Until now, the upcoming version of Android was known as Android M and we did not know what the M stands for. Now we do! It stands for Marshmallow. That's Android 6.0 code name Marshmallow.

Google recently announced that the 6.0 version of the Android mobile operating system will, from now on, be known as Marshmallow. And it marked the occasion by unveiling a marshmallow statue at its HQ in Mountain View, California.




Android 6.0 Marshmallow – Main New Features

• Rotating home screen – the home screen rotates so you can use it in landscape mode.
• Remove status bar icons – remove Wifi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and other icons from the status bar.
• Smarter Google Now – Google Now is context-aware so it better understands your request. Google Now on Tap ensures you don’t have to leave an app to search for something with Google Now.
• Redesigned permissions model – you can choose to accept or deny individual app permissions; apps are no longer automatically granted all of their specified permissions at installation time.
• Native support for fingerprint recognition – use your fingerprint to unlock your Android device and to authenticate purchases.
• Doze power management scheme – when the operating system detects that you’re not physically handling your Android device, it reduces the device’s background activity.
• Verified links – configure verified links to open in certain apps.
• Support for USB Type-C.
• The option to charge other devices over USB.
• A new boot animation (see below).

I have to remind you that Google always uses confectionery-themed code names for its Android releases. Each major Android release is named in alphabetical order after a dessert or sugary treat:

• Cupcake – Android 1.5
• Donut – Android 1.6
• Eclair – Android 2.0 – 2.1
• Froyo – Android 2.2
• Gingerbread – Android 2.3.3 – 2.3.7
• Ice Cream Sandwich – Android 4.0.3 – 4.0.4
• Jelly Bean – Android 4.1 – 4.3
• KitKat – Android 4.4 – 4.4.4
• Lollipop – Android 5.0 – 5.1
• Marshmallow – Android 6.0

Android 6.0 is still in preview right now. As a matter of fact, Developer Preview 3 and the official Android 6.0 SDK were released yesterday, August 17, 2015. They’re available for download on the Android Developers page, for the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player.

Google has yet to provide a precise release date for Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The public release is scheduled for Q3 2015, but no precise date has been provided for now.