Android 6.0 Marshmallow is the evolution of one of the world's most widely used mobile operating systems, representing a turning point in how Android devices manage privacy, performance, security , and user experience. Following Google's tradition of naming major versions after sweets, Marshmallow takes its name from the popular "sugar clouds," and after versions like Lollipop, KitKat, and Jelly Bean, it arrives to address the system's historical weaknesses and mark the beginning of a new era for smartphones and tablets.
This article is an essential reference guide for users and developers who want to understand in depth all the new technical features, visual changes, security advancements, and usability improvements that Marshmallow brings to the Android ecosystem. From key aspects of privacy and battery optimization to lesser-known functionalities and changes specifically for businesses and developers, here you'll find the most comprehensive and integrated analysis with the most relevant and up-to-date information.
The sweet tradition and context of Marshmallow
Android's history has been marked by names of sweets and desserts, making each version recognizable and user-friendly. Marshmallow, under the initial "M," was chosen over other options like "Macadamian Nut Cookie" to highlight the playful nature and closeness that Google seeks to convey. This version responds to many long-standing demands from both the user community and the professional sector, maturing the platform and laying the foundations for modern Android systems.
With Marshmallow, Google not only offers visual improvements, but also implements structural changes that affect all areas of the system, boosting efficiency, security , and personalization across all types of devices.
App Permissions and Privacy Control: Full control for the user
One of the cornerstones of Android 6.0 Marshmallow is its new permissions management model . Until then, installing an app meant granting all the permissions it requested, with no option to deny them individually. Marshmallow revolutionizes this policy by allowing users to authorize or deny individual permissions in real time , both when installing the app and during use, representing a radical advance in privacy and security.
- Permissions such as camera, microphone, location, storage, calendar, contacts, SMS and telephony are requested only when the application really needs them.
- The user can review, modify, or revoke permissions at any time from the Settings menu.
- Developers must implement the new APIs (
checkSelfPermission()yrequestPermissions()) to ensure compatibility of your apps and a smooth experience. - Older apps still use the classic permissions model, but it's essential to update them to adapt to the new Marshmallow rules.
This system provides unprecedented transparency and control , bringing Android in line with other leading operating systems in terms of privacy. Users are always aware of what information they are sharing and can adjust access to critical device resources according to their preferences.
Smart Battery Saver: Doze and App Standby
One of the major challenges solved by Marshmallow is optimizing power consumption, traditionally one of the weak points of Android smartphones. Marshmallow introduces two innovative systems:
- Pickups: If the device remains still with the screen off for a while, it automatically enters Doze mode, which suspends background processes, synchronizations and non-critical connections, waking up periodically only for really important tasks. This can translate into a up to 30% increase in autonomy per charge cycle.
- Standby App: Detects applications that have not been used recently and limits their access to networks and resources, reducing passive consumption without compromising essential functionality.
Advanced battery and memory usage logging also helps identify problematic apps and make informed decisions about how to squeeze every milliamp out of the battery and every megabyte of RAM. Developers should test their apps under these conditions to ensure all key features remain operational during Doze and Standby.
Refreshed interface, Material Design, and improved user experience
- Vertical app drawerUnlike previous versions, the app list now features a more intuitive vertical scrolling experience, with a search bar at the top and smart suggestions for the most used apps.
- Redesigned lock screen: Accessing calls is replaced by voice commands, and accessing the camera and Google Voice requires a specific gesture to avoid accidental errors. The result is more efficient and precise navigation.
- Do not bother: Lollipop's Interruption Mode has evolved. It's now possible to silence the device, allow only alarms, or prioritize notifications based on time rules or calendar events, allowing you to adapt the level of attention based on context.
- New animations and transitions: Visual effects are smoother and more polished, the app launch and close experience is much more enjoyable, and the Material Design aesthetic has matured.
- Optional dark theme: Although primarily aesthetic, it allows you to customize the appearance of menus and settings for greater visual comfort in dimly lit environments.
Thanks to these improvements, the system feels more modern, ergonomic, and personalized, enhancing the daily user experience and making it easier to manage all types of tasks.
Now on Tap: Artificial intelligence and advanced contextual assistant
Marshmallow's leap in artificial intelligence is embodied in Now on Tap . This system, an evolution of Google Now, automatically analyzes the context of what's on the screen (email, chats, web, apps) and suggests information cards, links, reservations, biographies, events, or quick actions simply by pressing and holding the Home button.
- Instant contextual searches for songs, movies, addresses, restaurants, or other referenced data without leaving the current app.
- Automatic recognition of proper names, dates, places, and events to enrich the care experience and anticipate user needs.
- Support has been progressively expanded to include more languages, enabling more natural and productive integration with the Google ecosystem.
