Marshmallow is the successor of Android Lollipop, and the latest Android version already rolling out for some devices. But what are the differences between this two versions?
App permissions
Marshmallow comes with new improvements for the management of app permissions. In the Lollipop version, before an app could be downloaded from the Play Store, you first had to allow app permissions. However, in Marshmallow, you can allow or deny the app permissions as and when you see fit even after you have already installed the app.
Battery Life
Upgrading to Lollipop came with the Project Volta, which basically prolongs battery life. Android Marshmallow’s Doze battery saving feature goes a bit further. Using the device’s motion sensor, this feature can detect whether you are using your phone or not and can by default put it on a deeper standby mode. This feature has been said to double a device’s battery life compared to Lollipop.
Google Now on Tap
With Android Marshmallow, there is a slight modification to Google Now. By simply holding down the Home button, Google Now can scan the any contents on the screen and also offer detailed information on the key words.
Fingerprint Sensors
Previously, developers had to have their individual software solution applied into a system thus a uniform access was not offered to fingerprint sensors. But with Google’s Android Marshmallow there is finally a set standard for fingerprint sensors.
Android Pay
Android Pay is a Google’s system for making safe and secure mobile payment transactions. What make Android Pay so secure is the fact that it does not store your personal payment information, such as the details on your credit card, instead it a virtual number is created for separate payment options, this ensures you all your payment data is secure. Android Pay works with Lollipop and even versions like KitKat but when you add Marshmallow’s fingerprint sensor functionality, it makes mobile payments even more worthwhile and much more capable than Apple Pay.
USB Type-C
This hardware related function, is one of the new capabilities that so far only Android Marshmallow has to offer. USB Type-C serves as a two-way USB connector that charges your smartphone or tablet and allows them to also charge other compatible devices. This feature offers faster charging and increased speeds in data transfer.
Minor Improvements worth mentioning
Marshmallow adds an app drawer that makes finding apps less of a task. At the top the app drawer features a bar containing the last four applications you have accessed, at the top-right a search option and a scroll with an alphabetical order on the left margin.For Android Marshmallow updated devices, the SD card can be formatted into an internal memory. This means you can also download apps directly to your microSD card.
Final Verdict
The difference in comparison between Android Lollipop and Android Marshmallow is not as significant as that of KitKat to its Lollipop upgrade. But the improvements by Android Marshmallow are something to look forward to.