Owners of the Moto 360 Sport have a reason to celebrate today, as the long-awaited Android Wear 2.0 update has finally been released for the device.
Android Wear 2.0 has had a somewhat troubled history, following its announcement by Google in May 2016. Last September, Google revealed that its planned release had been delayed until early 2017, but in February, it said that Android Wear 2.0 was ready, and would be made available to numerous devices "in the coming weeks".
Several weeks passed with no devices being upgraded, and when the update eventually began rolling out in March, it was quickly suspended for numerous devices due to the discovery of a last-minute bug. In April, Google said all eligible devices would be upgraded by the end of May, including the Moto 360 Sport. Then, at the end of May, Lenovo announced the update"s release for the Moto 360 2nd Gen, but said it had "no timing to share" for the Sport model.
Three months later, Lenovo has now begun rolling out Android Wear 2.0 to the Moto 360 Sport. Its release notes highlight the key improvements and new features that owners can expect:
| Feature | Notes |
| On-watch Play Store | With Android Wear 2.0, you can browse and choose which apps you want on your watch, and download them directly from the new on-watch Google Play Store. Whether you use an Android phone or iPhone, you’ll be able to use apps built for Android Wear 2.0. |
| Material design & app launcher | The design has been completely optimized, which accommodates better for the Moto 360’s round screen. It includes a new design for the card stream, reformed peeking, and a whole new app launcher. Instead of the swiping left to find your apps, push the side button to display them in an arc. You can even rearrange your apps and put your favourites at the top, just press and hold and drag them. |
| Input method & Smart Reply | Now it’s easier than ever to read and respond to a message right from your Moto 360. When you receive a message, you can expand the notification and tap to respond by dictating, typing or handwriting your answer, or drawing an emoji. Need to respond quickly and discreetly? Use Smart Reply, which instantly and intelligently suggests different responses based on the message you received. |
| Google Assistant | Android Wear 2.0 brings the Google Assistant to your wrist, so you can find answers and get things done—hands free. Ask your Google Assistant about the weather or remind yourself to bring an umbrella. Make a restaurant reservation or navigate to work. You can even update your shopping list right from your wrist. To ask for help, just hold down the power button on your watch or say “Ok Google". |
| Lightweight Doze | The new Android Wear update supports the lightweight Doze mode to help extend the battery life of your watch. |
| Side button functions | The functions of the side button of your Moto 360 have changed:
|
| Bug Fixes | A variety of system optimizations to improve performance and stability. |
Despite its extended period of development, it emerged last month that Google had shipped Android Wear 2.0 with characters missing from some of its on-screen keyboards.
Source: Motorola via Android Police