Copy, cut, paste and translate text intuitively
Marshmallow revamps text selection, introducing a floating action bar (copy, cut, paste, select all) directly above the selection, easily accessible and visible even on large screens. Furthermore, integration with Google Translate allows for instant translation of any text snippet without leaving the app.
- Essential ergonomic improvement for users working with long texts or in multiple languages.
- Greater precision and ease when selecting and manipulating textual content.
Direct Share and one-touch content sharing
Sharing any type of file, link, photo, or document becomes much easier thanks to Direct Share . Marshmallow displays frequently used contacts from each app (WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, etc.) at the top of the sharing window, saving steps and automating communication.
Special features, productivity and advanced customization
- Multi-window (experimental): Although still in an experimental state, it allows you to display and use two applications simultaneously, optimizing multitasking on large screens.
- Quick gestures for the camera: Double-press the power button to open the camera even when the screen is locked.
- Bluetooth Pencil Holder: : Pressure and button recognition on compatible devices, making professional note-taking and drawing easier.
- More than 200 new Unicode 8 emojis: Expanding the possibilities of expression in chats and messaging.
- 4K display mode: Native support for applications and devices capable of handling ultra-high resolutions.
- Chromium Custom Tabs: Advanced integration with Chrome in third-party apps, improving navigation and security within apps like Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
Native file explorer and deep data management
Finally, Marshmallow includes a built-in file explorer , accessible without installing external apps, that allows you to manage the entire structure of files and folders, both on internal memory and external devices (USB, microSD). Functions such as copying, moving, and deleting files are now available to everyone from the Settings menu.
System UI Configurator and Advanced Customization
- Allows edit status bar icons, customize the layout of quick settings, and access hidden features like the battery percentage on the main icon.
- Demo mode For developers: Makes it easier to take clean screenshots by displaying the fixed time and removing icons and notifications.
Improvements to notifications, volume, and quick settings
- Simplified volume control: Now the tone, multimedia and alarm controls are independent and accessible from a single menu.
- Disable pop-up notifications: Ability to disable floating notifications for each app, adjusting visibility and discretion according to user preferences.
- Refined Settings Finder: It only appears on the main Settings screen, avoiding confusion and making it easier to locate advanced options.
Improved battery usage detection and statistics
- Consumption in mAh: It's now possible to see the exact power consumption of each app in milliamp hours, a key piece of information for those looking to maximize their device's battery life.
- Reset network settings from Settings, restoring APN, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to factory settings with a single tap.
Marshmallow Updates, Compatibility, and Deployment
The Marshmallow rollout began on Nexus devices and has spread to major brands such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola, and OnePlus, among others, although the update depends on the model, region, and support from each manufacturer. Nexus and some Motorola devices are typically the first to receive official updates, while the rest of the ecosystem receives the new operating system gradually.
- The developer version allowed for customization of apps and games before general release.
- Updates may vary depending on region and carrier.
- This manual can help you get the most out of the new features on your Galaxy S6 updated to Marshmallow..
Advanced security and key changes for developers
- Removing the Apache HTTP Client: It is recommended to use
HttpURLConnectionfor network connections instead of obsolete APIs, improving efficiency and security. - Learn how to make the most of Doze mode to improve battery life in Marshmallow..
- Restrictions on access to the MAC address: Only apps with location permissions will be able to access these identifiers, strengthening security.
- To enhance security, fingerprint support in Marshmallow allows you to use a variety of compatible apps..
Android for Work: Better protected professionals and businesses
- Advanced profile and device management: Enables the separation of data and policies between work and personal profiles, improving privacy and centralized management of device fleets.
- Control corporate policies, restrict Wi-Fi settings, and protect corporate data through
DevicePolicyManager. - Streamlined permissions and policy management for large organizations, including the ability to block cameras, advanced security controls, and app and settings management.
- Support for business contacts in professional environments, facilitating integration with corporate systems.
Expanded connectivity and compatibility
- Improved Bluetooth: Allows connection and synchronization of compatible Bluetooth pens, with support for buttons and pressure.
- Hotspot 2.0 support: Support for creating Wi-Fi hotspots on the 5 GHz band on compatible devices.
- Expanded offline capabilities: Improved Google Maps and YouTube features for offline navigation and viewing.
Technical details, APIs, and lesser-known changes
- Removing global bookmarks: Apps can no longer universally access browser bookmarks, forcing them to manage this information internally.
- Changes in AudioManager: The ability to mute streams directly from the API has been removed, requiring the use of updated methods.
- For developers, see APIs and technical changes in Android 6.
- Renamed data usage: Class
android.app.usage.NetworkUsageStatshappens to be calledNetworkStatsfor greater clarity and control.