The arrival of Android 6.0 Marshmallow has meant one of the most relevant transformations within the ecosystem of Android. This version not only represents an improvement over what was shown in previous editions, but also adds a significant number of functions designed to optimize the user experience in terms of performance, safety, customization and autonomy. Although its initial deployment began as is traditional with the Nexus, has gradually expanded to a wide variety of brands and models, expanding the opportunities for those who want the latest in mobile innovation.
If you already enjoy Android 6.0 on your mobile or tablet, or if you expect its arrival soon, discover below all the Key new features and improvements that have been incorporated, many of them widely anticipated by the community.
Top new features in Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Advanced permission management in applications
One of the most requested aspects by users for years has been the granular control over the permissions that applications requestUntil Marshmallow, you had to accept all of an app's permissions to install it, which meant granting access, sometimes unnecessary, to sensitive aspects of the device. Android 6.0 changes this completely, allowing you to individually decide which features (microphone, camera, contacts, location, storage, SMS, etc.) each app can actually access. This capability dramatically improves the Privacy & Security of the user, placing the decision-making power in their hands and avoiding risks arising from abusive or poorly managed permissions.
Now on Tap: Smarter contextual search
One of the most notable advances in daily interaction is Now on Tap, a feature that expands the potential of the Google Now assistant. By holding down the home button, Marshmallow analyzes the content visible on the screen and offers contextual cards with useful information: from reviews of a movie mentioned in a chat, to restaurant suggestions if a location appears, contact information, links to related apps and much more. Although initially available in a limited number of languages, the functionality is constantly evolving and exemplifies the trend towards predictive and contextual assistance.
Fingerprint Authentication: Security and Convenience
La native integration of fingerprint sensors is another great innovation in this version. Now, not only can you unlock your device with your fingerprint, but you can also authorize purchases on Google Play or payments through services like Android Pay. The support is designed to be compatible with multiple applications that require biometric security, allowing developers to take full advantage of this technology and ensuring greater protection and speed in everyday actions.
Doze Mode: Optimizing battery consumption
One of Marshmallow's strong points is the significant improvement in energy efficiency. Pickups It is an intelligent system that detects periods of inactivity (for example, when the device is on the table or while we sleep) and suspends non-essential background processes, synchronizations and network activities. According to various tests, this feature can save up to 30% battery per charge cycle, allowing your phone to remain operational for longer without sacrificing important features. Plus, Standby App complements Doze by limiting the activity of apps you rarely use.
Greater flexibility when using USB and microSD memory cards
With Marshmallow, Android adds full support for external USB drives and microSD cards. Now you can choose to use them as portable storage (to transfer files) or format them as internal storage, integrating its capacity into the device's memory and allowing for unrestricted application installation or data transfer. This new feature is especially useful on devices with limited capacities and in Android TV, making storage expansion easy.
Automatic app backup and restore
The system now Automatically back up your applications and their settings in Google Drive, facilitating a full restore after a device change or factory reset. This feature minimizes the loss of data, game saves, or personal preferences, simplifying the migration and upgrade processes.
Improved voice interactions and proactive assistant
The new voice APIs They allow apps to not only respond to simple commands, but also ask questions and offer actionable options to the user. For example, a music app can ask, "What genre do you want to listen to?" and you can respond by voice. The integration of these interactions leads to greater accessibility, usability, and hands-free operation, especially useful while driving or performing other tasks.
Direct Share: Share directly and quickly
Direct Share Simplifies the process of sharing content. When you tap share, your frequent contacts appear directly, associating each one with the app you use most to communicate with them. This way, you save steps and time Compared to the old process of choosing an app and then a contact. This new feature, ideal for those who frequently share files, links, or photos, improves social connectivity from your device.
More features without an Internet connection
Marshmallow adapts to the reality of users who don't always have constant connectivity or want to save on data. Now you can download YouTube videos to play them offline and, above all, save maps in Google Maps for offline viewing. This feature is especially useful when traveling or moving through areas with limited coverage, avoiding the expensive roaming and allowing access to vital information at any time.
Redesigned lock screen and shortcuts
La lock screen It introduces notable changes: the classic call shortcut is replaced by Google voice commands, and to access the camera or these commands you must press its icon and swipe, avoiding errors common in previous versions. This adjustment improves security and the experience in quickly unlocking and using essential functions of your mobile.
