On February 25, 2015, Motorola released Moto E 2nd Gen (aka Moto E 2015, or Moto E 4G) through an innovative Moto E press conference box.  Everyone, not just journalists,  can join the press conference at any time to get more info on  Moto E 2nd Gen at StartWithMotoE.com.

The new Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) is probably the best value-for-money smartphone you can get in 2015.

What’s new in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015)

1. Bigger (4.5″) and better (IPS) display

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) shares the similar look of the old Moto E.  The display is slight larger at 4.5″.

Although the screen resolution is still qHD (540*960),  it is upgraded to IPS panel, which will definitely give you better visual experience.  You may read this post on the display technology for smartphones.

2. Faster quad-core processor

The processor  in new Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) is upgraded from dual-core in the old Moto E to quad-core.

For Moto E 2nd Gen 4G model, the processor is Qualcomm Snapdragon 410,  which can be found in many middle-range ($200-$400)  smartphones and tablets.

3. More storage (8GB)

The meager 4GB internal storage in the old Moto E is often complained. Although you can add a 32GB SD card, but a lot of apps cannot be moved to SD card. Many owners feel frustrated because they cannot install their favorite games/apps due to lack of internal storage. For moving apps to SD card, you may check this guide.

The Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) gives 8GB storage with SD card support (up to 32GB).  So, for most users, this is probably sufficient.

4. Improved rear camera

The rear (main) camera in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) is still 5MP. There is still no flash. You may think the camera is still the old one

You are wrong.

The camera is actually significantly improved.

Autofocus is available in the main camera in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015).  This feature is very useful when you take photos with some printed text, for example, scan a few pages of a book/magazine.

For videos, the camera in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) now supports 720p HD video, not just 480p as in old Moto E.

Auto HDR and burst mode is also available in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015). We are still testing them.

5. Front camera, although it is just a VGA one

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) adds one front VGA camera. It is suitable for taking selfies to share through MMS. You can also use it for video chat/calls.

6. Larger (20% more) battery

The old Moto E actually has a decent battery life. Most users reported 1 to 2 days normal usage  for each charge.

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) is packed with a 2390mAH battery, which is 20% larger than its predecessor. You should get similar battery life even using 4G LTE.

7. 4G LTE

Moto E 2nd Gen also supports 4G LTE (in Moto E 4G models). If your area has 4G LTE coverage, the new Moto E will give you faster mobile data access. Some carriers also provide VoLTE, which gives faster voice call connection and far better voice quality.

Of course, 4G LTE will consume data quota faster.

Also, if you are looking for dual-SIM model, you still have to get the Moto E 2nd Gen 3G model, which will be released in Q2 2015.

8. Moto Display

Moto Display (old name: active display) is one of the prominent and unique feature in Moto X.

Now, Moto Display is also available in Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015).  It works similar to ambient display in Android Lollipop. But Moto Display provides more options.

9. Quick capture

Quick capture is another exclusive feature in Moto X (and Moto X 2nd Gen). You can launch the camera by simply twisting your wrist.

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) now get quick capture so that you can snap photos faster than any others.

10. Customization

Customization is still a luxury for smartphones.

Motorola introduced Moto Maker for Moto X owners so that they can choose different colors and materials for the phone.

Now, part of such customization comes to Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015): replaceable trim and back cover.

When and where can I buy Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015)

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) was already released in US.  If you live in US, you can order it now from Motorola online store. The price (4G LTE) is $149.99.

For other regions, the availability will vary from March to April. You may check with local Motorola distributor. The price may vary, but it should be around $150.

We will update the progress of the international availability here.

When will be the Moto E 2nd Gen 3G version available?

Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015) 4G LTE model is a single SIM phone. If you want to get a dual-sim Moto E 2nd Gen, you have to wait for the release of the Moto E 2nd Gen 3G model.

The 3G model will be released in Q2 2015.

Will the 4G LTE model of Moto E 2nd Gen sold in US work in my country?

