy this phone over the one, s4, n2, ulta razr maxx. If so you are truly in love with this phone and I respect that.

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[bkdodger]

@CK ..good post my friend...@TOF good luck I'm sure you will be ok ...It's all about usage and we all have different things that are important to us in a phone...I won't ever get one with non removable battery and sd card...It doesn't mean those phones are bad...Options are good !! Android is great guys !! Think about it! If you have or think of getting an Iphone you won't have that problem bc you have no options...yeah solid but boring IMO...I mean you would be here deciding if you wanted 16GB or higher and if you wanted white or black..HEHE

There is way too much negative press on the price which I say WAKE UP...you want to buy a good phone it's the price trend ... I can name you so many past phones at this price range that were released that can't hold a candle to this phone...

I do have to say I LOVE ANDROID !! I love to agree to disagree.....Life's good !! carry on y'all and there are plenty of great post here with some good answers BTW...

 

[pc747]

To quote the pawn shop guy in the movie trading places.

"In Philadelphia it is only worth 50 bucks "

Had to find a way to get that quote in. Motorola may feel the phone is worth 599 but in geeks minds it is only worth 300 bucks.

Ck a gentleman's wager. I am betting this phone will be a flop at the current price point.

If it is even somewhat of a success ill rock your avatar with a picture of the motox in my signature for 3 weeks. But if it is a flop buddy i have a nice predator avatar for you


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[xeene]

there are hardware features in one, s4 and maxx that set them apart from competition. one has the most awesome speakers, s4 has removable battery and sd card while maxx has gigantic battery. x has none of these. colors most people don't care about as once you put a case on it, it's a moot point. shaking a phone to turn on a camera can be done with a software, same thing with notifications on a screen or talking to a phone. since droid maxx will have most of the features of x without different colors but with a huge battery and almost same price point, that'll put x out of competition on vzw.

 

[pc747]

there are hardware features in one, s4 and maxx that set them apart from competition. one has the most awesome speakers, s4 has removable battery and sd card while maxx has gigantic battery. x has none of these. colors most people don't care about as once you put a case on it, it's a moot point. shaking a phone to turn on a camera can be done with a software, same thing with notifications on a screen or talking to a phone. since droid maxx will have most of the features of x without different colors but with a huge battery and almost same price point, that'll put x out of competition on vzw.

(Like)

That is where i see the problem with the x selling at the current price point. Verizon going to pushing their droid line so it is basically going to get the side treatment. On att motorola hasn't sold well any way plus it will be competing against what is already out plus the iphone 5s and note 3. T mobile i don't see any one paying the full price for if. Only carrier it may get traction on is sprint. That is why i say at the current price it will not sell. Last year the nexus 4 went up against a list of devices and its pricing point was its niche.
S4 devices niche is its features, htc one is its build and front speakers, iPhone well its an iphone, note devices for its size, and the razr maxx for its battery. I don't see where the x fit in. Sell it at 300 and you get that nexus like buzz that the phone is "a deal".
If this thing do bad i see them listening to the complaints and dropping the price then you will see the phone sells pick up. Hopefully they do not wait to long too where all interest is gone.

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