M for Marshmallow

                                         Image Source: https://developer.android.com/index.html

In this post, we will tell you about the Android Marshmallow, the new version of Android, what is there in it and why was this version of Android named "Marshmallow". We know some details of this version, especially from the name "Marshmallow", which follows the tradition of Google to name each version of Android after "a sweet", since "Android makes our lives sweet".

After Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich , Jelly Bean , Kit Kat and Lollipop, it was rumoured that this version of Android would have a name that would correspond to some candy beginning with the letter M. Although, initially there was a rumour that this version of Android woul be called as Macadamian Nut Cookie, Marshmallow was eventually (the English name of the popular sponges, marshmallows) the name chosen for thid new version.

What we know about Android Marshmallow

Awaited news for Android 6 Marsmallow

One of the biggest bets that is being made about the changes that this version of ​​Android will bring in is Doze, the battery manager. The short duration of it, is one of the most common complaints from users of mobile devices and the workhorse of the big brands, to give more autonomy to their mobile android. So the idea of ​​help from the operating system to power consumption is lower, it is at least quite striking, giving the impression that they are taken seriously at last, an issue of great importance. New features such as App Standby power-saving features, and the new assist technology will also be available in this version of Android.

The battery saver will focus on where more energy is consumed in the positioning control, improvement in the use of RAM memory and application optimization, when the android device's screen is off and is in standby mode.

Another improvement to note is that Android will natively incorporate fingerprint unlocking, which is already present in devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Apple iPhone 6. Thus, the devices that would be shipped with Android M, would have a fingerprint sensor, which will ensure greater security.

Native support has also been extended for MicroSD cards, with which users can install apps and games directly to the external memory. Many changes have been made to the app drawer as well.

Another improved feature that is present in Marshmallow is that you can directly search for any app from the main menu and this time, the apps would be present on a single page, unlike in previous versions of Android where apps were present on multiple pages and users had to swipe across them to browse the installed apps. In this version, users can directly scroll for their apps by swiping up or down on the touch screen, or by clicking on the alphabet with which the name of the app begins from the nifty side bar consisting of all the English alphabets.

The "Pay" payment system of Android will be present in this version of Android. More about Pay at https://www.android.com/pay/

When will Android Marshmallow be available ?

Since Google has not yet given an exact date for the launch of Android Marshmallow, it is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, or, in the face of late summer, coinciding with the release for sale of the new Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 2015 version. These 2 new android phones will come with "a taste" of stock Android Marshmallow factory installed.

The logic is that those who own the Nexus or Motorola E, G and X must be the first ones to get a taste of this version of Android, as Moto E, G & X run on stock Android.

What it is available now, is the developer version so that the developers who make apps and games for Android could get adapted to its content, without having to wait for the commercial launch. If you are a developer and want to play with the Android Marshmallow, you can download the SDK from this link: https://developer.android.com/preview/download.html

Which devices will get the Android Marshmallow update ?

All the Android One devices will be getting an update for sure. Moto E, G and X are also expected to get this update. Google is reportedly testing Android M on various old Nexus models such as the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (2012) and the Nexus 10. These Nexus devices are assured of getting updates in the form of security patches for three years from the release date of the operating system. Nexus 5, 6, 9 & Player users can try out the Android M Developer Preview on their devices.

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.