10 killer features of Android 6.0 Marshmallow

M is for Marshmallow. On Aug.17, Google finally announced the name of its latest operating system, Android version 6.0 Marshmallow. Google has traditionally named its software versions after tasty treats including lollipop, jelly bean, cream sandwich, donut and cupcake to name a few.

There were a host of speculations regarding the version number as well. Usually major versions are marked by first numbers like 1.0, 2.0 and so on, says a report on Search Engine Journal. It is been observed that smaller version updates like 5.1 are normally communicated with second numbers. There are 10 killer features which will make Marshmallow worthy of getting a first number, with major updates.

App Permission

App permission has been completely revamped with Marshmallow, which will allow users to decide and grant permission to apps based on the functions that they use. Currently users have to agree to all apps permission while installation. In the updated version, users will get notifications for granting permission based on specific parameters like location, camera and contacts. The user can agree and then later revoke the permission as well.

Android Pay

Google also came up with its mobile payment system Android Pay to compete with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. In December 2010, Google announced Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the first Android version to support NFC (Near Field Communication).

Yesterday, Google announced the official roll-out of Android Pay at over one million locations in the United States. The mobile payment system will work with all NFC-enabled Android devices running Android KitKat 4.4. Android Pay will replace the Google Wallet app and support credit and debit cards from American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. Users will be able to pay at NFC terminals without a wallet.

Auto Backup

Android 6.0 Marshmallow will come with an inbuilt auto backup feature. It will automatically take backup of all the data on Google Drive up to 25MB per app. Thus, users don’t have to bother about changing devices with the latest Android version on board.

Chrome Custom Tabs

The web browsing experience with Google Chrome will get an overhaul with the latest Android version. As reported by Tech First Post, the Chrome Custom Tabs feature will help users to include web views within apps, without switching the browser. The Chrome Custom Tab will imbibe the look and feel of the particular app.

Doze

Marshmallow will ensure proper usage of the devices’ battery. The Doze feature will put the phone in sleep mode and stop all background processes, when it can sense that the device is motionless or not in use. But it will still allow notifications and alerts to come in. This in turn will increase battery life to a great extent.

Google Now on Tap

Now users just have to tap the Home button to avail Google’s virtual assistant. Google Now can search for locations of movie theatres, suggest restaurant options and even check what is in the menu card. Marshmallow will help intelligently track content frequently used by the user from conversations and interactions and come up with information and suggestions on the same or related context.

Multi-App, Split-Screen Support

The latest software version update will help users in multitasking. Multi-app and split-screen support are new features on Google’s any version of Android. On Marshmallow, for the first time, users will be able to run two apps simultaneously.

Track Memory

No need to bother about memory anymore. A new Memory tab in Android 6.0 Marshmallow will enable users to track how much memory each app is eating up. Users can monitor the memory usage and can also uninstall the apps that are draining the memory.

Quick Fingerprint Access

It’s time to move on. Now, the fingerprint access can be used to log on to apps. Users can even make online purchases without entering the password and use the device's fingerprint scanner to authorize payment.

USB Type-C

USB Type-C has a bi-directional port which allows reversible plug orientation. As a result, multiple peripheral devices can be charged up and when required, a peripheral device can also charge a host device, reports CNET. Android 6.0 Marshmallow will offer full support for USB Type-C port.

Google has already confirmed that the HTC One M9, HTC One M8, Google Nexus 5 and 6 will receive the software update. Samsung’s latest Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus are also believed to be upgraded to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

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