Google has confirmed that Android M is Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

The third and final version of the Android M developer preview has also been released, alongside the Android 6.0 SDK.

Marshmallow Release Date

Google is yet to confirm the official Android Marshmallow release date, having only said that it will be “later this fall (end of September)”.

Information from MobileSyrup may have given us a more concrete date, however: October 5.

Google is expected to announced a pair of new Nexus devices on Tuesday, September 29: the 5.2-inch Nexus 5X, developed by LG, and the 5.7-inch Nexus 6P, made by Huawei.

The Android 6.0 release date is likely to be soon after that, and while it could be October 5 in Canada, there’s no reason it couldn’t be September 29 in the US or elsewhere.

This is a Developer Preview and things will change until we officially see the release.

So What’s new in Android 6.0 Marshmallow?

#1 Fancy New Boot Animation

Android 6.0 Marshmallow brings, not only new software features, but brand new boot animation as well.

We know it’s not the biggest new update, but given that the vast majority of Android users are using non-Nexus hardware (those built by Samsung, LG, HTC, or Motorola), we know that many of you will never see this.

#2 Quick Access on the Lock Screen

On Android 6.0 Marshmallow we now have the quick access to Search at bottom left corner and it be able to launch the Google Now.

You can also swipe on the camera icon at the bottom right corner to access the camera app.

#3 New App Drawer Display

On Android 6.0 Marshmallow app drawer now is vertical and alphabetize.

At the the top is your recently open apps. It will show latest 4 opened app and you can’t scroll between them.

#4 Fingerprint Support

Google will “standardize support” for fingerprint scanners on phones running Android Marshmallow.

The new functionality will allow fingerprint scanners to be used not only to unlock phones, but to make purchases shopping in real-life or within Play Store apps.

Of course, your device will need a hardware fingerprint scanner to begin with, but with Google’s full support, expect to see these appear on many more devices in the future.

#5 Power and Charging

Android M makes use of a new function known as Doze to improve device standby time.

By using motion detectors, Android will recognize when devices haven’t been interacted with for a while, such as when a person is asleep or a device has been left on a table, to reduce background processes.

Burke said that Google tested two Nexus 9 devices, one running Lollipop and one running the Android M preview, and learned that M will provide up to two-times longer standby time.

Even in Doze mode, your Android can still start alarms or notify you of priority notifications.

If you want to know more features in Android 6.0 Marshmallow do check out this video.

Give your thought at the comment section below on what is your expectation on the next Android OS.

Source: AndroidPit, DetroitBorg