As Google announced its new Nexus phones – the Huawei-made Nexus 6P and the LG-made Nexus 5X – it also demonstrated the new features that the latest version of the Android operating system – Android 6.0 Marshmallow brings along.
Android M will start rolling out with the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X and will be available on Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 9 and the Nexus Player. This is the end of the road for Android version upgrades for the Nexus 4.
This is a big upgrade for Android and was first announced at Gogle I/O back in May. Android 6.0 includes major improvements and additions over Lollipop. Here are the 36 that make Android 6 stand out from its predecessors:
1. Google Now on Tap: Users can get assistance without having to leave an app or a website. They only need to touch and hold the home button.
2. Voice power: Users can now have a dialogue with any of their apps that support Android new voice interaction service.
3. Direct Share: A simpler and faster way to share to the right person in the right app.
4. Doze: When an Android 6 device is at rest, Doze automatically puts it into a sleep state to increase standby battery life.
5. App Standby: This restricts battery drain from seldom used apps; App Standby limits their impact on battery life so your charge lasts longer.
6. USB Type C support: This brings in faster data transfer and also faster charging.
7. Permissions: On Android Marshmallow devices, apps designed for Android Marshmallow only ask for permission right when it’s needed. Users can deny any permission and still continue to use the app.
8. Advanced permission control: This adds ability to turn permissions on or off for all installed apps.
9. Verified boot: Wne an Android device boots up, it will warn users if the firmware and Android operating system have been modified from the factory version.
10. Fingerprint sensors: Android M brings in the ability to sse fingerprint sensors to unlock the device, make purchases in Google Play, authenticate transactions in apps, and pay in stores.
11. Android Runtime: Improved application performance and lower memory overhead for faster multi-tasking.
12. Bluetooth stylus support: Including pressure sensitivity and modifier keys.
13. Text improvements: Improved typesetting and text rendering performance. Smarter text selection, built-in undo/redo, and text actions closer to your fingers.
14. Quick translate: Text selection actions such as a new Translate option that lets you translate text from one language to another right on the spot. This feature requires Google Translate app installed.
15. Duplex printing support: Save paper by printing on both sides.
16: App links: Enables installed apps to automatically handle their web URLs so you can jump right into the app, rather than the mobile web site, as appropriate.
17. Simpler DND: Quick toggle and configure Do Not Disturb from quick settings.
18. Intelligent DND: If someone calls you twice within 15 minutes, you can choose to allow the call to ring through while Do Not Disturb is enabled.
19. Automatic rules: Use automatic rules to enable Do Not Disturb for as many custom time blocks as you like or around events on your calendar.
20. Simplified volume controls: This allows users to manage notification, music, and alarm volumes with the volume keys.
21. Streamlined Settings: To let users manage an app’s settings all in one place, from battery and memory usage, to notifications and permissions controls.
22. Refreshed Google Now Launcher: The app list includes search, fast alphabetic scrolling, and predictive App Suggestions.
23. BLE: More power efficient Bluetooth Low Energy for scanning for nearby beacons and your accessories.
24. Hotspot 2.0: Connect to compatible WiFi networks seamlessly and securely.
25. Bluetooth SAP: Make calls from your carphone using your phone’s SIM.
26. New frequencies: Portable WiFi hotspot now supports 5GHz frequency bands.
27. Flex Storage: This makes using SD cards or external storage devices as encrypted expanded storage for your apps and games on Android Marshmallow easier.
28. Improved transfer: Easily transfer your accounts, apps and data to a new device.
29. Additional account support: During setup, you can add an additional personal or corporate email account (eg, IMAP)
30. Auto backup for Apps: App data backup and restore.
31. Backup/restore of additional system settings: Such as Sync settings, preferred apps, Do Not Disturb settings, Accessibility settings and enabled IMEs.
32. MIDI support: Create, consume, and perform music using your Android device with USB MIDI devices, MIDI over BLE, and software-based MIDI devices.
33. New languages: Android is now available more than 70 languages with 6 new additions: Azerbaijani, Gujarati, Kazakh, Albanian, Urdu, and Uzbek.
34. Android for Work improvements: When receiving calls or viewing past messages, you can now see the full work contact details even if you’re not logged into your work profile.
35. Work status notification: A status bar briefcase icon now appears when you are using an app from the work profile and if the device is unlocked directly to an app in the work profile, an alert is displayed notifying the user.
36. VPN: VPN apps are now visible in Settings > More > VPN. Additionally, the notifications that VPNs use are now specific to whether that VPN is configured for a work profile or the entire device.
Prashant Chaudhary
An android fan and A Computer Engineer who fell in love with the world of Internet Marketing. Worked on different SEO techniques for small to large Internet properties at Initial days of my Career. I am in love with my passion for Blogging and running several blogs in variety of category.
