It’s hard to believe that Android 6.0 Marshmallow debuted already just over three months ago—the new Android system was announced back in May of 2015 at Google I/O, and it was finally unveiled in late September. Yet many still are yet to catch up with the new features that Marshmallow has to offer (heck, some don’t even have its predecessor, Android Lollipop, yet). Here is what you need to know about Marshmallow so that you can be sure that you’re getting the most out of your Android device now.
What is it?
Marshmallow isn’t a complete overhaul of the Android system, but rather it’s a refined and enhanced version of its predecessor, Android Lollipop. Visually, it looks very much the same. As with Lollipop, you’ll find Google’s Material Design language very pervasive, with constant access to Google search.
What are the top new features?
Voice command is more central to Marshmallow than it has ever been on an Android device. You’ll get this just by looking at the lock screen, where you’ll find a handy shortcut to Google’s voice search. You can launch apps from the lock screen using your voice as well. You’ll find the Google search functionality right on the phone’s home screen as well via the Google search bar—as was the case with Lollipop. And with the new Voice Interaction API feature, third-party apps can access Google’s voice command functionality in ways that they couldn’t previously. Google voice search is really everywhere throughout Marshmallow, so if at any point you need access to this feature, voice search will always be listening (assuming you have this feature enabled).
You’ll also find enhanced animations and transitions in Marshmallow. Transitions between apps, pages, and settings will often be accompanied by animations—leading to an overall more polished look for Marshmallow.
And then there’s Google Now on Tap. Google Now, as frequent users will know, offers time and context-sensitive notifications, information, and reminders when using many of your favorite apps and features. With Now on Tap, your phone will read the contents of your screen—an article you happen to be reading online, or a text message you have open, for example—and deliver information that might be relevant to the keywords on your screen. Ultimately, Now on Tap can prove to be a major timesaver for you by eliminating the need to Google things that you already happen to be stumbling upon on your phone.
When will I get it?
Marshmallow was released alongside the 2015 Nexus devices on September 29, 2015, which means that Google’s Nexus devices (5, 6, 7, and 9), Nexus Player, and Android One got access to it first. Android updates are more complicated than those for iOS because updates largely depend on device manufacturers and carriers. Since its release, Marshmallow has slowly been trickling to select other devices, like Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4, the OnePlus, and Motorola’s Moto X Pure Edition. Soon certain Sony devices will get the update as well: Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z4 Tablet, and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. And other manufacturers are seeing some models debut with Marshmallow around the world, including LG, Huawei, and Asus. Really, the best way to know when you can expect a Marshmallow update for your phone (if there will be one at all) is to check with your phone manufacturer.
