Motorola is rolling out three new smartphones where the home screen, texts, settings and everything else can read in Te Reo.
Although Māori keyboards are available on other smartphones, their new Moto G collection is the first smart device range where the whole interface is in the language. It's not the default, but users can make Te Reo the phone's main language if they wish.
Motorola’s head of operations and execution Rachael Gauci said there’s a growing demand for such a feature and it’s an important step in making digital technology more suitable for all.
“With enthusiasm and uptake in the Māori language continuing to grow in New Zealand, we want to offer people more choices for their language preferences, in turn providing a greater level of familiarity and control with their device,” she said.
“Through this initiative, Motorola is working to inspire more action towards the revitalisation of indigenous languages and close the gap in digitally inclusive technology.”
Motorola's Moto G range's Te Reo interface (Android Settings). Credit: interest.co.nz
The three phones in the range are also a lot less expensive than more popular smart devices. The Moto G34 5G is $319, the Moto G24 is $239 and the Moto G04 is $199.
Motorola’s head of Greater Asia Pacific Kurt Bonucci reckons they’ve still managed to pack in high-demand features, despite the lower price point.
“Our mission is to create innovative, accessible technology that helps people to connect with intent,” he said.
“We take huge pride in listening to what consumers are looking for in their next smartphone and don't think key features or design need to be compromised when seeking affordability.”
Around this time last year, Lenovo announced the launch of their te reo Māori keyboard for PCs. The keyboard featured keys for macrons or tohutō, [the small lines placed above certain vowels in te reo Māori]. In Te Reo, macrons are essential indicators that aid in interpreting the pronunciation and significance of a word.
The new Moto G range is available now if it sounds good to you.