The frequency used for 4G LTE varies from country to country (even from carrier to carrier in one country in some cases). You may check this page or check with your carrier on the bands (frequencies) in your carrier network.

The following 4G LTE bands are supported  in the US version of Moto E 2nd Gen: band 2, 4, 5, 7, 12 and 17.

Please also note, the 3G frequencies used in US may be also different from those in your carrier.

So, do check the 3G and 4G frequencies.

It is best to buy local version from local distributor and you will not worry about network compatibility issues. In addition, in most regions, you can get one-year local warranty if you buy the device locally.

Why Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 4G) is the best value-for-money smartphone in 2015

Moto G (and Moto G 2nd Gen) probably was the best value-for-money smartphone in 2014.

It seems the $150 Moto E 2nd Gen now provides even higher value for money (VFM). And it supports 4G.  It seems Motorola is serious to reach more customers with affordable and high-quality smartphones.

Based on the incredible (at $150)  combination of hardware and software,  I would say Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 4G) is the best value-for-money smartphone in 2015.

What do you think about Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 2015, Moto E 4G)?

Please share your thought in the comment box below.

Motorola Alert  is currently exclusive to Moto E

Being cheap does not mean low quality. I think as a Moto E owner, you already understand this.

To make your Moto E even sweeter, Motorola just released Motorola Alert app for Moto E, and this app is currently exclusive to Moto E! Of course, the app will be compatible with Moto X and Moto G in the future.

What is Motorola Alert?

Motorola Alert  is an extremely useful emergency alert app that lets you quickly alert people important to you when you need them,  for example, when you are in danger.

Once  Motorola alert is enabled in your Moto E, it will begin sending periodic notifications with your location to the people you designate so they can act fast to give you the help you need. This means Motorola Alert  may also be used as a  tracking tool.

Motorola Alert allows you:

• to send emergency message with your location info;
• to turn your Moto E into an emergency alarm (it is really loud; please don’t test it in office);
• to dial an emergency number automatically;
• to send your current location periodically;
• to send out alerts to meet you at  your current location.

The designated contacts will receive the SMS/MMS. You can broadcast the info to several contacts. Of course, you need designate the contacts when you setup the app.

You can also change the list of designated contacts later.

Why Motorola Alert can save your life?

Motorola Alert is primarily an emergency alert app. Whenever you feel you are in an unsafe environment, or you need some help urgently,  the persons you trusted can receive the alert immediately and may provide the help you need.

As the alert message includes the location info, your contacts can easily locate you. Very often, when you are in danger, you may have problem to explain your whereabouts. The location info in the alert message can be extremely useful.

How to setup Motorola Alert?

Motorola Alert is NOT pre-loaded in Moto E.  You have to open your Play store to  search and install the app.  If you are reading this post, you can follow this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.motorola.bodyguard.

Once installed the Motorola Alert app from the Play store, you can then start the app to setup the app.

Step 1: Agree the terms

In the start screen, tap “Get started”.  Then you have to agree some terms and privacy policy on using this app, as shown  below. if you want to use this app, you have to agree the terms and grant the access for the app. Otherwise, the app won’t work and you cannot proceed to the setup.

Once you agree the terms and privacy policy for Motorola Alert, the setup will proceed to setup the designated contacts.

Step 2: Designate contact and emergency number

You need designate at least one contact to receive the alert messages. This contact must be added to your address book (People app) before you can select it.

You just type the name and the app will lookup it from People app in your Moto E.  All these contacts will receive the alert messages.

Once finished, tap Next to designate one emergency contact. The emergency contact is for phone calling in case of emergency. Because Moto E can only dial one number at any given time, you need specify only one emergency contact in Motorola Alert.

Now, if you want to make an emergency call, you have two choices:

1.  to dial this emergency contact, or
2. to dial local emergency number

In Motorola Alert app, you need specify one of them during setup stage. Remember when you are in panic, you have no time to do selections.

