Nexus Android M Edition: 7 Things You Need to Know Right Now

In the genesis of Google I/O 2015, we heard a ton of rumors about Android M, the successor to last year’s Android L update known as Android 5.0 Lollipop. Just one day before the Google I/O 2015 keynote kicks off, we take a look at everything we know about the Nexus Android M release.

At Google I/O 2014, the company took the stage to showcase a host of new products. One of these products was a replacement for Android 4.4 KitKat, called Android L. The Android L update that Google showcased at Google I/O was not a finished product. Instead, it was an early preview of the software that would eventually become the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, a name that has been known since November.

In November, Google released Android 5.0 Lollipop to the public along with the Nexus 9 tablet and Nexus 6 smartphone. In the months since the initial release, Google and its manufacturing partners have rolled out tons of updates and several different versions of Android 5.0, including Android 5.0.1, Android 5.0.2, Android 5.1 and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.

Google is currently rolling out Android 5.1.1 to Nexus devices, bringing feature enhancements and bug fixes to owners of Nexus 5, Nexus 4 and more.

Before Google wraps up Android 5.1.1 distribution, it will likely show the successor to Android Lollipop, an update currently known as Android M. Android M hasn’t been confirmed, but we’ve seen some details leak to the surface. In the hours before the start of Google I/O.

With that in mind, we take a look at what you need to know about the Nexus Android M release right now, the day before Google’s annual developer conference.

Android M Launch Date

Google hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but all signs point to an Android M launch date tomorrow during the company’s Google I/O keynote.

A few weeks ago, Google published the picture Google I/O 2015 calendar. It was a reference to an (no longer) unannounced Android M update buried deep in the calendar.

The Google I/O keynote is where Google typically makes all its big announcements, which means it’s very likely to be the launchpad for tomorrow’s Android M announcements. Google’s keynote will begin at 9:30 AM PST and will be broadcast live.

Android M Beta

Last year, Google released an Android L developer preview. The developer preview allowed Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi users to install an early Android Lollipop build ahead of its November public release date.

Android Police claims Google will release an Android M developer preview for Android users. It’s unclear who will be included in the developer preview or when the Android M beta will be released.

If Google follows the same release path, we may see the company release the preview for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 and offer the Android M beta sometime during the two-day event.

Android M Release Date

A report at the end of last year Reuters highlighted some possible Android M features. Some details about the Android M release date were also hidden in the report.

of Reuters sources stated that the Android M release is not expected for up to a year. The report was released in December, and it marks an arrival in and near the familiar Android/Nexus release window.

Google tends to release new Android software alongside Nexus hardware in November. And while this year certainly could be like that, Android Police Claims that Google is shooting for an early Android M release date.

Its reports suggest that the Android M version could arrive in August. The publication also states that software release dates are subject to change at any time. So, while we may see Google releasing its next update this summer, it’s also possible that we’ll see it coming much later in the year.

Nexus Android M Version

Android Police says Google’s version of Android M will include some Nexus devices, but not all.

It looks like Google will cut the Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 10 and Nexus 4 without folding. It looks like these devices will stay on Android Lollipop, but we believe developers will find a way to bring Android M to them in the long run.

While the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 won’t get Android M, the site claims they will continue to receive security updates. The Nexus 4 will reportedly receive updates by August, while the Nexus 10 will reportedly receive updates in 2016. It’s clear that support for the Nexus 7 2012 will end this summer.

As for Google’s Nexus devices, the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 will apparently get Android M. Same goes for Nexus 7 2013 and Nexus 7 LTE:

As for newer devices, the 2013 N7 should have system updates by late this summer and security patches by summer 2016. The Nexus 5 will be on the full OTA train until this fall, after which it should drop in security patches for another year. The N6 and N9 are of course still on sale, so we don’t know for sure when the security updates will stop, but they will have system OTAs, at least until fall 2016.

Google is said to have an Android update plan for Google I/O. It looks like the company will promise two years of major updates and three years of security patches.

Android M Features

Google hasn’t detailed any of the changes reportedly coming with the Android M update, but reports and leaks have ruled out a few possibilities.

According to BloombergOne of the biggest changes coming to Android M is a big change to Android’s privacy features. The post claims that Android M is “set to give users more granular choices about what apps can access” and that this “could include photos, contacts, or location.” From now on you have to submit every permission before you can install an app. This information recently backed up according to another report.

Android Police It says Android M will also come with some stealthy changes, including a focus on battery life and RAM optimization.

From our knowledge, battery will be a major focus in the Macadamia Nut Cookie, as Google emphasizes performance and smarter use of features that can drain your battery.

It looks like Google is urging its own teams to focus on battery performance whenever possible by reducing location controls, reducing RAM usage, and reducing activity when the charger is off and the device’s screen is off. Presumably, this renewed focus on performance will extend to Google’s own Play Services suite, which often manages to top the battery usage statistics.

So, while Android Lollipop focuses on design changes, Android M can focus on performance improvements. Apple’s iOS 9 update is said to do the same for iPhone and iPad users.

Android M Name

Nothing confirmed, but update It is said to be called Backstage Macadamia Nut Cookies. This name may not be permanent. Android KitKat was called Android Key Lime Pie behind the scenes, while Android Lollipop was called Android Lemon Meringue Pie.

Nexus 2015 Edition

Android updates always come with new Nexus hardware. Android M is speculated to launch alongside two new Nexus smartphones, one from LG and one from Huawei.

The codename of the 2015 LG Nexus is reportedly LG Bullhead. It is said to have a 5.2-inch display and a 2,700mAh battery. Rumors also claim that it will have a 6-core Snapdragon 808 processor with 3GB of RAM and a 16MP camera. In other words, it could be an updated version of the Nexus 5.

The code name of the 2015 Huawei Nexus is Angler. According to rumors, it will come with a 5.7-inch Quad-HD display, a faster octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor and 3-4 GB of RAM. It is also said to have a much larger 3,500mAh battery.

Release dates are unknown, but with Android M rumored for August or later, you can bet these devices are months away from launch.