Android 6.0 Marshmallow It has represented a significant qualitative leap in Google's mobile ecosystem, perfecting key aspects of performance, security, user experience, and control over our devices. In this article, we delve into everything the update offers, especially for Nexus devices, but applicable to any compatible device. We'll analyze everything from first impressions after installation, through each new feature, to the less obvious changes that can make a difference in daily use. If you'd like to know more about the update, visit the Google Play Store. all the new features, improvements and improvements that brings Marshmallow, this is the most complete and detailed resource you'll find.
We have already extensively tested Android 6.0 on a tablet Nexus 9, and our initial impressions, along with the advanced user experience after days of continuous interaction, offer a real and practical perspective. We also integrate expert explanations and nuances, benchmarks, and hidden or little-known features, so you can get the most out of your system. If you're planning to update or are considering its changes compared to previous versions like Lollipop or KitKat, continue reading. Our video analysis is also available at Todoandroid YouTube channel.
Complete Guide: First Impressions and Key Highlights of Android 6.0 Marshmallow
New RAM and storage management
One of the first and most notable new features when installing Marshmallow is the inclusion of a memory manager much more advanced and visual than previous versions. From the menu Settings > Memory You can view average RAM usage in 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-hour intervals. This allows you to see which applications are consuming the most resources and act accordingly, closing or uninstalling those that affect performance.
This panel, in addition to reporting average usage, specifies the amount of free memory and overall performance. By selecting an app, you can access details about its usage and force-quit it if necessary. This gives you granular, real-time control over how apps affect the system.
- Advanced monitoring: Especially useful for users of devices with less RAM, it identifies excessively demanding apps.
- Performance optimization: It allows for rapid action in the event of slowdowns or unexpected process closures.
Managing external storage (microSD and USB OTG)
Android 6.0 introduces the much-requested full support for external storage, allowing microSD cards and USB OTG devices to be treated as internal system storage. This represents a revolution for those who need to expand their device's memory, as they can now:
- View, move, and delete files directly from the native browser.
- Format microSD cards and flash drives from the Storage section.
- Install applications on the SD card (depending on the manufacturer and model), which frees up internal memory for more efficient use.
- Safely eject external devices using system options.
An important detail is that Android supports standard formats (such as FAT32/exFAT) but may not recognize proprietary systems like NTFS or HFS; in this case, it will suggest formatting to a compatible format. This is a particularly useful feature on tablets and low-end devices where storage is often limited.
User interface configurator and advanced customization
In Marshmallow, Google has introduced the System UI Configurator (System UI Tuner), which you can access by long-pressing the quick settings icon in the notification bar. From here, you can:
- Customize the icons displayed in the status bar.
- Modify and reorganize shortcuts to your liking.
- Enable the option to display the battery percentage within the icon, something highly requested by the public.
- Use demo mode for clean screenshots (great for tutorials or sharing images on forums).
New detailed volume and sound control
Many users complained about the unintuitive volume control in Lollipop. Marshmallow addresses this issue with a completely improved volume bar. Now, pressing the physical volume buttons brings up a pop-up window that allows you to adjust volume individually:
- Notification volume
- Multimedia volume
- alarm volume
This way you gain instant control without having to enter additional settings.
Do Not Disturb Mode and Interruption Rules
The function Do not bother It inherits the best of Lollipop and incorporates more flexible settings. From the Quick Settings, you can activate:
- Total silence
- Alarms only
- Priority only (selected notifications)
Plus, you can create automatic rules to activate this mode at certain times (e.g., during the night or during meetings), customizing which notifications you consider important through event and schedule rules. No more unnecessary interruptions while you sleep, work, or study.
Managing App Permissions: Privacy and Security
One of the biggest revolutions of Android 6.0 is the new permit systemUntil now, when installing an app, you had to accept all its permissions without the option to selectively deny them. Marshmallow allows authorize or deny permissions individually:
- When an app needs access to your camera, microphone, location, SMS, contacts, etc., it requests it at the time of use, and you can decide whether to allow it or not.
