Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS has been unveiled by Google packed inside 2 smartphones launched alongside – the Google Nexus 6P, which is priced at Rs 39,999 and Nexus 5X, which is priced at Rs 31,900 (both available in India from mid-Oct). However, if you want to experience the new Android 6.0 Marshmallow, you need to buy these smartphones first. Of course, you could also purchase Google’s first tablet based on this Android operating system – the Pixel C tablet priced at $499 for the 32 GB model. The tablet can be bought with a detachable keyboard, which will cost $149 extra. The tablet will be available in time for the holiday shopping season in US on the Google Store – in India the timing is unclear. Here we take a quick glimpse at some of the top 10 features of Android 6.0 Marshmallow:
1. Contextual Assistance
* Do more with your voice. Now you can have a dialogue with any of your apps that support the new voice interaction service. For example, if a user says “play some music on TuneIn,” TuneIn will respond by asking “What genre?”
2. Battery
* Doze: when your device is at rest, Doze automatically puts it into a sleep state to increase your standby battery life
3. Privacy & Security
* On an Android Marshmallow device, apps designed for Android Marshmallow only ask for permission right when it’s needed. You can deny any permission and still continue to use the app; * Use fingerprint sensors to unlock your device, make purchases in Google Play, authenticate transactions in apps, and pay in stores.
4. Android Runtime (“ART”)
* Improved application performance and lower memory overhead for faster multi-tasking.
5. Productivity
* Bluetooth™ stylus support, including pressure sensitivity and modifier keys; * Improved typesetting and text rendering performance.
6. System usability improvements
* App links: enables installed apps to automatically handle their web URLs so you can jump right into the app, rather than the mobile web site, as appropriate
7. Connectivity
* More power efficient Bluetooth Low Energy (“BLE”) scanning for nearby beacons and your accessories
8. Expandable storage
* Flex Storage: makes using SD cards or external storage devices as encrypted expanded storage for your apps and games on Android Marshmallow a whole lot easier.
9. Device setup and migration
* Easily transfer your accounts, apps and data to a new device; * Auto backup for Apps: seamless app data backup and restore.
10. Android for Work
* When receiving calls or viewing past messages, you can now see the full work contact details even if you’re not logged into your work profile.
(Text: android.com)