Simplified volume control and Do Not Disturb mode
Marshmallow offers a new volume control panel and brings back the popular total silent mode that many users have been missing. Now you can quickly manage the volume of notifications, ringtones, multimedia, and alarms individually. The mode Do not bother It's been revamped, allowing for much more granular control: you can activate it manually, schedule it by time or event, and even decide which notifications you consider priority. Plus, you have the option to keep "Do Not Disturb" mode active only until the next alarm, something highly appreciated by those who use their phone as an alarm clock.
System User Interface (UI) Configurator
Marshmallow includes a hidden interface configurator accessible from the quick settings, which allows customize status bar elements (you can remove icons, show the battery percentage inside the icon, and modify the available shortcuts). In addition, it integrates a demo mode Useful for developers and presentations, it cleans up the notification bar and sets the time to 6:00, making it easier to create more professional screenshots.
More flexible and comprehensive application management
The section of Application Information has been revamped to offer direct access to sections such as storage, permissions, data and battery usage, notifications, default launch options, and memory usage. Also, the new Advanced Options in the application settings allows you to manage specific permissions, define default apps (browser, SMS, phone), choose which apps can override others, modify system settings, or exclude certain apps from battery optimization mode.
Improvements to text selection and manipulation
Text selection in Marshmallow is much more intuitive and functional. Now, long-pressing on text displays contextualized options for copying, cutting, pasting, and translate directly with Google Translate, which greatly speeds up use in chats, emails, and browsing. Additionally, the copy and paste menu responds more quickly, eliminating delays from previous versions.
Native file explorer and advanced storage management
The system introduces an integrated file explorer into the storage settings. With this tool you can explore all folders on the device, copy, move, or delete files without the need for third-party apps. This addition responds to a long-standing user demand and makes managing documents, images, and music more convenient.
Improved RAM management
A new section of Conference proceedings In the settings, you can see the average RAM usage for each app, review statistics for 3, 6, 12, or 24-hour periods, and detect apps that are consuming excessive resources. This helps identify potential causes of slowness and optimize overall device performance, giving advanced users more precise control over their hardware.
Bluetooth pen support and new ways to interact
marshmallow adds official support for Bluetooth pencils compatible, opening up new possibilities in productivity, note-taking and art applications that require precision and sensitivity to pressure or pen buttons.
Improved connectivity and accessory support
The system is now compatible with Hotspot 2.0 version 1 on devices that support the 5 GHz frequency, improving the speed and stability of Wi-Fi hotspots. Additionally, continuous scanning for Bluetooth devices helps improve location, even with Bluetooth disabled (a feature that can be disabled for greater privacy). Furthermore, the support for USB 3.1 Type-C, which allows for faster, reversible charging and transfers, as well as using your device to charge other devices.
Other innovations and useful details
- 4K display: Marshmallow enables 4K graphics rendering for compatible apps, ideal for devices with high-resolution displays.
- Simple network settings reset: You can now quickly restore Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and APN settings from Settings.
- New settings finder: Available only on the main settings screen, avoiding confusion when searching for options.
- Disable pop-up notifications: Possibility to disable, app by app, floating notifications that appear on the screen, improving concentration.
- Updated emojis: Over 200 new Unicode 8.0 emojis included for more fun and modern communication.
- Battery search in mAh: App power consumption is now displayed in mAh, making it easier to identify power-hungry apps.
- Visible security patch level: From the device information menu, you can check the date of your last security patch installation.
- Default USB modes: For safety reasons, when you connect your phone via USB, charging is only available until you manually select the file transfer mode.
- Customizing App Links: You can define which apps open automatically for certain links, avoiding having to select which app to open them with each time.
- Demo mode and developer options: Additional tools for system debugging and presentation.
Minor Update: What's New in Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
After the initial launch, Android 6.0.1 brought small but valuable improvements:
- New emojis, updating support for the latest Unicode standards.
- Double-tap the power button to open the camera, optimizing rapid image capture.
- Changes to the interface of large tablets, adapting the layout of the navigation buttons for greater comfort.
- Connectivity and stability improvements, optimizing cache management and overall performance.
- Expanded Do Not Disturb Options, allowing you to program silences until the next alarm.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow consolidates itself as a robust, mature and versatile version. Thanks to its complete set of new features In terms of battery saving, permissions, security, backup, and usability, it's positioned as a benchmark in stability, customization, and performance. Whether you use your phone for productivity, entertainment, or communication, you'll enjoy an operating system that's designed to respond efficiently, provide privacy, and fully adapt to your current needs and lifestyle.