\nAndroid Mars Bar
\nAndroid Matchmakers
\nAndroid Maynard\u2019s Wine Gums
\nAndroid Munchies (not to be confused with an entirely different phenomenon)
\nAndroid Milky Way<\/em><\/p>\n
See, loads of options. Anyway, with that out of the way, let\u2019s get onto the good stuff.<\/p>\n
\n
Google Now – the cleverest personal assistant around<\/b><\/h3>\n
Google Now is one of the best features of Android and it\u2019s going to get even better with M. Now will be able to recognise over 100 million different places and \u201d\u02dctopics\u2019, so it can understand what you\u2019re asking based on context. So, if you\u2019ve just agreed to meet someone at the park and then ask Google \u201d\u02dcwhere is that?\u2019, Google will be able to understand \u201d\u02dcthat\u2019 refers to the park. Clever, eh?<\/p>\n
Even better is Now on Tap which, in conjunction with certain apps, will allow you to get info from Now as you use apps. For example, you can ask Google for more info on the artist you\u2019re listening to on Spotify. Even if you don\u2019t reference the artist\u2019s name in your question, Google will figure out who you\u2019re on about.<\/p>\n
\n
Improved permissions<\/b><\/h3>\n
App permissions: they aren\u2019t sexy, but they are important.<\/p>\n
At the moment, you have to agree to a whole host of potentially permissions before you install an app. Android M will allow you to install an app first and then grant permissions as and when the app needs them. For example, you won\u2019t have to grant WhatsApp access to your mic until you decide to use the speech function.<\/p>\n
Seeing as a lot of apps want to know everything from your mum\u2019s name to the first person you kissed, M\u2019s new permissions scheme is a positive step that will give you more control over what app creators can see and do.<\/p>\n
\n
Fingerprint support<\/b><\/h3>\n
Yeah, yeah, Apple\u2019s had fingerprint scanning for ages but at least Google has finally caught on. M will allow users with fingerprint scanners to unlock their phone and make purchases. Not many Android devices have fingerprint scanners at the moment, but that\u2019s almost certain to change over the next couple of years.<\/p>\n
\n
Android Pay<\/b><\/h3>\n
It\u2019s like Apple Pay but…well, on Android.<\/p>\n
Google actually launched their mobile payment system way back in 2010 but a lack of engagement has led to a relaunch. It\u2019s US only at the moment, but it should make the leap across the pond soon – especially as Apple are launching their own UK mobile payment system in the UK in September.<\/p>\n
\n
Doze mode<\/b><\/h3>\n
Using motion sensors, your Android will be able to realise when you\u2019re not interacting with it for long periods (i.e. if you\u2019ve fallen asleep while texting someone) and gradually reduce its processes to save your battery. Early tests suggest that this feature, combined with other optimisations, gives M 2.7x more standby time than Lollipop on a Nexus 5<\/a>.<\/p>\n Android M will also support USB Type-C, the fast-charging version of USB.<\/p>\n Android users are frequently faced with the \u201d\u02dcOpen With\u2019 screen, which offers a number of browsers and apps to open a link with. M is going to remove this step by opening an app automatically when you click on an obvious link (i.e. clicking a Twitter link will open the Twitter app).<\/p>\n All app data under 25MB will be backed up on Google Drive, meaning you can restore all of your previous settings and progress on apps you delete then reinstall. Best of all, none of this data will count towards your Drive storage limit!<\/p>\n We\u2019re fairly certain this design change will be the biggest debating point among Android users when it goes live. The horizontal scrolling app drawer is out, replaced with a vertical scroller organised in alphabetical order. Your most used apps will be listed at the top of the screen. You can also uninstall apps directly from the home screen, which is useful.<\/p>\n Personally, we think it looks pretty cool although it could well change by the time Android launches to the public.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve already covered Google Photos in last week\u2019s Surprisingly Easy App of the Week<\/a>, but we\u2019re fairly certain it\u2019ll play a massive part in the Android M ecosystem. Go and check it out, it\u2019s a great app!<\/p>\n Want to trade your Apple device for an Android? Sell your iPhone with musicMagpie<\/a>; just click the button below to get an instant price!<\/p>\n
\nNo more \u201d\u02dcOpen With!\u2019 (sorta)<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nAuto backup and restore for apps<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nThe vertical app drawer<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nPhotos<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n
![\"Phone](\"http:\/\/192.168.3.178\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/phone-button.png\")
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