I had high hopes when Google bought Motorola that they would help steer the company in the right direction. However, I don't see it.
The Moto X is headed in the right direction, as is Moto Maker. However they are now releasing the Moto G, and they continue to have Verizon exclusives (contract?) with the Mini, Ultra and Maxx.
They need to land somewhere between Apple and Samsung.
Apple releases 1 (ok now 2) flagship phones and keeps focused on the phone. They don't make a different low cost phone but sell the old model as the low cost variant (duh).
Samsung has numerous variations on the same phone. To many IMHO.
Motorola should release 3 base variations (4", 5", 6") of a flagship phone either annually, or biannually with latest greatest specs (1080 screen, powerful CPU, etc).
Commit to updating the OS for 2 years within 60 days of updates to Android.
Sell last years model as the inexpensive variant.
Allow more customization in Moto Maker (in addition to current options):
- Battery Size (4" - 2000 or 3000, 5" - 3000 or 4000, 6" 4000 or 5000)
- Screen material (gorilla glass vs sapphire)
- material (kevlar, plastic, wood)
- camera
- slide out keyboard (like the original droid line)
Laser focus on the user experience. Touch screen reaction times, stability, speed, etc...
Killer features are needed. The always listening is a good start (though kind of creepy too). Nokia has hit the nail on the head with their camera. I have heard more non-tech people talking about the 1020 then any other phone. The public is clamoring for a GREAT camera in their smart phone. Maybe a separate camera processor (ie Nikon Expeed)
Nearly edge to edge screen (2mm or less on each side)
Minimize area above and below the screen (10mm or less above and below the screen - focus on small overall footprint of the phone)
Continue with great build quality and amazing radios and phone quality (only Moto phones can actually be used as phones).
Ok, so you "have" to lock the boot loader. Just don't be so good at it.