Step 3: Select emergency mode actions

Once you declare the emergency mode, in addition to send out the text messages to the designated contacts, you can also choose one additional action:

1. None. Only alert messages are sent.
2. Auto-dial the emergency number you specified in the previous step.
3. Trigger the sound alarm. This is useful when you need attentions from persons nearby. The siren is very loud, so don’t test it in your office.

How to use Motorola Alert?

Motorola Alert can send 3 types of alerts (emergency, follow me, meet me) to the designated contacts currently in Moto E. Tap one of the icons will trigger the corresponding alert.

Each alert has its own message template.  You can adjust them for your taste.

In addition, Motorola Alert also has a “stay connected ” non-emergency feature to automatically share your locations with some of your emergency contact.

Let’s explore them one by one.

How to use Emergency alert in  Motorola Alert?

When you need immediate help, you may tap Emergency in Motorola Alert app as shown above.

Once emergency alert is triggered, the emergency alert messages will be sent out to the designated contacts in 5 seconds.  Before you cancel the emergency mode, the messages will be sent out every 5 mins by default  (you can configure this frequency, read on).

The alert message, by default, will look like:

I’m in danger.

Location: XXXXX

maps.google.com/maps?q=xxxxxxxx

From Motorola Alert

Once you cancel the emergency mode, a “I’m safe” message will be sent to your designated emergency contacts.

In addition to the emergency alert messages, if you want, you can choose one more action: triggering the alarm or dial the emergency number immediately as shown below.

To cancel the emergency alert, you can either:

• Tap the “^” button in the right side of Emergency mode info, as shown above, then you tap cancel button.
• In the notification area, tap cancel as shown below.

How to use Follow Me alert in Motorola Alert?

Follow me mode in Motorola Alert allows you to update your location to the emergency contacts periodically. You can use this alert to track kids who are going out for camping for example.

Unlike emergency alert, this alert allows you to select recipients from the emergency contact list. So, it will not broadcast to all persons in the emergency contact.

Of course, you can specify the update frequency, and the message text as shown below.

How to use Meet Me alert in Motorola Alert ?

Meet me mode in Motorola alert allows you to send out the request to meet you at your current location. You can customize the text message and the recipient.

How to use stay connected (location sharing) feature in Motorola Alert?

Stay connected feature in Motorola Alert allows you to share your location with some emergency contacts when you reach or leave some  pre-defined locations (e.g., home, office, school…; up to 5).

This is not an emergency alert. Rather, it updates your location for your loved ones so that they know your whereabouts.

To use this feature, you need define the locations (up to 5)  important to you and your contacts.   You can do this (as shown below):

1. in the Motorola Alert main interface, tap  “give peace of mind by sharing your location with friends and family”
2. from Motorola Alert-Places.

Once at least one place is defined, you can turn on and off location sharing as shown below.

How to change settings of Motorola Alert?

After you setup Motorola Alert in Moto E, you can change the settings  later on.

Start Motorola Alert app, tap menu key (3 vertical dots in the top left). You can find all settings there.

You can define locations, designate people to your emergency contacts.

Tap Settings. You can then customize/change the emergency alert settings, including the message, location updating frequency, emergency number and the additional actions.

Can I get Motorola Alert on Moto G and Moto X?

Motorola Alert currently is exclusive to Moto E. But Motorolas has promised to bring this app for Moto X and Moto G in a few weeks time.

So, if Google play says the Motorola Alert is not  compatible with your Moto G or Moto X,  it means this app is not ready for other devices yet.

Hopefully, by June/July, you will be able to install Motorola Alert on Moto G and Moto X (in addition to Moto E).

 Do you have any questions or problems with Motorola Alert on your Moto E?

Please leave your questions or problems in the comment box below. We will try to answer

More how-to guides , tips and tricks for using Moto E are available at Moto E how-to guides page.