In a surprise move, Google released an update to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow for all current Nexus smartphones and tablets yesterday. While the highlighted new features are over 200 emoji characters, security enhancements, and other changes, that’s not all. The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update has improved the camera on the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013) and even Nexus 9.
A few weeks ago, Google’s Android VP confirmed that an update is coming soon that aims to bring more emoji characters to the entire Android platform. In October, Apple released iOS 9.1, which added 150 to iPhone users, and Android wanted to be on the same page. But we’re slowly seeing that there’s more to the update than emoji.
Yesterday, Google confirmed that the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software update will launch on December 7th and will be available all week for multiple devices. Above is a how-to guide to install it now, and below is more details on camera improvements for older Android devices.
The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update was officially released yesterday, but most users won’t get it until the end of the week or for the next 7-10 days. Google has released Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow for Nexus 5, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 9 tablet and Nexus Player.
One of the most appreciated features on the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, which were released in October, was the quick-launch camera option on Google’s new Nexus smartphones. Similar to the Galaxy S6 or LG G4, Nexus users can double-tap the power button to instantly launch the camera. This works when the phone is off or on. Double tap and the camera will open in less than a second and can be used to take pictures immediately.
Double Tap Power to launch camera on Android 6.0.1
Unfortunately this was part of Android 6.0 Marshmallow and not a feature that older Nexus smartphones or tablets could enjoy. It only works on the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P and their new 12.3 megapixel cameras. This has changed today.
Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update for all older devices, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 and Nexus 9, added more than emoji. Double-tapping the power button will now launch the camera instantly on all older Nexus smartphones and tablets running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
Users can double-tap the power button and the camera will boot up in less than a second. The Nexus 5 will still only be as good as its 8-megapixel camera, and even the Nexus 6 and its 13-megapixel camera aren’t as good as the new Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P, but it’s a step in the right direction. Google’s Nexus lineup has never had good cameras until this year, and now the old ones are faster and slightly improved than ever before.
There are likely other minor changes to the cameras as well, but this was all we noticed after installing Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on the Nexus 6 using the steps linked above.
Other changes in Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow include over 200 new emoji characters, a new font, improved do not disturb and “until next alarm” changes, security improvements and patches for December, and some other minor bug fixes. . probably included. It’s worth noting that disabling “power button instant lock” in display settings will make the camera pop up even faster on all Nexus smartphones and tablets.
Update to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow today and enjoy an enhanced experience on all Nexus devices and a faster camera with older devices like Nexus 5, Nexus 6 and Nexus 7 or 9 tablets.
