The Android 6.0 Marshmallow update brings many feature and battery life goodies to the Moto G
Motorola has begun rolling out the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow system update to the popular 2nd generation Moto G phone. This update is being rolled out Over the Air (OTA) and will install atop the existing Android 5.0.2 stock update. If you do not see the notification on the phone, manually check using the System Update entry in the phone’s settings.
Note that the OTA update will only work if the phone is running the stock Android ROM; the update will need to be manually done if the phone has been rooted to run any other ROM.
This update retains all of the phone’s installed apps and user settings, although backing up key data is recommended.
With Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced several enhancements, many focused on improved battery life and easier access to key system features.
Here are the top features you’re likely to use in Marshmallow:
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App standby: Users can now configure specific apps to use the new optimized mode, enabling them to run in a ‘reduced activity’ state when not in use. This directly results in extended battery life.
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Expandable storage: In Marshmallow, the phone’s SD card can be configured to seamlessly extend the phone’s own internal memory. This can be invaluable for apps that necessarily install into main memory, which traditionally wound up depleting storage space. Note: in this mode, the SD card gets specially encrypted for use with the phone only--it cannot be removed and be used as a regular SD card unless it is re-formatted.
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App permissions: Other than being forced to accept system access permissions for apps, typically seen during the app installation phase, users can now individually choose what permissions to allow and deny for each app. Denying an app access to the camera, for example, results in greater privacy.
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Do not disturb: The phone’s ringtone and notifications can be more finely configured to allow calls only from priority contacts, or only sound alarms, or go totally silent. And these can be timed, making it especially useful for meetings and other events.
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Now on Tap: Here is a key Marshmallow feature, one that was debuted at Google I/O last year. With this feature, keeping the home button pressed provides contextual results from Google Now right from the app that is currently running. For example, if you receive an address via Whatsapp, launching this feature will immediately offer suggestions to open Google Maps or add the address to your address book. Similarly, if there’s a restaurant name on the screen, it will trigger cards that offer reviews and ratings, and directions for getting there.
See this page for the entire list of Android 6.0 features for use with this phone.
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