If you are like 82.5% of the world, you have a mobile device with the Android operating system. You may have also heard that the latest version of this confectionery-themed list of operating systems is called Marshmallow. Before you get too excited about the newness of Android 6.0, know that there may be a wait involved. Still, Marshmallow has some nice features to look forward to, once you have gone through that period of time.
As prevalent as smartphones are in our lives these days, it is easy to forget just how far and how fast mobile devices have come. Though it was beta tested in 2007, it was the 2009 release of the Android operating system version 1.5 named cupcake, that began the current string of sweet names that we know and love today. In just six short years, the advancements in technology have been propelled at breakneck speeds.
Let’s take a look at some of the new features of Marshmallow.
- App Permissions – Instead of granting blanket rights to applications, Marshmallow will allow you to turn off individual permissions you do not want to share. Things like location can be turned off, without giving the app full permissions to everything.
- Memory Tracking – Apps can use copious amounts of RAM on your mobile device. The new OS has a memory tab, so you may track what and how often your memory is being used.
- More Fingerprint Uses – Though the fingerprint technology was available in 5.1, it’s uses were limited. Now, you can use the scanner to authorize purchases in the Google Play Store.
- Auto Cloud Backup – Marshmallow will automatically save your application data to Google Drive, at a rate of 25 MB per app. That is great if something happens to your phone, or you have to switch phones for some reason.
- Battery Saving – A big problem with cell phones is how quickly the battery dies. Unlike 5.1, Marshmallow uses a better algorithm to determine how recently the device has been used, and minimize the background processes. Think of it as a sleep mode for your device.
It is clear that there has been quite a bit of work involved the new operating system. When might you expect to see it on your phone or device? That depends. The first updates have already been pushed out to Google’s Nexus phones, but the update has to be approved by the manufacturers of the other phones. That means if you do not have a Google phone, you could be waiting a while, and you may get Marshmallow eventually.
If you do not wish to wait until then, you can always go to Google, download the new OS, and manually install it. However, if you do that, be aware that this process may wipe out all the items on your phone, just like installing a new copy of an operating system on a personal computer. If you want Marshmallow, you may either have to wait, or lose everything. No matter which option you choose, these new tweaks for Android devices are worth looking in to.
As always we strongly suggest you protect your privacy with a VPN. You can look at our best VPNs for Android post for some recommendations on a solution to encrypt your data and help protect your online privacy, VPNs are no longer just for work. People around the world use them for privacy protection and to unblock geo-restricted content in other areas of the world. This will certainly help you make the most out your Android phone or tablet. Especially with the new Marshmallow update.