Major Android Wear update with watch face API support, other improvements rolling out now

Google has begun rolling out an update (we assume version 5.0, but we won’t know for sure until we have our hands on it) for its Android Wear platform and, as expected, the update focuses primarily on the launch of the official watch face API while also bringing a handful of useful improvements to the wearable operating system.

Besides now supporting an ever growing collection of official watch faces, the update brings a handful of useful navigation features like the ability to bring back cards that may have been accidentally dismissed. Also, when tapping on the watch face, the list of actions is now categorized differently–putting those most recently used at the top.

Additionally, the update includes new modes including “theater” and “sunlight” which let you keep the screen dim or boost its brightness, respectively. You can also quickly access a variety of system settings by simply swiping down from the watch face screen. Finally, the update lets you block app notifications if you wish as well as view app battery usage and storage in the Android Wear app.

Along with the update, Google now has an entire page on Google Play dedicated to the new, official watch faces. There you’ll find dozens of cheap (and free) faces for your Android Wear device featuring some recognizable brands and characters. You’ll find a gallery of some of the notable new faces below.

Here’s the full change log:

Easier Navigation:

-Quickly bring a card back if you’ve accidentally dismissed it
-When you tap on the watch face, recently used actions now appear at the top of the list

New Modes:

-Quickly access various settings by swiping down from the top of the screen
-Theater Mode lets you keep the screen off and mute vibrations when you’re in a dark room
-Sunlight Mode temporarily boosts the screen to maximum brightness

App Improvements

-Easily block notifications from any app, directly from your watch
-View your apps’ usage of battery and storage (in the Android Wear app)

#AndroidWear update is rolling out, and the Watch Face API is now available! Learn about it from @waynepiekarski at http://t.co/wt45GDPxHz

— Android Developers (@AndroidDev) December 10, 2014

Update: The update appears to have just started hitting the LG G Watch.

Update 2: And the Moto 360.

Update 3: And the LG G Watch R.