Android 6.0: Marshmallow

 

Android 6.0 Marshmallow was a major release of the Android operating system, announced on September 29, 2015. It introduced several new features, performance optimizations, and security enhancements. Here are some key features of Android 6.0 Marshmallow:

1. App permissions: Marshmallow introduced a new permission system that provided users with more control over app permissions. Instead of granting all permissions during app installation, users could grant or revoke individual permissions as needed while using the app.

2. Doze mode: Marshmallow introduced Doze mode, a power-saving feature that optimized battery life when the device was idle. Doze mode automatically reduced background activity and network access, extending standby time and conserving power.

3. App standby: Marshmallow introduced app standby, a feature that identified and restricted the background activity of less frequently used apps. This helped reduce battery consumption by preventing idle apps from consuming system resources.

4. Fingerprint sensor support: Marshmallow introduced native support for fingerprint sensors, allowing devices with fingerprint scanners to use fingerprint recognition for unlocking the device, authorizing app access, and making secure payments.

5. Now On Tap: Marshmallow introduced the Now On Tap feature, which provided contextual information and assistance based on the content displayed on the screen. By long-pressing the home button, users could get relevant information, suggestions, and actions related to the current context.

6. App links: Marshmallow introduced app links, which allowed apps to verify and handle web links directly without requiring user intervention. This streamlined the experience by automatically opening the relevant app for a specific web link.

7. Adoptable storage: Marshmallow introduced adoptable storage, which allowed users to format and use external storage devices (such as SD cards) as internal storage. This feature provided expanded storage options for devices with limited internal storage.

8. Direct Share: Marshmallow introduced the Direct Share feature, which allowed users to share content directly with specific contacts or frequently used apps through the sharing menu. It provided shortcuts for quick sharing and improved sharing efficiency.

9. App backup and restore: Marshmallow introduced an automatic app backup and restore feature through Google Drive. This allowed users to back up their app data, settings, and preferences, and restore them to a new or reset device.

10. USB Type-C support: Marshmallow introduced native support for USB Type-C, a reversible and versatile USB connector. USB Type-C provided faster data transfer speeds, improved charging capabilities, and allowed devices to act as hosts or peripherals.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow brought several features and enhancements focused on improving user control, battery life, security, and productivity. It aimed to provide a more efficient, intuitive, and secure user experience on Android devices.