Google Unveils Android 6.0 Marshmallow – 6 key Areas that Were Upgraded

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Android Marshmall ibtimes.co.uk 01.jpg


Prior to August 2015, there have been lots of rumors making the rounds in the Mobile market about Google’s Android upcoming update, which was as at that time commonly referred to as Android M. On August 17, 2015, Google laid to rest the name-guessing hysteria surrounding the unveiling of its latest mobile OS, ignoring the likes of Malt Ball, Milkshake and Meringue to officially confirm Android M as “Android Marshmallow.” Although the new Android update is here, you’d have to wait for the full roll-out on older Android devises unless you own a Nexus 5, Nexus 6 or Nexus 9 or you plan to own or acquire the Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X.

Prior to its release, many Android users were looking forward to the official release of Android’s newest OS, with a few expecting to see new features previously not seen on the Lollipop and older Android OS versions. Also, users of iOS 9 and Windows 10 were watching with keen interest to see if they made the right choice by not joining the Android bandwagon. Considering all these expectations, Google was able to roll-out notable upgrades on its previous mobile OS with the official unveiling of the Android M; however, these are 6 key areas that witnessed massive changes:

1. Memory Manager

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One of the major problems associated with the Lollipop 5.0 was memory management, especially among Android Smartphones with little RAM size. The Lollipop 5.0 tends to use-up the little RAM found on low-end Android devices, especially when they are used for multitasking and playing graphic demanding video games. Google introduced the memory manager in its latest mobile OS release to mitigate this challenge, because it now enables Android M users to easily monitor all the memory usage of apps installed, without employing the use of third-party apps. It provides you a timeline on RAM usage over the last 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours, which gives you the ability to effectively track and curb activities taking up important RAM space.

2. Different App Menu

Android marshmallow screen Computerworld.com.jpg


One major difference you will notice on getting the feel of the Android M is the App Menu. It’s clearly and surprisingly different from the previous Android 5.0 and older versions. Unlike the previous menu, where users flip through their favorite apps horizontally, the latest Android 6.0 changes that trend, as users can now scroll through their app menu in a vertical, smooth rhythm. This type of app menu is very much similar to what you would find on the Windows 10 Smartphone, or the HTC sense with custom Android interface. Many users may not find the changes in the Android M’s app menu appealing, but then, it’s something different from what was previously obtainable, which is definitely a welcome development.

3. Standard finger Print Support

We all know that finger print technology isn’t a new feature on Android based platforms; notwithstanding, it’s only with this latest release that it comes standard with the requisite hardware. Previously, some Android Smartphones with fingerprint capabilities needed third-party programs to effectively operate. Now, with Android M based Smartphones, you don’t need to download any third-party app to activate your hardware. Ensure you acquire the latest Android smartphones with finger print scanning capabilities such as the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P and you’d be able to do cool things such as signing off on pay wireless, as well as unlocking your Smartphone with a finger print press.

4. App permissions got stricter

Previously, permissions were normally required and granted at the point of app installation. This means that access to important functionalities such as contact, camera, gallery, were often required by certain apps during installation, which sometimes led to security issues such as information theft and institutional espionage. With Android M, apps will request for permissions when they need to access vital aspects of yours Smartphone and not only at the point of installation. This helps users to effectively monitor and track app activities going on in the background, as well as curb illicit activities.

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5. By-app Basis battery Optimization

Although the battery saving mode isn’t a new feature on Android based devices, Google upped the ante in this regard with the unveiling of Android 5.0. However, the new Android Marshmallow adds a whole new dimension with a special area called battery optimization. With this new battery optimization feature, you can easily control how each apps use-up battery juice by lowering their respective bars; nevertheless, you would have to be cautious in your battery optimization quest, because you may unknowingly hamper the efficient operation of important apps.

6. USB Type-C/3.1 Support

Android looked into the future during the development of its latest mobile OS and made a strategic decision to include USB Type-C/3.1 Support. This new USB technology is 40X the power of current USB connectors, which is great news for users who love transferring huge files between PCs and Smartphones via USB. This new USB technology may even allow for faster charging of Smartphones, but how much power future Smartphones featuring this technology will gobble-up can’t be established at the time of writing.

The unveiling of Android Marshmallow is definitely good news in the ears of the average Android addict. But the sad part is - not every Android platform will get to upgrade to the latest Android immediately. Notwithstanding, wider rollouts are expected in the nearest future, and it has even been confirmed that a few handsets such as the HTC One M9 and One M8 will get the Android Marshmallow, however, the exact dates hasn’t been established at the time of writing. The new Android Marshmallow bodes well for those looking for something different. It’s yet to be seen if users of older Android platforms will ever get to have taste of “The Android Marshmallow” without making costly hardware upgrades.


Photo Credit: ibtimes.co.uk, computerworld.com, stringfeed.xyz
 
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