If history is any indication, we’ll be getting a Moto 360 2 update this week, including price, specs, and a release date. Here’s why.

Last year, Motorola’s flagship wearable made the rounds at Google I/O (GOOG) and this year’s conference kicks off on Thursday, May 28th. With several Android Wear breakout sessions already scheduled for the search giant’s annual developers conference, analysts expect the new version of the Moto 360 to make an appearance, as well.

Also, Motorola has filed a certification submission for a new gadget on the Bluetooth Special Interest Group site this week. The gadget isn’t listed by name, but its registered model number matches the original Moto 360’s. And the last time this happened, the Chicago company unveiled its first smartwatch days later.

Another thing to note is that Motorola has just cut the price of the original device by $100, with configurations now starting $149. This coincides with a number of highprofile flash sales for the wearable, including Woot’s recent $130 promotion.

Finally, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Moto 360 2 rumors and leaks have snowballed over the past month, with several photos and specs making their way to the internet. Combine these rumors with the original device’s lifecycle and the new price and it’s safe to assume that we’ll be officially introduced to the Moto 360 2 this week. Don’t be caught by surprise; here’s everything you need to know about the new model:

(UPDATE 5/31: While we didn’t get a specific 360 2 announcement, Google did say that ‘By the end of the year, there will be many more Android Wear watches.” So, one’s coming soon).

What’s Different:

In March, Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing accidentally sent out several pictures of what the new Moto 360 may look like. Aesthetically, the big difference is that it will come in two sizes, with one that’s similar to the original and one that has a slimmer body. For many, size was the issue with the 360. Though not a sexy, revolutionary new feature, a slimmer body is the best upgrade that Motorola could have made.

The other key difference is that the model has lugs attached to the round timepiece, allowing the device to look more like a classic watch and the user to easily swap in and out new bands. Previously, the watch’s band attached to the bottom of the face, causing the body to be more raised on the wrist. The new smartwatch will also come in more color and band options.

Finally, Motorola has removed the small black strip at the bottom of the display; people hated it. Simply getting rid of the detested “flat tire” is a big deal.

Feature-wise, the Moto 360 2 is rumored to have better battery life and a sharper display. The new model is expected to have 360 x 360 pixel resolution and enhanced pixel density.

Release Date and Price:

Taking the above indicators into account, the Moto 360 2 is expected to come out at “the height of the summer.” For cost, TrustedReviews believes that – given the market’s response to the Apple Watch and the original Moto 360 – the new model will be priced around 200 pounds (approx. $300).

The Google I/O keynote kicks off Thursday morning at 10.30CT; livestream it here.

(Image via Motorola).