Hey folks, we all know that Android 6.0 Marshmallow is here with all its honeyed features :-). There is lot to explore (taste) in Android M as it brings within it a lot of surprises, technical nuances and upgrades. The Android statue collection at Google headquarters where green droid is standing while clutching a marshmallow is a statement in its own way.
The trend of search giant Google of naming their Android versions after treats dates all the way back to Android 1.5, which was termed ‘Cupcake’. Sugary edibles, candies and goodies got way deep into someone’s head it seems. It was rumoured that during their long coding sessions someone among them had an idea of naming 1.5 after a dessert. This trend came out with subsequent releases which were being called Donut, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Lollipop, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop and now Marshmallow.
Google says that while Lollipop was more design-centric, Android 6.0 Marshmallow will be focussing more on polishing existing features and fixing the bugs. It aims at cleaning up some of the Lollipop’s rough edges and addressing to user complaints about how Android operates. Google even updated the Android Support Library to v23 which aims at easier integration methods to new platform APIs viz. permissions and fingerprint support in a backwards-compatible manner.
Let’s have a close look at features of Android Marshmallow. Though these features could mean lot to the developers who are rigorously busy with android application but there are plenty for Android phone and tablet users to look forward to.
Let’s see the best so far:
Google M Features:
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Simplified Permissions:
Android M has given quite a good leverage to users in terms of Permissions. Users can easily alter the permissions granted to apps on a later date by going in settings.
Users can even view permissions by type and see, that which apps have those permissions granted.
Android M has given users complete control over their Android.
Great updates have been made on the user interface and enhancement done in some of the permissions behaviour.
Permission are now moved to specific categories like Sensor, Camera and Location.
Whenever you will be using features the first time, you will be requested for using Permissions instead at the time of installation. -
Standardised fingerprint support:
With necessary API’s android now allows developers to add fingerprint support with any app.
Improved biometric authentication allows Android Pay to authorise payments.
Fingerprint support does not only support unlocking the screen of phone but also to make lots of purchases, shopping online or within Play Store apps using Android Pay. -
Doze:
Doze is an improved functionality in Android M which improves device’s standby time. Motion detectors help in knowing when the device is left unattended.
Google validated this by testing on two Nexus 9 devices. One running Lollipop and another using the Android M, and learned that M provided up to two-times longer standby time. Doze mode, even allows your Android to start alarms or notify you of priority notifications.
Hopefully this feature will give your battery life a boost!
(Doze helps in recognizing that your Android is resting state and this will help in conserving power.) -
USB Type C:
Android M gives its users USB Type-C facility which provides faster charging. Now users can charge other devices with their phone. Type C connectors can be implemented on USB2.0 and USB3.1 cables, USB 2.0 and USB 3.1 hosts. USB3.1 Type C therefore allows data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps. With Type C, a maximum of 100W can be routed through users USB2.0 or 3.1 cable.
Type C to Type C cable is reversible at both ends. It is also the connector itself, and is much smaller than the older Type A connectors. -
Smarter Google Now:
Google Now is now smarter than ever. While Android M users are currently running something on their app, with the help of Google Now users can get useful information while being on the same application.
Great example of Google Now is getting restaurant suggestions while you are talking with one of your friend about dining out.
Google Now has now the ability to capture you saying ‘OK Google’ irrespective of wherever you exist in the Android operating system.
Adieu:
Besides the above mentioned amazing features in Android M, there is of course lot more in store of mushy, slushy, snowy, cheesy Marshmallow. These lofty features are Dark Theme, Direct Share feature where users can share content frequently from various apps and hence with a single press of a button the process gets initiated. Another amazing feature is the smoothly floating toolbar which improves the way users copy and paste content from web pages or documents. More in bag is the tidier and simplified volume controls. Android M also has the ability to individually monitor audio from anything making sounds, whether that is music or alarms. The new Chrome Custom Tabs gives users an improved web experience which is just an icing on cake.
Good Luck Developers!
Android Users, chew on!
References:
http://www.extremetech.com/mobile/212354-google-announces-android-m-is-6-0-marshmallow-releases-third-and-final-developer-preview
https://www.androidpit.com/android-m-release-date-news-features-name
http://in.pcmag.com/mobile-operating-system/95055/news/android-m-is-officially-android-60-marshmallow
http://www.cheatsheet.com/gear-style/android-6-0-marshmallow-the-best-features-it-offers.html
http://android-developers.blogspot.in/2015/05/android-m-developer-preview-tools.html
http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/android-m-features
Rachit Agarwal
