Moto X custom engraving hopefuls will have to wait
Buyers of the new smartphone won't be able to custom engrave their phones through the Moto X Web site at launch.
Motorola has temporarily put the brakes on a custom engraving feature it planned to offer for the Moto X, according to multiple reports.
The upcoming Moto Maker experience lets phone owners (starting with AT&T subscribers) build a custom Moto X smartphone that includes hand-picking colors, wallpaper, and accessories. Unfortunately one of the key features, custom engraving, will not be present at launch.
CNET has reached out to Motorola for confirmation and will update this story when we hear back. In the meantime, GigaOm reports that a Motorola representative explained the delay:
"As with all testing programs, we are adapting and changing the process based on what we learn. One item that requires some additional work before we launch is creating a custom signature on the back of the phone. As such, creating a custom message is no longer available at this time."
It is unclear why Motorola has made the 11th-hour move, but a number of reasons spring to mind. One suggestion is that engraving doesn't stand out as nicely on darker colors. Another possibility is that the etching is not as clear as Motorola wanted it to be.
In fact, the entire experience could use a little work. CNET editor Brian Bennett had a chance to try out Moto Maker ahead of schedule, and while the experience was fun, Motorola could still do more.
At any rate, Moto X owners hoping to design their own phones will have to wait for this particular customization option to rejoin the Moto Maker fold.
