As expected, Motorola today released It’s quite a long list detailing exactly which Motorola devices will see the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update, starting with the Moto X. Just like last year, as Google has now confirmed that Android 6.0 Marshmallow will launch early next week, manufacturers are racing to deliver it, and here’s everything Motorola owners need to know.
Motorola was one of the first to roll out Android 5.0 Lollipop last year, leaving some Nexus devices behind in the update, but then they’ve had their fair share of issues and lags with Android 5.1 Lollipop packed with fixes. This year Motorola hopes for a smooth transition to Google’s latest version and is off to a good start with a healthy list of upcoming updates.
At Google I/O in May, Google officially announced Android M, and then last month confirmed it would officially be called Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The software has been open for testing for months, and now the wait is finally over, as updates begin next week for Nexus devices and will quickly reach millions of Motorola users as well, as most devices are close to stock Android.
As the title suggests, below is a breakdown of the Motorola Android 6.0 Marshmallow update. Including a small list of which devices are currently on their way to getting the latest software, some possible release date windows and a few of the many changes to Android M along with other details.
Motorola’s goal with Android 6.0 Marshmallow is “less is more”, which basically means adding less bloatware and features that nobody uses, and keeping things nice and simple with stock Android. All in all, the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update will remove some of the few changes Motorola has made to Android, making them truly one of the closest stock devices on the market, while continuing to make improvements to their own features, such as hands-on. free mode, Moto Screen and more.
Motorola Android 6.0 Marshmallow Updates
However, below is the long list of devices Motorola has confirmed to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Most are expected, but a few surprise devices are missing, but may be added later as plans change.
It’s quite a long list as you can see above. Motorola states that this is only the first listing and things are subject to change regarding updates, timelines, and other devices. Company mentions owners should keep an eye on Motorola Software update page for more details.
Missing Devices
Of course, many Motorola owners may have noticed that their device is not on this list. This may change and Motorola may port it to other devices once these priority devices see updates, but usually Android smartphones only get support for 18 months. They will continue to receive security and maintenance updates, but will not receive the latest version of Android.
Here’s a small list of what’s missing from Motorola’s current Android 6.0 update plans.
by the way According to the Motorola forum moderator, the 2nd Gen (2014) Moto X Pure Edition will receive Android 6.0, but AT&T and Verizon will not. This is not good news and hopefully things will change and we’ll know more details soon.
Release date
We know, we know. Everyone is wondering when Google’s latest version full of improvements will arrive. Android 6.0 Marshmallow will be released for Nexus devices next week, possibly Monday, October 5. This means that that day the code will also go to the manufacturers and the Android Open Source Project. From there, manufacturers like Motorola, Samsung, and others can start working on updates if they haven’t built on Android M’s early developer preview.
In terms of timing and actual release dates, Motorola promises all owners should “look for more news on the timing in the coming weeks.” This means that in the next two weeks Motorola will make a more official announcement and share actual release date windows.
We expect the new Moto X Pure Edition and Motorola’s 2015 lineup to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow in late October or possibly early November, but that’s just a guess. They’ve been one of the fastest in years and we see no reason for that to change. In fact, they’re removing some “Moto” parts of the software, which means it should arrive faster than many expected.
Software Uninstall
Motorola wants to compliment Android 6.0 Marshmallow and all its new features, not replace them or try to compete with it. As a result, they will remove a few things. Motorola said Moto Assist, Migrate and Connect will be phased out. As they apply to stock Android or various 3rd party apps in the Google Play Store.
As a result, these are not preinstalled after the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update. Giving users a chance to use features from stock Android, download them if they want, or search for 3rd party options from the Play Store instead. This should also free up more internal storage for movies, apps, games, music and more so owners can do whatever they want with their Moto phone.
New features
Since Android M reappeared at Google I/O, the company has made many changes to the operating system. That said, most of the big new changes have already been announced. Below is a link comparing Android 5.0 to Android 6.0 (an early look) and we’ll do another comparison next week when it’s officially released.
The guide above will help owners know what to expect, but Motorola has also rounded up a good list of new features and here they are.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow has improved the lock screen, home screen, app tray, notification pop-up bar, added new permission controls, fingerprint support, automatic app and data backups and everything else mentioned above by Motorola. Doze promises about a 30% increase in standby battery life, Google Now on Tap is our favorite new feature, and easy-to-use voice controls are a welcomed release.
Earlier this week, HTC confirmed that a few of its flagship phones will see Android 6.0 before the end of the year, but Motorola has been more cautious in its announcements. That said, we expect Motorola to outperform most other manufacturers and begin rolling out updates in November rather than at the end of the year.
We can’t be sure though, and we’ll be on the lookout for more details and updates once we know more.
