Google’s new Android 6.0 Marshmallow update doesn’t just have the cutest name ever(!!) but also has some pretty sweet new features you can enjoy.
Android Pay – Google will be revamping its mobile payment service, after the release of Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Compatible with phones that run on Android Kitkat, Lollipop, and Marshmallow, the revamped Android Pay will let customers tap on an NFC terminal to pay for the products you’re purchasing. To make the process more secure, your actual account number will not be shared with the retailers, instead you’re given a virtual account number. This is expected to work with existing credit and debit cards on over 700,000 US stores.
Google Now on Tap – Google’s virtual assistant i snow more accessible than ever. This feature brings you information you need whenever you need it, by basically scanning your phone screen and providing you answers based on more even more context than ever. You can be using an app and by simply holding your home screen button, you get a list of suggested information based on your app. You can be watching a video or listening to music or checking your email. Check out how Google Now on Tap works in the video below:
App Permissions – This features allows mobile users to determine and keep track which phone features can be accessed by which apps. Permissions will now be found in specific categories such as Location, Sensor, and Camera to name a few.
Doze – One of the few things most smartphone users complain about is battery life. With Doze, the Android Marshmallow will determine when your phone is in a rested state to conserve even more power by using fewer background services. Notifications are still activate, though so no worries about missing calls or alarms or messages.
USB Type C – Android Marshmallow will bring full support for the USB Type C which was introduced in the new Apple MacBook. The USB Type C is a “small reversible-plug connector” for all USB devices. This plus connects to both host and devices, meaning it can give and receive information, unlike the previous Type-B and Type-A connectors.
Simplified volume controls – This feature in Android Marshmallow cleans up the redesigned volume controls in Lollipop. Whether it’s the music or the alarms that are making sounds, the new controls give you the ability to monitor audio individually.
While we’re all waiting for the official Samsung update schedule, here are the few phones where you can download an Android M developer preview 3:
Nexus 5 (Hammerhead) – download
Nexus 6 (Shamu) – download
Nexus 9 (Volantis) – download
Nexus Player (Fugu) – download
Samsung is expected to roll out updates for its Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edfe, and Galaxy S6 DUOS phones. Sony, LG, Motorola, and Huawei have not released official statements yet on which of their phones will get the Android M update but HTC has already confirmed that the HTC One M9 and M9+ will get the Android Marshmallow update –
So, what do you think? Looking forward to the new Android 6.0 Marshmallow? Let us know in the comments below!
