A rumour earlier this week gave us our first clue as to how much the Moto 360 smartwatch might cost when it launches later this summer. At €249 (about CA$370), it looked set to be somewhat more expensive than many similar devices. But there is encouraging news today. It now appears that it could end up selling for less. Motorola is running a watch-face design contest and the first prize is a Moto 360. The official contest rules list its approximate retail value (ARV) as US$249 (just under CA$275).
While this price cannot constituted as an official pricing announcement, it gives us a solid indication of the price point that Motorola is looking to hit with its upcoming smartwatch. With Motorola planning to offer different customization options, this could well be the entry-level price with options such as leather or metal bands costing more.
Motorola has proven in recent months with devices such as the Moto G and the Moto E that it can produce quality devices at aggressive price points. Despite rumoured manufacturing challenges, it may well do so again with the Moto 360.
As for the contest itself, Motorola is inviting people in Canada and the U.S. to create their own watch face for the Moto 360. Entries must be received by June 10, 2014 at 1500 CT. Judges will then select the top 10 entries based on Design Aesthetic (34%), Feasibility (33%) and Originality (33%). The winning entry will be chosen among those ten through voting. We should have a winner by June 24 (just in time for Google I/O?).
Sources : Motorola (Google Drive) // Droid Life