The Download: Introducing Chop Twice for Flashlight with Lollipop 5.1 for Moto X (2nd Gen.)

Today we began rolling out Android 5.1, Lollipop for Moto X (2nd Gen.)—and with it, we’re pleased to introduce a new Moto Action: Chop twice for Flashlight.

First some details on the rollout. We began rolling out the update in a soak test to those of you who bought your Moto X (2nd Gen.) at select retail partners in Brazil. We have been working on putting the software through carrier and regional testing in other countries and for other devices, so please stay tuned for more.

Now for the fun stuff. Google’s latest build of Lollipop 5.1 provides stability enhancements and squashes some bugs. At Motorola, we’re also throwing in a new Moto Action we believe is both useful and fun. In addition to twisting twice to launch camera, waving once to silence an incoming call, or passing your hand above the screen for Moto Display, you can now do one more thing.

How many times have you fumbled through your settings or awkwardly opened an app to turn on the flashlight? When you typically need a flashlight, you need one quickly. Chop twice for flash allows you to make a natural chopping motion (that’s right, like when you’re chopping an onion) to turn on the flashlight. Then simply chop twice again to turn it off.

We hope you enjoy the update. Learn more about 5.1 for Moto X (2nd Gen.) here and get other information at our software updates page. Let us know what you think about it on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

Posted by David Schuster, Software

Time-lapse Inspiration: Make a beautiful video like this professional videographer in Hawaii

While there’s a lot to love about our Camera app, we also love our creative Android developers community, which makes fantastic additional apps for your whimsy. Today, we’d like to spotlight Lapse It Pro, which is an app that helps you take time-lapses and makes stop-motion videos.

We asked a professional videographer at 9th Ave Studio in Hawaii to take a Moto X out to shoot time-lapses and this was the beautiful result:



Want to make the most of your Moto X camera? Here are some other cool built-in camera tricks:

• Take a short cut and open your Camera quickly. Use Quick Capture by simply twisting your wrist twice to launch your Camera app and never miss a shot.
• Add some drama with 120 fps slow-motion.
• Get the full effect with a panorama shot. Select panorama mode by opening by swiping right from the left edge of your screen.
• Save some time by using Recommended Shot which helps you choose the best picture.
• Take a selfie out of arm’s reach. Just call to your Moto X using your voice trigger and say, “Take a selfie.”
• Store and easily share your photos from the cleanly designed Gallery app.
• Backup your photos and videos automatically to Google Drive, so you don't need to worry about losing your memories.

What are your favorite Moto X videos and camera tips? Share them with us on our Google+, Twitter, or Facebook, using the hashtag #MyMotoX.