- In each app's settings, you can revoke any previously granted permissions.
- You can review which apps access each type of permission and take action if you detect irrational or malicious uses.
This increases the privacy and user control over their information, as well as security by reducing unauthorized access to sensitive features. If you're particularly sensitive to your data, you'll love this tool, although most standard users probably won't get the most out of it.
Automatic backups and restores
Since Marshmallow, the system performs automatic copies of applications and their data, making it easy to restore your preferences, games, and relevant files when switching devices or performing a factory reset. Not only are passwords and basic settings saved, but you can also recover the full experience you had before the reinstallation.
Native support for fingerprint readers
Another fundamental innovation is the full support for fingerprint unlocking for compatible devices. Now, you can not only unlock your phone, but also use your fingerprint to validate purchases on Google Play, make mobile payments with Android Pay, and securely access sensitive apps.
This marks a turning point in biometric security for Android, facilitating fast, secure authentication that integrates with third-party applications if developers update them to the new API.
Google Now on Tap and contextual searches
The function Now on Tap revolutionizes search on Android. By holding down the home button, the system analyzes the current screen content (messages, emails, websites, chats, etc.) and offers relevant information cards, such as movie details, nearby places, related contacts, useful links, or quick actions. Although initially available only in English, Google has been progressively expanding support to new languages.
Its use cases are extensive: if you talk to someone about a restaurant, it suggests its phone number, location, or reviews; if you read about a celebrity, it offers links to their bio, videos, or social media accounts. It's a powerful integration of contextual intelligence, saving steps and improving productivity.
Advanced text selection and handling
Marshmallow improves the experience of text selection with a floating options window (cut, copy, paste, select all, and translate) instead of the outdated top menu. In addition, a shortcut to Google Translate has been added from the menu itself. This makes copying, sharing, and translating text or images in any app much more intuitive.
Sharing is also now smarter: thanks to Direct Share, the system suggests frequently used contacts and apps based on your usage patterns, allowing you to share with a single tap without first choosing the app and then the person.
Optimized notification panel
El notification panel It's been refined, especially on tablets, allowing it to appear in the area of the screen where you swipe your finger, making access more natural and adapted to the screen size. Plus, you can manage push notifications app by app and avoid being overwhelmed by unnecessary alerts.
Refreshed lock screen and voice commands
The lock screen has changed: the phone shortcut is now replaced by Google voice commands, and to access the camera or voice, you must tap the icon and swipe sideways. This fixes the Lollipop issue with accidental access to the camera or calls when swiping through notifications.
Improvements in accessibility and daily usability
- Improved ergonomics: buttons, menus, and animations are more accessible for users of all levels.
- New vertical app drawer with integrated search at the top to quickly find any app.
- Bluetooth pen support, pressure detection, and buttons for advanced actions in drawing or productivity apps.
- Option to display the battery percentage on the icon, configurable from the UI Tuner.
Enhanced security: monthly patches and privacy
Google strengthens the system security: The device information section displays the date of the last security patch installed, in keeping with the commitment to monthly updates. Additionally, when connecting your phone via USB to a computer, only the "Charging" mode is activated by default, and you'll need to manually authorize file transfers. This makes unauthorized access to your data more difficult if it's lost or stolen.
An extra layer is added: certain critical features, such as knowing the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth MAC address, require specific location permissions, increasing protection against spy apps.
Battery Saving and Optimization: Doze and App Standby
Android 6.0 incorporates Doze Mode, which optimizes standby power consumption. If the device detects that it hasn't been used for a while (screen off, no movement), it minimizes app synchronization and network access, keeping only the most critical services active. App Standby, on the other hand, hibernates rarely used apps. According to manufacturers and tests, it's possible to achieve up to 30% more battery life under the best conditions.
Additionally, you can select which apps are exempt from these optimizations if you need any of them to keep notifications active permanently.
Improvements to restore, startup wizard, and backup
- During the initial setup you can add more than one email account (not just Gmail, but also Exchange, Yahoo, Outlook, IMAP/POP).
