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The latest Android update, also called Marshmallow or Android 6.0 , brings plenty of new features to the ever-growing family of phones and tablets that run Google’s mobile software. New goodies like Now on Tap, which delivers contextual information or features depending on what you’re doing, more choices for how you give apps permissions, and a redesigned app drawer.
Android 6.0 is already integrated on the new Nexus 6P , Nexus 5X and the HTC One A9. Of course, it will arrive on existing phones in the future, but when that happens is up to your handset’s manufacturer. Lucky owners of recent Nexus devices, like the Nexus 6 smartphone and the Nexus 7 tablet , will see the update in a matter of days, but for others you’ll be in line for a few weeks or even months.
Given the wait, it’s important to be ready for Marshmallow when it arrives. And because there’s always more to a software update than just new features, CNET has delved deep into the Google’s latest treat to show you just what it can do. Keep this page bookmarked as we’ll be adding new content over the next few weeks.
What you should know about Android 6.0
Here are the Android 6.0 Marshmallow features that matter : Android 6.0 Marshmallow is out now. This is everything you need to know about Google’s mobile operating system update.
When will your phone get Android Marshmallow?: Android 6.0 is here, but not every Android phone will get the update at the same time. Here’s what you need to know about upgrading.
6 reasons to get excited for Android 6.0 Marshmallow
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How to use Android 6.0
How to access Android 6.0 Marshmallow’s file manager: Ever need to access a random file on your Android device? Read this.
Where to view backed-up apps on Android Marshmallow 6.0: With not all apps having updated for Marshmallow yet, it’s a good idea to know just what’s getting backed up with Google’s new Auto Backup feature.
How to clear app caches and data in Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Learn how to free up space or revert apps back to their default settings on Android Marshmallow
How to customize the quick settings on Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Learn how to rearrange your quick setting tiles, or even remove the ones you’re not using.
Clear the default browser, phone, or SMS app on Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Regretting the selection you made for a default app? In 6.0, the steps to change this setting for the browser, phone dialer, and SMS app are not as straightforward as previous versions.
Stop specific apps from using Doze on Android 6.0 Marshmallow: The new Doze feature will help you save some battery life on your Android phone or tablet, but it might keep you from getting some of the alerts you want to receive.
Get the lockscreen dialer shortcut back on Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Want the dialer to be accessible from the lock screen? Here are the menus you’ll need to navigate to make it happen.
Play the Android 6.0 Marshmallow Easter egg game: Want more of last year’s Flappy Bird clone, but with Marshmallows? Google has delivered, and even added an extra feature for this version.
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Five settings to tweak in Android Marshmallow
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Help with your new Nexus
How to disable the camera shortcut on Nexus 5X, 6P: Not a fan of double-pressing the power button to launch the camera on your shiny new Nexus? It’s OK, you can turn it off.
How to enable the notification light on Nexus 5X, 6P: You may not even realize it, but the latest Nexus devices have an LED notification light.
How to setup the fingerprint scanner on Nexus 5X, 6P: Android 6.0 Marshmallow officially supports fingerprint sensors now, and Google’s latest crop of devices are the first to implement it. Here’s how to set up Nexus Imprint.
