One of the interesting factoids I gleaned at CTIA was Motorola’s unofficial 3 metre design rule. The idea is that all their phones must be instantly recognisable from 3 metres, or about 10 feet.
Certainly, this is true of the iconic RAZR, even though both features and design are dating fast now. It also applies to the newer PEBL (pictured), although I don’t think it lives up the the standard of its illustrious older brother.
While their “reach for the stars” ambitions are certainly to be applauded - and there’s certainly many, many handsets out there that all look the same - there can be a danger that this could also backfire into inertia.
Could this be behind the lack of new models that Carlo wrote about, last week?
Hogwash. Motorola has a 3 meter rule my eye. I can’t think of any other comments that state how much bologna is embedded in that statement.
The whole V series is as vanilla as you get.
I hope that this 3 Meter rule is a newly adopted philosophy and what will be gauging their products to come. Otherwise it is another example of marketing sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong.
JT - sorry, but are you suggesting I made this up? Or that that they’re not practicing what they preach in every case? They’re pretty different conclusions that can be drawn from your “hogwash” point of view.
Russell
While the Moto’s may be recognizable from 10 feet, they’re all running the same tired crap OS once you get within 12 inches of them.
Motorola recently has made some inventive designs for the hardware, but I’d hardly call them revolutionary.
The RAZR, for example, would have been an impressive handset four years ago. The only thing it has going for it are somewhat attractive looks.
Russell,
No, I am not suggesting that you made this up. I truly do believe that Moto Sales and Marketing says this is how they work.
It is definitly your latter suggestion of them not practicing what they preach that I believe.
One product does not a company philosophy make. Razr did a wonderful job for Moto to bring them back into the design/style limelight. I just hope their Marketing group doesn’t screw it up for them by pushing that there is a company philosophy juxtaposed to a product line that does not match.
JT - I think we’re on the same page here:-)
Emory - Hmm…. a little harsh, but I can see where you’re coming from.
Russell