So Sweet!

Google's Android 6.0 Marshmallow comes with some nifty features, says Himanshu Juneja.

Google's Android 6.0 Marshmallow is looking like one of the most anticipated update in recent memory. The latest Android version brings exciting new features like better and tighter integration of the voice interaction API and native finger print sensor support. The features are making waves not only for the users, but developers too have much to look forward to.

Marshmallow is slated to be rolled out soon, and while the Nexus devices like Nexus 6, Nexus 5 and Nexus 9 will be getting it as an OTA soon, the latest Nexus devices like Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P will be shipped with Marshmallow pre-installed.

Understandably so, other Android devices will have to wait out a bit longer, but that shouldn't stop us from discussing the key features of the delicious looking Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Standardised finger print sensor support

Android OS 6.0 brings along dedicated support for the fingerprint sensor. The native support would mean no more separate coding needed by equipment manufacturers, and less chances of glitches being thrown about. For something as sensitive as bio-metric data, this is a pretty assuring development.

Google has assured users by claiming that the scanned data will not leave the device.

The fingerprint scanner will not just unlock the devices, but will assist in authenticating payment procedures, app downloads, app sign ins and service log ins as well.

With Google officially endorsing the feature, one can expect the finger print scanners to pop up on more devices from now on.

Android Pay

Google's answer to its Apple counterpart is here in its full glory. With official support for finger print sensor being thrown in by Google, the payment feature which has been around since 2010 (yes, it has been that long!) finally gets a chance to shine brightly.

Currently being supported in more than 70,000 stores in the USA, and backed by financial services corporations like MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover etc, use of Android Pay is about to skyrocket in days to come.

The NFC enabled devices just need to tap on the NFC receptors, and the payment will be accomplished. Customers can relax as only a virtual account number is used during the transaction, and the actual account number is not brought into play.

Google Now on tap

The virtual assistant from Google just got slicker. Users now will be able to access contextual information regarding what is on the screen on a given moment. This will work even for text messages which is currently the topic of discussion or the matter being looked up.

For example, while discussing topics like movies or restaurants, the user simply needs to hold down the home button, and the keywords will be picked up by Google Now. The assistant from Google will then render the information relevant to the discussion.

Adding another feather in the cap is the fact that 'Ok Google' will be accessible from anywhere in the system, so no longer the hassle to navigate in and out from the screens anymore!

Case by case app permissions

Kiss goodbye to the prying eyes of the firms with the endless and mostly concerning permissions which are thrown at the user at the time of app installations.

Android M will make the access requests/permissions to pop up as and when the user actually needs to make use of a certain feature.

For example, the microphone on WhatsApp will be made available for usage only after explicitly granting the permission for it when the user needs it, rather than agreeing for the feature while installation.

This will not only be for freshly installed apps, but one can tinker with the apps already installed.

Easily, one of the most awaited feature of Google which gives more granular control to the users.

Doze

Every user desires better battery back-up with their devices, and Google's latest is going to attempt and deliver just that. Using motion detectors, the Doze feature will assess when the device is in a rested state (lying idle on a table or while the owner sleeps) and once established, the OS will proceed to turn off few of the services running in the background and conserve battery.

Thankfully, Doze will not compromise on notifications and alerts, so the users can rest easy.

Test results indicate that the battery back-up improved by about two times the normal during the standby time.

Auto back-up and support

This feature should bring a sigh of relief to users who frequently cycle their devices or have to reset the phones to vanilla state often. By clubbing with Google Drive, Android M plans to provide an easy and convenient way for users to back-up and restore the apps. The feature will kick in only when the device is on Wi-Fi and on a power source while idling.

The catch is that this will only be done once a day and for apps which, along with their data, are of 25 MB or less in size. Another great bit of news is, that this data traffic will not be counted against the Google Drive quota.

As a cherry on top, Google will make this data encrypted too!

Multi window support

Samsung did it long time ago, and Google has picked it up finally. The new operating system will carry the support for side by side running of two apps.

This feature really had become an automatic add-on since long, thanks to the ever-growing screen sizes and powerful hardware. Any further delay would have seriously cast doubts about Google's way of looking at things.

Users can now look forward to running apps on a split screen, not only making full use of the hardware capabilities, but also saving upon time.

Chrome custom tabs

This news should delight users as well as developers alike. Imagine using an app like Pinterest, and as soon as the app tries to push the user towards webview, the OS fires up a custom tab only for the task instead of the full app.

This will save time as well as be less taxing on the system since the need for the full blown browser is eliminated. The custom tab will be smart enough to carry features like auto fill, remembering sign in credentials, passwords in general etc.

USB Type C

It has been some time since the industry witnessed a revolution vis-a-vis the USB technology. By bringing in USB Type C, Google plans to bring in the goodness of USB 3.1's power and speed while making the connectors reversible. So no more frustrating attempts to connect and reconnect, as the latest smart connectors come to the rescue.

With Android M, full support for the convenient smart technology should prove to be the harbinger for something which should become a regular feature.

Other features

Google has not only added some sparkling new features, but has also brushed few of the existing ones.

From a vertically scrolling app drawer with four of the last accessed apps pinned atop to having simplified cut/copy/paste prompt. From a much needed rotating home screen to simplified volume controls, Google has touched upon few of the features which needed attention and clearly, lending an ear to the feedback will only add to its image.