With all of the hype surrounding the new low-cost Moto G, Motorola Mobility apparently couldn't wait for its previously stated U.S. release date of January and has officially released the phone on its website, Motorola.com, for $179 starting Tuesday Nov. 26.
The phone comes only in the GSM variant and unlocked without a contract, which makes its $179 price tag especially impressive since most devices cost at our above that price along with a two-year contract commitment.
The reason for the early launch was explained to CNET by Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside who said that early demand for the phone had been strong overseas making the company able to ramp up the manufacturing process. This has led to the Moto G website being available faster than anticipated, allowing for the early release. The move is win-win as users can now get the device a little more than a month early and Motorola Mobility can take advantage of holiday sales of the new low-cost smartphone.
It's worth noting that, although the device is available through Motorola, plans from its carrier and retail partners have not changed. They will all be offering the phone in January in order to take advantage of the traditionally strong prepaid market that occurs early in the year.
So far, Verizon Wireless has committed to selling the Moto G for its prepaid brand, Woodside said the LTE-less phone would get "broad distribution" with multiple partners.
"We were always gearing up for a big first quarter, but we think we'll have success this quarter as well," Woodside said.
The Moto G was meant to be the low-cost cousin to the more high-end Moto X smartphone. However, the Moto G is looking more appealing to many users as a result of its customizable exterior look that can be accented with different colored cases. This is not to mention the very appealing price tag of only $179.
