We’re learning more and more about the T-Mobile Moto X. We learned during the launch event on August 1st, that the T-Mobile Moto X would be available through Motorola’s channels only. And that T-Mobile stores wouldn’t be selling the device. So we thought we’d be able to get it through Moto Maker directly when that launches on other carriers. Well according to an image that TmoNewshas come across this afternoon, it looks like the Moto X for T-Mobile will be launching through Google Play Only. “Launch (Google Play Only): TBD”.
So far nothing on a release date, but we do know that it’s launching on Google Play. So this might be the “Google Play Edition” of the Moto X we heard about earlier this month. But we also heard that the model sold through Google Play would be the exact same as the Moto X sold by the carriers. Minus the carrier-specific bloat of course.
While this answers a few questions, it still leaves a few more questions. So T-Mobile customers looking for a Moto X will be able to grab one from Google Play, but at what price? When will it be available? Will it have an unlockable bootloader? Although I’m pretty sure I know the answer to that last question. Since it’s virtually an unlocked device, that means it’s pretty much a developer edition like the Nexus 4, HTC One Google Play Edition and the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition.
It’s still quite weird for Google to be offering the Moto X in the Google Play Store, without it being a Nexus or Google Play Edition. Especially since Google has said they are not offering any preferential treatment to Motorola. This sure looks like favoritism right? Not that I’m complaining, unless the Google Play version is cheaper than the off-contract Moto X from AT&T, or any other carrier. I’m hoping the Moto X will be available for around $400-450 off-contract. But with the device costing $199/249 on contract, I think that probably won’t happen.
How many of you are anxious to buy the Moto X for T-Mobile?