Android M 6.0 Features & Update: Google Officially Introduces 'Marshmallow' OS

Android

Google has officially confirmed that the successor of its Android Lollipop platform is called the Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

According to various sources, the new platform may debut on Google's upcoming Nexus devices from LG and Huawei, NDTV reported.

The company's latest operating system is expected to be officially launched later this year. Like the shift from the KitKat to the Lollipop, Google's Marshmallow will come with various new features.

One of these is the Now on Tap. As explained by CNET, this feature lets users access information from Google Now. The feature can be activated by tapping the device's Home button.

Another feature of the Android 6.0 Marshmallow is Android Pay. This mobile payment system will allow users to make purchases for apps or products in retail stores.

Recently, Google released an almost complete version of the Android 6.0 Marshmallow to developers. This can be downloaded for the certain Nexus devices through the Android Developer Preview site.

However, the company noted that since the Android 6.0 SDK is not yet a final version, it could contain bugs that can affect the devices of users.

"The Android preview system images are not stable releases, and may contain errors and defects that can result in damage to your computers systems, devices and data," Google wrote in the Android Developer Preview site.

"The preview Android system images are not subject to the same testing as the factory OS and can cause your phone and installed services and applications to stop working," the company continued.

As for the platform's debut, various sources are speculating that Google might unveil it as the operating system of its next-generation Nexus devices.

It was previously reported that Google has entered a partnership with Huawei and LG to manufacture the new models of its Nexus series. Huawei will reportedly produce a Nexus handset with a 5.7-inch display while LG's model will come with a screen size of 5.2 inches.

Earlier this week, images of the Nexus 5 2015 edition that LG is working on were leaked online. Based on the photos, the handset sports a fingerprint reader located below its protruding main camera.

Also, the rear casing of the device appears to be made out of plastic.

Although nothing has been confirmed yet, the Nexus 5 2015 is expected to launch sometime this year. ZDNet speculated that it might come with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system once it debuts.