Google has been under public scrutiny in the last month due to their name and logo change. In a way, Google is growing up, which means their products should mature as well. Android 6.0 Marshmallow brings to Android devices the new style of Google, with some Android familiarity. As with Google, Marshmallow has been re-branded as well. The font of the brand is grown up and less childish, but with some playfulness compared to the old Roboto. Nevertheless, Marshmallow has brought some fresh and new things to the table.
Upon opening up the home screen, the user is greeted with Google’s new logo and the colorful “G” to access Marshmallow’s new premier feature: with one tap, the device will listen for the command of the user, and is at the ready to execute the command. The device and all of its contents may technically be Android, but using it feels like Google has taken control.
Marshmallow also features “Now on Tap.” This feature is activated by holding down a finger on the home button when an app is open. The device will skim through the contents of what is on the screen, and provide useful information in seconds. This feature also gives users access to plenty of sources and other apps for everyday things such as movie-going, sports games, or even going to a restaurant. For now, the “Now on Tap” feature is a bit daft when it comes to knowledge of the user. In its current state, users have reported that the device will not remember popular contacts they talk to frequently. This can be frustrating to some users who are used to devices such as iPhones, or even web browsers, which pick up on the trends of the user to improve convenience gradually through use.
Marshmallow’s home screen seems, thankfully, untouched. However, there are a few new features. Similar to iOS, apps can now be uninstalled straight from the home screen. The app logos also appear to have a more crisp and bright appearance. As for the app drawer, the apps are now displayed in a vertically scrolling list that is more convenient.
On the top row of the app drawer, there is an adaptive tool: depending on the user’s situation, the top row will display four app suggestions that it guesses the user will need to access. Current users have reported that the guesses are spot-on. For example, if a user was entering a subway the device will display map apps, music apps, or even game apps to ease the commute. For many students on campus, this may be a lifesaver, unless making long and awkward eye contact with a stranger on a train sounds appealing.
As for the increasingly popular security concerns, Google has yet to follow Apple’s example and prioritize security issues, such as malware spreading through app downloads. Android has resembled Google now more than ever with the features and overall feel of Marshmallow, and with the reliability of the OS. Thankfully, Google has a reputation of keeping up with their devices, and that doesn’t seem like it will change with Marshmallow. Overall, Google has brought a very pleasing product to the table that seems like it can satisfy a wider group of consumers while at the same time, please existing users even more.
