Recently, Google announced that the upcoming version of its operating system will be numbered Android 6.0 and called Marshmallow. The announcements killed loads of rumors and speculations surrounding Android M, the developer preview unveiled by Google on 28th May 2015. Google has announced that the final version of Marshmallow will be released in fall 2015. However, several websites have reported that the final version of Android will be released in October.
Google revealed several new features while unveiling Android M in May. The company has also released three developer preview versions of Marshmallow to facilitate mobile app development. Based on the developer preview versions released by Google, one can easily identify some of the new features included in Android 6.0 Marshmallow. So, users and developers are currently excited by the new features included in the final version of Marshmallow.
10 Features Users can expect from Android 6.0 Marshmallow
1) Android Pay
Google is completely revamping its mobile payment service to compete with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. The updated Android Pay in Marshmallow uses a near-field communication (NFC) terminal. Users can now buy products from any member store and pay simply by clicking on the NFC terminal. He can securely make payments by creating a virtual account number without revealing debit and credit card numbers. Android developers must include Android Pay in mobile apps to facilitate in-app purchases and mobile commerce transactions.
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2) Enhanced Google Now
The virtual assistant from Google makes Android score higher than other mobile operating systems. Android 6.0 will include an improved Google Now that will allow users to get more relevant, contextual, and useful information about the current content on the device. For instance, a user can use Google Now to gather additional information about YouTube videos running on his screen. He has to hold down the home button to gather useful information and suggestions about the video clip.
3) Permission to Access Phone Features
While downloading an app, one has to grant permission to access various device features, like a speaker, camera, sensor, and location. Android 6.0 divides all app permissions into camera, sensor, and location categories. This implies that while downloading the app, it is no longer necessary to grant permission. The app will ask permission to use a specific feature before performing a particular function. For instance, when you try to make a call through WhatsApp, the application will ask you for permission to use the speaker each time you make a call. Hence, you must grant permission to access the speaker whenever you want to call using WhatsApp.
4) Option to Add Fingerprint Support
While developing apps for Marshmallow, developers now have added the option to use fingerprint support. Google has included a biometric API in the mobile operating system to create apps with fingerprint support. The feature will help Android development professionals to make apps more secure and personalized. At the same time, fingerprint support will enable users to make payments more securely through Android Pay.
5) Doze
Android 6.0 will also have a new Doze feature to boost battery life. Doze will optimize power conservation by identifying whether the device is rested. Google claims that it has already tested the effectiveness of the feature to make the battery life two times longer when the device is in standby mode. Doze will enable fewer background services but will not affect incoming instant messages, notifications, or alarms.
6) USB Type C
Marshmallow will further support USB Type C to make charging their smartphones and tablets easier. The universal connection type can connect all device peripherals and provide power. The latest MacBook and other devices already support USB Type C. USB Type C will help charge the devices much faster than legacy micro USB chargers.
7) Track Memory
Mobile apps are mostly hated because they use additional memory on the device, affecting its battery life. Some memory-hungry apps are immediately uninstalled to boost the devices’ performance. Android 6.0 makes it easier for users to identify the apps that consume more memory through the Track Memory feature. They can use the feature to check cache, installation, and similar memory a specific app takes. They can even check how frequently the app is running. So, it becomes essential for developers to ensure that mobile applications consume minimal memory.
8) Option to Run Apps Side by Side
The large screen available on the tablets encourages many users to run two apps simultaneously. With Android 6.0, running two apps side by side on a tablet becomes easier by splitting the entire screen. While other mobile operating systems already have this feature, this new feature will enable users to access multiple apps simultaneously, regardless of their choice of device.
9) Chrome Custom Tabs
Marshmallow also has several features to enhance users’ mobile web experience. They can now use the Chrome Custom Tab feature to open a web view that will load on top of the mobile app. So, they are no longer required to open the web browser to access the web view. The feature enables them to access web content directly on the app’s custom tab created on top. The charges will support common features like password saving, auto-fill, and automatic sign-in.
The two new features included in Marshmallow seem simple and minor. But they will help the mobile platform to enhance UX significantly. Direct Share feature will enable the device to identify with whom the users frequently share content. Thus, they can simply share content with regular contacts by pressing a single button. Likewise, the Floating Toolbar will make copying and pasting content from various documents and web pages easier.
However, users must initially switch to specific mobile devices to take advantage of Marshmallow and its new features. The developer preview versions of the mobile operating system are currently available only for Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player. However, the hype surrounding the updated version of the most popular mobile operating system will encourage many manufacturers to launch new devices without any delay.
