Google I/O Conference: Android M (Android 6.0) To Include Native Fingerprint Authentication: Report

The annual Google I/O developer conference has been scheduled for May 28 and 29 in San Francisco. The search giant is expected to unveil Android M (or Android 6.0), the next version of its operating system. However, just few days before the launch, a key feature of the upcoming OS version has been revealed.

Based on a report from Ars Technica, Android M will come with a native fingerprint authentication mechanism. Even though there are a slew of Android devices with embedded fingerprint scanners on their home buttons, the required software was developed by various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). On the other hand, if Google adds the native fingerprint authentication support, many OEMs will benefit and, in turn, many upcoming devices could happily flaunt the sensor.

Google was expected to feature a fingerprint sensor on its Nexus 6 smartphone, released in 2014. However, the decision was reportedly scrapped. But then, the next Nexus 2015 smartphone will be released in the second half of 2015. This means, in case Android M comes with the native fingerprint support, the next-generation Nexus 2015 will likely boast the feature, notes Phone Arena.

Key Features

Apart from the native fingerprint support, ARS Technica says, the Android M will reportedly come with better privacy packed with selectable app-specific permissions, enhanced Google Hangouts, Samsung-like multi-window and split screen support, improved glossary of voice commands and improvements to Google Calendar and app trials. To top it off, Google will be releasing Android Pay, which is the Apple Pay and Samsung Pay equivalent. This also means that the predecessor, Google Wallet, will be put to rest.

Possible Names

Similar to Android 5.0, which goes by the name Lollipop, the Android M (Android 6.0) is also expected to get a sweet or candy name. In chronological order, Google has reportedly opted for the following names thus far: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat and Lollipop, notes Android Pit.

Therefore, when it comes to Android M, rumors suggest that the upcoming OS version will be called Android Muffin. Plus, other possible competitors in this category include: Milky Bar, Milky Way, Mud Cake, Marshmallow, M&Ms and Mars. Meanwhile, Android Pit predicts Android Marshmallow as the possible OS name, as it sounds like a “dreamy, colorful, Candy Land-style name, in keeping with the Jelly Bean/Lollipop trend.”