Android phones, apps and tablets

I have made a punt on my next phone, and it's not a Nexus 6.

I've gone for a Moto X, and in time I will buy a Moto Hint.

The tipping point is the voice control. I have just spent a few days in Paris for a conference, and I did not take a computer or tablet with me, just my Nexus 5. The keyboard is frustrating for processing emails and so I tried the voice keyboard again... and this time it appears to have improved to the point that I was able to use it exclusively for dictating emails, messages and navigation instructions. I also didn't need to see my phone, just having the phone in a chest pocket and hearing the navigation instructions was fine.

Then, whilst at the conference, I saw one person with a Moto X and Moto Hint. Asking him about it, it turns out the epiphany I just experienced with how good voice control has become he has experienced again in how good the right tools can make voice control.

I've banged the drum about how much I want the Star Trek terminal, to tap a brooch and speak a command. This is effectively what the Moto Hint is (but it is in-ear, so things said to you are discreet), and the Moto X has been made with the Moto Hint in mind, voice software to bring the tool to life.

Then... the Moto X has a long battery life, all flagship features you'd expect, it as close to stock Android as can be, it'll receive Android L before almost anyone else (Nexus 6 excepted).

The only weaknesses appear to be:

• The Moto X camera isn't sublime... it's merely adequate (but then, I carry a micro four-thirds DSLR most of the time).
  
• The Moto Hint talk time is only 3 hours (though standby time in tap mode is close to 100 hours)... but it's rare that I use the phone for more than 2 hours per day (and I have this data available to know this).
  
  

Basically: It does everything I want, in style, is stock Android + a few extra apps, isn't going to be ruined by being rooted, and introduces the first major step towards sci-fi level voice control.

Yeah, I'm sold.