Google Confirms Android 'Marshmallow': See The Colorful New Boot Animation

Google has taken the wraps off the next version of Android. Version 6.0 will be known as Marshmallow, keeping with the company’s tradition of naming Android versions after sweet treats. To accompany the launch, Google took the wraps off an Android Marshmallow-themed statue on the company campus.

The third and final developer preview was also released Monday, and with it, Google unveiled a brand new boot animation. Aiman Farooq, social media channel lead at Adobe, tweeted an animation of the new boot screen as it appears in the current preview. This may change between now and final launch.

Marshmallow will be version 6.0 of Android, following the last version Lollipop, which introduced the new Material Design interface. Marshmallow introduces a new permissions framework that allows users to allow or deny individual permission requests, alongside native USB-C and fingerprint scanner support and a range of other features.

The update focuses on quality improvements. There will be no major redesigns or radical surprises. Rather, the update focuses on underlying changes that improve the day-to-day functionality of the device. It is tentatively scheduled to be released in September.

Different manufacturers will have different upgrade schedules, and there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding which specific devices will be receiving the update. HTC has confirmed that the M9 and M9+ will receive Marshmallow, with senior global online communications manager Jeff Gordon confirming on Twitter that more devices will be announced at a later date. Samsung has yet to confirm details, but the newly announced Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge Plus will likely receive the update.