Google rolled out the Android Marshmallow update on 28th May 2015 as Android M but underwent a series of previews before being given the current name. The first beneficiary was Nexus gadgets, followed by Samsung’s Galaxy S series and Sony in that order. This update is not a new version of Android operating system but rather an improved and more refined version of its predecessor the Android Lollipop. Just like any other product update, Android Marshmallow has introduced new and more interesting features but still has its shortcomings that need to be improved.

• When it comes to mobile devices operating systems, very few people are aware of updates, leave alone installing them.
  
  

• This means that much as Android Marshmallow has already been released; most devices are not even operating on Android Lollipop and this fact eliminates the need to focus on the difference or similarities between these two latest Android operating systems.
  
  

• It is, however, important to highlight the improvements and new features included to help users understand why they need to ditch their old operating systems and focus on the new ones; according to technology news.
  
  

• Some of the additions to the Android Marshmallow operating system including more interesting emojis totaling to around 200 and quick launch camera accessed by double tapping the screen. Most of the new emojis were already being used in Windows and iOS.
  
  

• The news indicates that the physical appearance of this operating system is much similar to that of its predecessor, the Android Lollipop. The User interface features such as settings, navigation and notifications page have not changed much. This operating system is also supported by wearable technology such as Android watches.
  
  

• The improvements in visual appearance have been witnessed on the shortcuts in settings. In the previous versions, the settings shortcuts all looked the same and needed the name displayed to direct the user.
  
  

• In Marshmallow, however, this has changed, and the settings shortcuts now show the respective icons.
  
  

• Another major change is on the lock screen whereby as opposed to the normal camera and dial pad icons in previous versions, Marshmallow comes with Google voice search icon, and this is an indication that operating systems are moving towards the promotion of voice commands. This voice command makes it possible to launch apps by voice.
  
  

• The home screen in Marshmallow is also voice controlled, and this is an indication that Google is slowly phasing out icons and replacing them with voice prompts.
  
  

• Some products have also undergone a series of changes, and an example of this is the App drawer which in the previous versions appeared as horizontal pages while on Marshmallow it is a vertical scrolling list.
  
  

• The items are now arranged in a list following alphabetical order making it easier to locate apps. It is still possible to drag the apps to the home screens, but while at it, you are given the option of uninstalling together with the app’s information.
  
  

• When it comes to Quick settings and notifications, Android’s Marshmallow has maintained Lollipop’s functions which include swiping from the top to display the notification shade and swiping once again to reveal the quick settings.
  
  

• The quick settings page displays system’s functions which are on at that moment, and this includes Bluetooth, WiFi, HotSpot, and data connection among others. It also allows you to adjust the screen’s brightness and an icon to the main settings page.
  
  

• Marshmallow operating system comes with the system user interface tuner which appears at the bottom of the settings menu.
  
  

• It contains a fine-tuned user interface which displays battery percentage, personalized quick access settings and a menu that allows the user to customize the status bar and, as a result, avoid clutter.
  
  

• The other interesting feature of the Android Marshmallow update is the intense use of transitions and animations. When maneuvering through pages, apps, and settings, the user encounters very interesting animations making the phone use more fun.
  
  

• There is also an Easter egg which is hidden and only appears as some metaphor which in this case is a Flappy bird with some improvements from that of the Lollipop operating system.
  
  

• Security is one of the most important features in any operating system, and Google had this in mind when coming up with the Marshmallow update. One of the new security features here is face recognition, but this is only available for a few apps.
  
  

• App permissions have also been enhanced to ensure the user is in control of all the functions taking place in their device. This means that users can now control what apps access in their phones and despite reducing security threats; this might interfere with the performance of some applications.

Conclusion

With such developments, app developers are expected to update their products such that they can function effectively without being granted all permissions. The developments that come with the Marshmallow update are more than these and cannot be tackled in a single document. Google is determined to improve the user experience and counter Apple’s iOS which has been in the lead for years. People in this era are quick to adapt to new technology and this has kept the tech companies on their toes trying to offer the latest and more user-friendly technology.