We don’t know about you, but last week was a whirlwind of excitement as we shared five new products with the world. With all the activity, in this week’s Download, we wanted to highlight something for Moto G and Moto E users, so that you don’t miss it: You can now use many of the Motorola Assist features on your Moto G (1st and 2nd generations) and Moto E!

When we launched Moto X, we introduced simple but useful experiences based on the different places and situations we find ourselves in. Driving was the natural place to start. To make it happen, we used a low-power sensor hub in Moto X that constantly analyzes inputs from sensors like the accelerometer, GPS, and audio. We eventually expanded these features to Meeting mode (when you don’t want to be bothered and want an automatic message for those who are trying to get in touch), Sleep mode (letting you sleep in peace with only the people who matter getting through), and Home mode (so that your phone automatically knows when it’s home and can read your texts and callers aloud).

When we launched Moto G and Moto E, however, we thought that without the low-power sensor hub in Moto X, these types of experiences would likely not be possible. The phones had fewer microphones for speech recognition and a smaller processor. We couldn’t do it the same way.

But when Drive mode and Home mode became some of the most popularly requested updates for Moto G and Moto E, we decided to revisit. 

Challenging our own assumptions, we decided to try to create the same experiences but in a different way, relying on algorithms running on fewer microphones and no sensor hub. The team spent three months creating prototypes and writing algorithms and models that could possibly create contextual experiences for Moto G and Moto E. When the test results came back, we were optimistic. The team then spent another two months tweaking and refining the application so it could hit our quality benchmarks. We are so happy that an alternative approach could provide this requested experience to our users!

Again, we're so glad to be able to share this feature with our users. Tell us what you think. We look forward to keep working on making it better and better. 

Posted by Mark Rose, Product Management

Choose the color or materials that grace the back of your phone. Choose to design your own software experience starting from pure Android. Choose to get the information you want most, either at a glance on your phone or on your wrist, or discreetly to your ear, without ever using your hands. And choose not to pay premium prices for premium experiences.

Introducing…

The new Moto X: Pure style. Pure performance. 
The new Moto X is designed with a sense of style and balance, featuring a curved metal frame, vivid 5.2” Full HD display, and authentic materials such as FSC® certified woods and genuine Horween® leather that feel great in your hand. Moto X gives you fast performance with the latest, unadulterated version of Android along with the quickest updates. Enhanced voice control lets you select a custom prompt, and use your voice to do just about anything. Plus, Moto X learns your preferences and adapts to you, making everyday interactions easier. Creating your standout style is simple through our online customization studio, Moto Maker, available in the United States and select international markets. Learn more about the new Moto X.




The new Moto G: Exceptional phone. Exceptional price.
Moto G now comes with a brilliant 5” HD display plus stereo sound to fully enjoy your videos and photos. With its all-day battery, quad-core speed, the latest Android OS, plus the ability to customize your phone with Motorola Shells, Moto G keeps up with everything you do. And all of this starting at just $179.99. Learn more about the new Moto G.



Moto 360: It’s time.
Moto 360 is a classically-designed, modern timepiece powered by Android Wear™. Comfortable, familiar, and crafted with the finest materials, Moto 360 keeps you up to date without taking you away from the moment. Glance at your wrist to see updates or just speak to get the info you need. Keep track of your steps and know your heart rate thanks to a built-in pedometer and heart rate monitor. Enjoy battery life that lasts all day, then just place Moto 360 on its wireless charging dock at night. Learn more about Moto 360.




Moto Hint: In control. Out of sight. [link to full product web page]
Moto Hint is a discreet wireless earbud designed to look good and feel great. It gives you complete control of your phone and allows you to access everything you need by just using your voice. When paired with your Moto X, you can ask questions like “What’s today’s forecast?” or get turn by turn navigation directions, all without touching or even looking at your phone. Learn more about Moto Hint.




Plus…

Power Pack Micro: Power in a Pinch.
Motorola Power Pack Micro is a portable battery that provides instant access to back-up power when you need it. Attach it to your keys or slip it into your pocket or bag. More than just a portable battery, Power Pack Micro also includes Motorola Keylink™, a phone and key finder which helps locate your phone or keys when they’ve been misplaced. Learn more about Power Pack Micro.




Global Availability and Pricing
The new Moto X will be coming to countries in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia starting later this month. Moto X will be available for as low as $99.99 with a new two-year customer agreement on select carriers in the US. It will be available off-contract and unlocked in the US from $499.99 on motorola.com.

The new Moto G is available starting today unlocked and off-contract for $179.99 USD on motorola.com, as well as retailers in the US. Moto G also goes on sale today in India, France, UK, Brazil, Spain, and on motorola.de in Germany. By end of year, the new Moto G will be available in more than a dozen countries and through several carrier partners around the world.

Moto 360 will be available in black leather and a limited edition gray leather with suede finish in the US today starting at noon EST for $249.99 USD on motorola.com, Google Play, and through Best Buy stores and BestBuy.com. Additionally, Moto 360 will be available in two metal options later this fall for $299.99 USD. For those who buy a Moto 360 today, there will be an option to purchase a metal band later this fall for $79.99 USD. Leather bands will also be available independently for $29.99 USD at that time.

Moto Hint will be available on motorola.com and select retailers in the US for $149.99 USD later this fall and will expand to other regions in time for the holidays.

Power Pack Micro will be available on motorola.com in the US for $39.99 starting today.


Trade In Your Phone for a New One
Our Trade In program makes it easier than ever to purchase a Moto G or customized Moto X using Moto Maker. Just send in your old device, and we'll mail you a Motorola Visa Prepaid Card worth up to $300 depending upon the phone you send in. Visit our Trade In site to learn more.

IMAGES and BROLL: Images can be found here (you agree to our license terms when downloading images or video)

Do you have a story? We love hearing your stories! Share them with us using the hashtag #myMotoStory

Posted by Noelle Chun, Social Media Team

So I sometimes take for granted the simple things that make using my phone even more convenient. You just have to know the tricks.

Today, I’m sharing a few little shortcuts I like to use every day to make using my phone faster and accessing the things I want easier.

Hope you like these #MotoTips. Let us know if you find them useful—and we would love to hear some of your own, too!

Posted by David Schuster, Product Management