Android New Version Named as "Marshmallow"

Every release of Google’s operating system so far has taken the name of a sweet treat. So while the next version of Android is officially known as release 6.0 named as Marshmallow.

The new mobile OS will roll out to supported Android phones later this year (October or November, most likely). Also, it’s important to note that this is version 6.0, not 5-point-something, so this will be a substantial update. If you’re a developer, you can download the preview SDK, and start testing your apps.

Android Marshmallow includes a simpler approach to permissions (while giving users more granular control over what apps can access), Google's new Android Pay mobile wallet platform, USB Type-C support, and a number of tweaks and improvements throughout the operating system. It succeeds Android 5.0 Lollipop, which brought significant user interface and visual changes to the software last year.

It's believed that Google is working on two new Nexus smartphones that will be used to showcase Android 6.0 Marshmallow — one from Huawei, and a Nexus 5 sequel from LG that leaked over the weekend. Both phones are likely to include built-in fingerprint scanners, as Android 5.2 now natively supports the security measure as a way to log into apps.