- Option to reset only network settings (WiFi, Bluetooth, APN) without losing the rest of your data.
- Automatic backup of important data and settings, including compatible apps.
Advanced connectivity and hardware support
- Multi-device Compatibility 3.1 USB Type-C for ultra-fast file uploads and transfers, and the ability to charge other devices from your phone or tablet.
- Support for 5GHz Wi-Fi hotspots on compatible devices, facilitating faster and less congested connections.
- Continuous search for Bluetooth devices (optional) to improve location even with Bluetooth disabled, configurable in settings.
- 4K display mode on compatible devices and apps.
Advances in ergonomics, animations and performance
Although Android 6.0 retains the Material Design introduced with Lollipop, the transition animations have been improved, providing a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Overall stability is far superior to previous versions, eliminating memory leaks that caused the device to slow down after days of intensive use.
Multitasking is more stable and responsive, and those upgrading from Lollipop notice fewer freezes and less need to reboot.
Renewed app info panel
Menu Application Information Adds shortcuts to storage management, data, permissions, notifications, default startup, battery and memory, simplifying the comprehensive management of any app.
Integrated file explorer
You can now browse all internal and external storage folders and files from the system itself, without having to install third-party apps for basic actions like copying, deleting, or sharing files.
Other advanced features
- Quickly uninstall apps from the home screen: Press and hold and drag to “Uninstall.”
- Restore network settings from Settings.
- Expanded developer mode, with new options and advanced debugging.
- Ability to choose which apps can write over others or change system settings.
- Custom disablement of pop-up notifications on an app-by-app basis.
- Direct deletion of screenshots from the corresponding notification.
- Setting up app links to always open URLs with your preferred app (e.g., Twitter links always open on Twitter).
Android Marshmallow Easter Egg
As is tradition, Android 6.0 includes its own easter egg The hidden game, an evolved clone of Flappy Bird but with clouds instead of lollipops (the ones from Lollipop). You access it from Settings > About phone by repeatedly tapping the Android version. A fun little curiosity for those who like to explore the system.
Video analysis and performance tests
If you'd like to check out our real-time analysis and see how Android 6.0 Marshmallow performs on a Nexus 9, check out our video:
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Benchmarks: performance and autonomy
Marshmallow improves RAM management, fluidity, and responsiveness in applications and games, although the jump is not as dramatic as the one from KitKat to Lollipop. According to synthetic tests on devices such as the Nexus 5 and Nexus 9, the results in Quadrant, Epic Citadel, PCMark, Antutu, 3DMark, and Vellamo show performance very similar to the previous version (Lollipop), but with fewer crashes, fewer bugs, and a notable improvement in long-term stability. Battery life is especially improved when idle thanks to Doze, which translates to less charging at night or during slow weekends.
Lesser-known additional features
- Demo mode: to take clean screenshots, without notifications.
- Settings finder only available in the general list, avoiding confusion when searching in partial menus.
- Option to use external memory as internal storage, centralizing the installation of apps, photos and data (although this depends on the device and manufacturer).
- Support for Hotspot 2.0 version 1, allowing for the creation of advanced Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Selective management of default applications for each function.
- Additional animations and subtle visual enhancements that improve the experience without imposing major changes.
First impressions after the update: real-life experience
To conclude this exhaustive review, nothing beats sharing impressions after several days of real-world use. Marshmallow stands out for its stability, fewer critical errors, greater autonomy and a mature and refined interfaceThere's no visual revolution, but there is a sense of a more robust, agile, and secure system. The integration of features previously only seen in custom ROMs or third-party apps is now standard and much easier to use for everyone.
Those who upgrade from Lollipop will find fewer crashes, better RAM utilization, and greater flexibility in notifications, permissions, and external storage. Advanced users will appreciate the customization and transparency in security patches. If you're looking for a more professional, productive, and secure Android, Marshmallow is the best version to make the jump.
If you've installed the update, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below and follow us for new Android tips, reviews, and tutorials.
