Android Marshmallow

Android "Marshmallow" (Android 6.0) is the sixth major version of the Android operating system. During the development, its codename has Android M. It is the 13th version of Android. Its first beta version was released on May 28, 2015, and officially it was released on October 5, 2015, with the Nexus device.

The primary focus of Marshmallow is to improve the overall user experience. It introduces new permissions architecture, new power management systems that reduce background activity, new APIs for contextual assistants, fingerprint recognition for native support.

Android Marshmallow History

Android Marshmallow was initially codenamed as "Macadamia Nut Cookie". The developer preview build codenamed as Android "M" released on May 28, 2015, at Google I/O. It was initially updated in Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 smartphones, Nexus 9 tablet, and Nexus Player set-top-box.

The second developer preview was released on July 9, 2015, and the third and final preview was released on August17, 2015, announcing that Android M would be termed as Android "Marshmallow". The final version of Android Marshmallow was released on October 5, 2015, for Nexus 5, 6, 7, and 9.

Android Marshmallow Features

There are several new features added in the Android Marshmallow after the Android Lollipop. Some of them are mentioned below:

Slight change to the lock screen

The screen lock is similar to Lollipop. There is only slightly change here is replacing the dialer with camera shortcut in the bottom corners. Google has decided to replace the dialer app with access to voice commands.

Android Marshmallow

The notification area

Google always trying to improve the notification area; even if a bit, it means there are definitely some changes in here.

Swipe down once with one finger, and you will see your current notifications, which can be expanded or accessed. Swipe down again, and you will show up the Quick Settings menu.

Android Marshmallow

Doze Mode - more battery life

Doze mode is introduced to help disappointed users to stay off their phones for a longer time, without recharging all the time. Doze Mode extends standby battery life by putting the phone in a deeper sleep during a longer period of inactivity.

Native fingerprint support

Google released fingerprint API, which gives developers to tap into our phones biometric authentication. It means a fingerprint reader is better for unlocking the device, and it offers a secure connection with its users.

Android Marshmallow

App permissionst

Before Android 6.0, downloading an app meant we have to accept all the app's permission. Some of that permission is unreasonable and unnecessary. With Android 6.0 Marshmallow, you can download any app and select the permission you allow it to access.

Android Marshmallow

RAM memory manager

Google has added a new section in the "Memory" setting in which the device shows you how much the Ram memory is utilized by an app. You can able to take necessary action if any app is going rogue.

USB Type-C and USB 3.1 support

USB type C allows all kinds of interaction, such as data transfer, charging, accessory connections, and many more. It has a faster speed and storage connection due to USB 3.1. You don't require to think about it's up and down side.

Android Marshmallow

Direct Share

Marshmallow enabled a new sharing feature known as Direct Share. This feature remembers which things you share and in which app you are sharing. While continuously sharing, it will recommend those people whom you generally use to communicate. It is a small thing, but it could save a lot of time if you share with the same people.


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