Previously referred to as Android M and assumptions of the name perhaps being milkshake or muffin, the search giant has announced the official name for the next version: Marshmallow, and it’s not 5 dot something, but version 6.0!
Android M is expected to become publicly available this fall and shall introduce some exciting features while further optimizing performance. Fingerprint support, security authentications, direct sharing between Android devices, and simpler approach to app permissions will be few added features. What the 6.0 might also include is Android Pay, which will allow users to pay for goods at both retail stores and in apps using their phone.
The biggest change on Android Marshmallow will be the debut of “Now on Tap”. The feature will let you access Google Now through holding the home button on your phone, similarly to what Apple provides with its assistant, Siri. With this feature of the search giant, Google will provide useful information based on what you are doing, such as which email you’re reading or where you hangout the most. It will scan your messages and webpages to predict what you want to Google before you reach the search engine.
Android is responsible for powering almost 70% of the phones today. The problem they face is migration to the newer versions within time. The current Android Lollipop version is used by only 18% of the Android users, while the majority are using previous versions such as Kitkat and Jellybean. By comparison, Apple’s current iOS 8, is on over 85% of all Apple’s devices. Early acceptance will yet again be a challenge for Google.
