Last year I reviewed the Moto Z and considered it to have the best software on any Android device, possibly even better than the Pixel. The overall experience, from an Android purist’s perspective was near flawless. Lenovo have not touched the Moto skin since they took over the company but that seems set to change based on a Weibo post by Lenovo VP Chen Yu.
Using his Weibo microblogging account Chen Yu sent out an update stating that, at least domestically (in China that is), the new Moto phones will use the latest version of ZUI. This of course most likely includes the Moto Z series phones that we all love. Lenovo consider the change improving the “system experience” although it seems their thoughts differ to that of most people outside of Asia.
While at this stage it is pure speculation whether this UI change will make it to the Moto units destined for the Western markets, we can certainly hope not. The amazing speed and functionality the minimal Moto skin on ALL their phones allows for a decent user experience, no matter the specs of the phone. Adding a layer such as ZUI to the top of this can only have detrimental effects.
Previously Moto phones sold in China have had a different skin on them to those sold here (just not ZUI) so there is a precedent for Lenovo including different skins for different markets, depending on market’s tastes and expectations. At this stage the Weibo post has disappeared although there are screenshots of it but there is no official confirmation so let’s be optimistic and put this in the not-going-to-affect-us basket.
Do you own a Moto device? Would you like to have the ZUI skin installed over the top of it? Would having ZUI installed affect your likelihood of a future Moto purchase?
