Google has officially released Android 6.0 Marshmallow to the public with a host of new features. Here’s a quick round-up on what’s new:
Apps & permissions
App permissions have been completely updated in Android M allowing users to accept or deny individual permissions. Android M will ask for a one-time request for permission to use a specific feature in an App, giving better control on privacy. Permissions can be modified from settings.
Apps menu
No more swiping, the new app drawer now scrolls up and down in alphabetical order.
App Suggestions and Search
Android 6.0 gives a search option on top of the app drawer page, search for apps on your device or in the Google Play store. Android M will also place four apps at the top of the apps menu based on your most recently used apps.
Memory Manager
Google has added a new feature that lets you check out the memory usage of all your installed app through the new ‘Memory’ area in the Settings menu.
Doze
Doze is a new addition to Android M to help boost battery life. Doze recognizes when the device is in standby mode to help reduce power consumption. Google says claims it can help make battery life last twice longer and doesn’t affect notifications. Android M also supports USB Type-C, which provides faster charging.
App Links
Links on Android M now detects the appropriate app to open, skipping the ‘Open with’ dialogue box. For example, if you tap a Facebook link in an email, the Facebook app will automatically open instead of promoting you to choose where you want to view it.
Now On Tap
Google Now in Android Marshmallow is now smarter than ever with its improved contextual awareness. Now on Tap provides Google Now-like content from within the app you’re in. So if you’re reading an email with a map location and say “Ok Google, where is that location?” Now on Tap will give you information and action suggestions based on the content of your message.
Additionally, Android M brings many more improvements in the web experience, fingerprint support, mobile payments, improved copy and paste, dark theme, visual voicemail and rotating home screen.
The official Android Marshmallow page can be found here.
