Manufacturers have continued to blur the line between smartphones and tablets with screen sizes on smartphones reaching as high as 6.3-inches. Sales of phablets have taken off since the release of Samsung’s Galaxy Note and an increasing number of companies now have plans to release their own oversized devices. Motorola will not be one of these companies, however. Jim Wicks, Motorola’s design chief, revealed in an interview with PCMag that the company has adopted the philosophy that “better is better” rather than “bigger is better.” The executive noted that Google has been spending the past eight months on next-generation Motorola phones and has “seen positive feedback and collaboration.”
“Certain people like a large screen. But there’s a sweet spot for consumers that we’re currently exceeding in the market. There are some people that like a big display, but there’s also a lot of people that want something that’s just about right,” he said. “I think ‘just right’ is important, and we’re designing so we don’t disappoint those people.”
On the subject of bloatware, Wicks pointed out that users don’t want added preloaded applications on their device and said that Motorola will be “focusing on simplicity and the power of the consumer,” while trying to make their devices as bloatware-free as possible.
The executive revealed that the first Google-influenced Motorola smartphone will be released in the second half of 2013, adding that consumers should be excited if they enjoy a smaller form factor and stock Android.
“Consumers love what the Android OS can do for them, and they want to have the most recent releases faster,” Wicks said. “From a software and UI perspective, our strategy is to embrace Android and to make it the best expression of Android and Google in the market. It will be the unadulterated version of Android, and I feel really good about our embracing Android and being the best Android experience.”
He also said that the company will be focusing on releasing phones across all carriers, unlike previous models that were exclusive to specific wireless providers.
“We are going to try to drive a more singular expression of our brand across multiple carriers. It’s a fundamental change in the model,” the executive said, adding that Motorola won’t abandon the DROID and RAZR brands.
