Everything we know (and don’t know) about Motorola’s Moto X

Fueled by an unusual ad campaign and Google’s acquisition of Motorola, the upcoming Moto X has received quite a bit of attention since it was first teased back in May. As we quickly approach the phone’s announcement date, now’s as good a time as ever to sum up what we know.

When

Motorola confirmed that an event will be held for the Moto X on August 1st in NY.

What

According to Motorola, the Moto X will be the “first smartphone designed, engineered and assembled in the USA.” Motorola has made it quite clear that the phone will be customizable, calling it “the first smartphone that you can design yourself.”

As for what users will actually be able to “design,” ABC News claims buyers will choose from a range of colors for both the back case and the trim, and pick an engraving.

Sensors will also play an important role in the phone, Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside revealed; This includes “contextually aware” sensors, which let the Moto X know what you’re doing with it and allow it to automatically set itself up for your next action. Traveling in a car or shooting a photo were given as examples.

Always-on voice commands have also been rumored:

Look

A leak shared today by evleaks on TheUnlockr claims this is the first leaked press shot of the Moto X:

Users will be able to choose from a variety of colored backs, according to rumors from NoWhereElse.fr:

Specs

Also shared by evleaks, the rumored specs for the Moto X are as follows:

• 1.7GHz dual-core MSM8960 Pro
• 720p
• 2GB of Ram, 16GB of storage
• 10MP/2MP camera
• Android 4.2.2

The Verge claims that the phone features a 4.5-inch screen, a “dual-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon MSM8960T processor, and a removable Kevlar rear shell.”

Availability

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Moto X will be available on all the major carriers in the US, including Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint. While a launch date is unclear, Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside said the device will launch before the end of October.

Other rumors suggest the Moto X could launch on August 23rd, and that the phone will land on Rogers in Canada.

Facts vs Rumors

With so many rumors surfacing, it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction. The announcement date, customization and sensor details all come from Motorola. Other details, such as specs and the Moto X’s appearance, are far from confirmed.

While a locally-built product may hit US citizens right in the feels, Moto X’s key selling point is still unclear. Given that the Moto X will compete with the latest Apple and Samsung devices, what will its main selling point be?

Image credit: Getty Images / Spencer Platt