Google’s brand new flagship Nexus 6P smartphone has been in owners’ hands for a little over a month now, but it’s already getting a quick software update. Below is everything owners need to know about the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update. From currently installing, how it performs, what’s new and more.
On October 5, Google finally released Android 6.0 Marshmallow to the public and manufacturers. Along with it were the Nexus 5X and the impressive new Nexus 6P smartphones. Now less than two months later Android 6.0.1 is coming to Marshmallow owners.
A few weeks ago, one of Google’s vice presidents confirmed that an update to Android is coming soon, and no one expected it to be Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, but we got it. This is a minor update mainly aimed at introducing the December security patch, new emoji characters, and a few other things. That being said, here’s what owners need to know about it.
Those who are already using Android 6.0 Marshmallow on a new Nexus device or one of last year’s old Nexus smartphones or tablets already know what to expect, but it’s still worth getting all the details before accepting an update. Everyone uses their phone differently, so while it’s fine for most, it can be problematic for others. We’ve had no issues so far, everything works smoothly, and a few new features turned out to be surprisingly refreshing and fun.
Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow Update
Last week, Google started rolling out Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update for Nexus 5, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 7, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player. It took almost a week to arrive and my over-the-air update surfaced on Saturday evening. Those who do not want to wait can install it with the link given at the top of the page.
The update downloaded, installed and rebooted in less than a minute and was up and running in minutes. Google recommends 50% battery life before updating, but it went smoothly for me with slightly less battery life. The update won’t delete anything unless you choose to install it manually with the instructions above.
We didn’t actually get a detailed breakdown or changelog of what’s new, but a few minor details were shared in the over-the-air notification. It states performance, stability, and bug fixes, but that’s about it. However, we do know that it has added over 200 new emoji characters with the December security patch for improved security, and it seems to have fixed the MMS text bug in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but more on that below.
Nexus 6P Android 6.0.1 Performance
The update specifically mentioned has improved as well as stability, but I didn’t have any of these issues initially. The Nexus 6P has been one of the fastest, most stable and reliable Android devices I’ve ever used. Along with having great battery life, it charges extremely fast and works very smoothly with the latest version of Android. Our review above praised it a lot and that has remained the same today after the minor 6.0.1 Marshmallow update.
As more and more people are running Android 6.0 or Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, I’ve noticed that one of the best new features, Google Now on Tap, loads a little slower than before. This is the feature of long pressing the home button and allowing Google to read what is on the screen and show the viewer relevant information. Not to mention apps that can help with whatever is on the screen. Trailers and more for a movie from nearby stores, movie theaters or a friend texted about.
I love Google Now on Tap and it still works great, but it might not be as fast as it used to. This does not seem to be a problem and could be due to the phone doing everything else too fast. When you consider what Google Now on Tap does, a little wait isn’t worth it.
Also a text message or picture message bug has been reported on the Google product forums for Android 6.0, but I’ve never had this issue. However, it’s also fixed in this update for those wondering.
So far the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update seems very minor and shouldn’t cause any problems for owners. You’ll now have over 200 sweet new emojis to choose from on the keyboard, a slightly improved Google Assistant feature for screenshots, and the same great performance as always.
Apps
As far as apps go, no complaints. I once had a close power with HD Widgets, but this is the only issue I’ve encountered since accepting the software update. However, we have a lot more to say about Google Now on Tap. It got a new feature that provides a completely new way to take screenshots on Android.
All Android devices use power and volume down (or power and home with Samsung) to take screenshots of what’s on the screen. That changed with Android 6.0 or Android 6.0.1 and the recently updated Google Search app.
Now when users use Google Now on Tap by long pressing the home page, there is a share button at the bottom left. This instantly takes a screenshot and then opens a share menu to instantly share them all with one tap. Instead of fiddling with the key combination above, swipe down the notification bar, then share, then choose which app and who does it. Now it’s all one smooth move. This doesn’t appear to be for everyone yet, but most see it if they’re on Android 6.0 and above.
I ran Clash of Clans, Facebook, Instagram, NFL Mobile, Sling TV, and others on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow without a single issue. We see no reason not to update at this time.
Android 6.0.1 Battery Life
I’ve been running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on a Nexus 6p for less than 72 hours, so it’s hard to get a good idea of battery life. However, I did notice that the performance is slightly better, which can contribute to improved battery life.
The new Doze feature still works great, and the Nexus 6P rarely drops more than 4-5% overall overnight, which gives me a full battery to work in the morning, feeling like I need to charge the phone before leaving for the day. Some updates cause problems or drain battery life, but that’s not the case here.
For those struggling with Nexus 6P Android 6.0 or Android 6.0.1 battery issues, we recommend factory data reset or rogue apps not draining the battery or keeping the phone powered on while in sleep state. . Go to settings > battery > to see what is using what.
WiFi and Bluetooth
Connectivity is a big concern after any update, especially a major update like this one. The Nexus 6P worked great with WiFi, especially on my 5G network, and Bluetooth had no issues initially. Below is an old screenshot showing some of the changes found in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but we had no issues.
The UI tuner is still present in Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, which allows us to rearrange the icons in the notification bar.
As shown above, long-pressing the gear-shaped settings button will activate a “System UI tuner” option in the settings that gives users some neat advanced control over the interface and notification popup. The settings icon will rotate and unlock this hidden tool, but you’ll try too hard and cause problems, so be careful.
Many GPS issues have been talked about with Android 5.1 devices, especially those with LG phones, but none seem to be available in Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. I also installed it on LG Nexus 5X and it works great. No GPS, WiFi or Bluetooth problems found. Without connecting to speakers, wireless headphones or my truck for Android Auto, it all works fine.
Should You Install Android 6.0.1 Update?
This is a very minor update that affects almost nothing, so we strongly recommend that all Nexus owners install this software update. It fixes the latest security issues, improves Google Now on Tap, improves performance, and sends 200+ emoji characters to the keyboard as part of Google’s monthly security pledge. Now, we can use the taco emoji at Taco Tuesdays at Del Taco and express ourselves on Android like never before.
Some users with older devices like the Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 may want to wait for more details or reviews, but so far everything looks the same, if not slightly better than the original Marshmallow version.
Again, the update will arrive on all Nexus devices today or in the next few days if it hasn’t arrived yet. We recommend that you wait for the over-the-air notification and do so so that users do not lose any information. However, if you don’t prefer to wait, the how-to at the top of the page will bring you Android 6.0.1 right now, but users will have to wipe their device to flash the factory images. All said and done, Android 6.0.1 is a very minor update, but an update worth installing. Give it a try today and let us know if you run into any issues by leaving a comment below.
