After weeks of testing, in late December Motorola announced the official Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the 2015 Moto X Pure Edition in the US. Motorola was one of the fastest to hit Android 6.0 in the state, but users in other regions and different Moto X models haven’t been so lucky so far.
Moto X Pure Edition (3rd Gen) is an unlocked phone sold directly by Motorola and not by a specific carrier; this meant that most users were waiting for a cumulative update to all owners. However, Android 6.0 Marshmallow has been released for those using the phone in certain carriers and not in all regions.
About two months after Google’s Android 6.0 announcement, a Motorola employee confirmed and saw on Google+ that the Moto X Pure Edition, used on Verizon, Sprint or US Cellular, will soon see it. And now Canada is releasing the latest software for Moto X Play. Read on for more details.
Initially, many users were frustrated as the Moto X was sold as an unlocked phone with the promise of timely updates without operators getting in the way. But then the updates didn’t reach everyone at once. However, all owners in the USA got it and now we hear Next up are all users in Canada.
Now three months later, as March draws to a close, Motorola Canada has begun a full over-the-air software update for the Moto X “Play,” another version of the Moto X with a 5.5-inch display and a big battery. This was one of the last remaining Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow updates for the Moto X series and it’s coming for owners now.
The last carrier to see Android 6.0 for the Moto X in the US was T-Mobile, as they technically never offered the phone. Instead, the Pure Edition worked on their network, similar to the Unlocked version in 2014.
All said and done, the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the Moto X Pure Edition and Play has been welcomed and well worth the wait. Users can expect some minor visual changes and improvements, much better battery life with a new feature called Doze. Long press the home button to activate and use Google Now on Tap. Improved permission controls, better security, smooth animations and easier-to-use audio controls are just a few of them.
Motorola also detailed some minor changes for the Moto X specifically on their blog, and also confirmed that the Moto X Style (Pure Edition outside the US) will receive Android 6.0 in Latin America in December.
Owners in Latin America and the United States can expect a major over-the-air software update notification to arrive today or soon. Motorola recommends downloading over WiFi to save data and have about 50% battery life to complete the update. Users can also check settings > about phone > check for updates and try to get it now manually instead of waiting for the update.
At this point, we’ve seen Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates for Play in a few select markets like the Moto X Style, Pure Edition and now Canada. Android N is next, but that won’t be available until the end of this summer. Those in Canada can check for updates on Play right now. Enjoy.
