Moto360 (1st Gen) Owners - How old is your device and how long does the battery last?

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Moto360 (1st Gen) Owners - How old is your device and how long does the battery last?

Antzzz

160 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

Topic # 207743 12-Jan-2017 00:14

Hey there, seeking some help from mighty Geekzone users... I've got a 2 year old Moto360 (1st Gen) which seems to have a dud battery - barely get an hour out of it before it dies. Have tried the usual troubleshooting steps of doing a Factory reset, and online research suggests this isn't an uncommon problem.

Decided to look into getting the battery replaced and was a little shocked when the Motorola NZ service agent (Fonebiz) responded to my query with 'the device is too old, you should buy a new one'. Contacted Motorola directly who advised that they don't generally repair the device and recommend that their agent supply a new one.

I've reminded both Motorola and Fonebiz of their obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act, and am awaiting a response. In the meantime I'd like to know if anyone on here still has a 1st Gen Moto360 device, and how their battery is performing. And also if anyone has an opinion on what a 'reasonable lifespan' would be for a Smartwatch? I'm thinking 5 years is reasonable given that it is effectively a premium watch?

I've looked into the DIY route, but it seems that the device is pretty fiddly to take apart and doing so carries a pretty high risk of damage - so definitely want to get Motorola/Fonebiz to meet their CGA obligations...

michaelmurfy

6538 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2944

Moderator

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 1701770 12-Jan-2017 01:51

Wearable devices do not seem to last too long with batteries - I'd say it'll be something to do with the fact it is a battery on your wrist all day.

The whole device is glued together so battery replacement is difficult + damaging at best. You've however reminded me that I have a Moto 360 just laying around (also got the box etc for it). Just don't have the strap anymore as I've transferred this to another device but it is in perfect working condition (was getting a day and a half battery out of it before I stopped using it a few months ago). Have not charged it and it powered on first try - I don't believe I charged it before stashing it away either. Make me an offer if you want it via PM, it'll be easier than repairing a sealed device :)

The back is a bit cracked due to me using a metal strap (one of those things that happens with the first generation Moto 360 I'm afraid) however it is still totally fine. I've actually got the metal strap hanging around somewhere too.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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NzBeagle

722 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 62

Subscriber

Reply # 1701798 12-Jan-2017 08:19

I'm still ending the day with around 50% on my LG G Watch which is 2 1/2 years old now. So, I would agree with your thinking that the battery should continue to give you a day's use. In saying that, I think I might replace this year, so I might assume a 3 year life span for such things. A premium watch I'd give 10 years + to, but smartwatches are relatively new territory wouldn't you say?

salttlas

33 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 5

Reply # 1702164 12-Jan-2017 16:37

One person supports this post

I have a 1st Gen Moto 360 Watch that I purchased in May of 2015, so coming up two years old...

The watch itself is still in pretty good nick, as I do look after my devices. It does have the cracked back that has plagued the 1st Gen due to design issues. It only has one crack, about 10mm long. Doesnt seem to be getting any worse, and not occurring in any other corner. It may affect the water resistance, but I dont tend to get it wet.

In regards to battery life. I have it on the always on display (or what ever it is called) and I get a full day out of it no worries.

I still love the watch...have gotten used to the 'flat tyre'...and still think it is one of the better looking smart watches. Although the Gen 2 looks even better!

Sounds like you have a faulty battery if only getting an hour...

Cheers

Antzzz

160 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

Reply # 1705548 18-Jan-2017 23:44

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated! Latest is that the repair center finally accepted the device, only to quote me $322 for a 'repair' - which seems to actually be a replacement device. That's more than I paid for the watch 2 years ago, and pretty cheeky given that the replacement device is probably a refurb, and used devices are going for a fraction of that cost on Trademe... So I'm pushing them on their Consumer Guarantees Act obligations that their product must be durable, and spare parts must be available for a reasonable period of time. Will see what happens next.

Thanks Michael for the offer - if the above gets all too hard I might be in touch.

Antzzz

160 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

Reply # 1757289 5-Apr-2017 22:10

Just realised I had neglected to update this thread. Outcome was that Motorola came to the party by funding a replacement unit - after a bit of email to and fro they went quiet for a couple of weeks and then suddenly the repair centre rang me saying that the replacement unit was ready to pick up! The eventual cost was just the inspection fee charged by the repair centre (approx $40).

So a good outcome in the end - great to see a manufacturer who understands their obligations even if they did have to be reminded of them!