Google starts Android 6.0 Marshmallow OTA update for Nexus devices: What's new

As reported earlier, Google has started rolling out its sweetest and smartest Android Marshmallow upgrade. Owners of Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013), 9 and Nexus Player should start receiving an over-the-air software update for the new Android version 6.0 from 5 October. Of course the new Nexus lineup - Nexus 5X and 6P - will ship with Android Marshmallow out of factory.

The rollout starts following the release of Android Marshmallow factory images and the AOSP source code. Before you go ahead with the OTA update that brings build version MRA58K, here is a quick preview of features you should get with the latest mobile operating system.

Now on Tap

Google's latest productivity tool and a unique feature to Android Marshmallow, Now on Tap lets you stay on a task, while instantly pulling up relevant information to help you with. For instance, if you received an email about meeting a friend at a particular place, just tap and hold the home button and Now on Tap will assist you by providing links to fetch information about the place. It also gives shortcuts to relevant apps and suggests a calendar entry for date, time and location.

Battery life

Google says an improved battery life is not all about having a larger battery, instead it also relies on the way the device uses power. The Marshmallow software includes two new features Doze and App Standby that significantly reduces power consumption, claims the web search giant.

With the Doze feature enabled, Android is capable of recognising when your device is idle and automatically goes into deep sleep that in turn conserves power. Additionally, the screen-off time of an Android Marshmallow device lasts 30% longer than Lollipop. Another battery conserving feature App Standby puts the rarely used apps into a reduced activity state to save power for the apps that are in frequent use.

App Permissions

The latest Android flavour includes another feature called App permissions using which you can control and customise the capability of your apps. The apps in Marshmallow ask permission to use a feature. You can always deny permission if you don't want to use the feature.

Fingerprint sensor

The Marshmallow raises the functionality of fingerprint scanning to a different level. Along with unlocking your device, it authorises transactions in the Play Store, used for signing into third-party apps and quick check out with Android Play.

Set up your new device easily

Finding it difficult to set up your new phone from the old one? Don't fret. Just say "OK Google, set up my device" from your phone and Android will perform the trick. You can also set up your Android TV or tablet in the same way.