It’s been almost four months since Google made the Android 6.0 Marshmallow official. The new operating system launched with Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, and has rolled out for several other devices across the globe as well.
According to the latest numbers published by Google on the Android Developers page, the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow is now running on 1.2 percent of devices globally.
Adoption Rates and Challenges
The number has increased slightly, from 0.7 percent, but it’s still considerably low as not many devices are updated to the latest operating system. This slow adoption rate can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons is the fragmentation of the Android ecosystem. Unlike iOS, where Apple controls both the hardware and software, Android is used by a multitude of manufacturers, each with their own customizations and update schedules. This leads to delays in rolling out the latest updates to all devices.
Android KitKat continues to be the most popular operating system with 35.5 percent while Android Lollipop is running on 34.1 percent of devices. Jelly Bean is still running on over 20 percent of devices, while the good old Android Gingerbread and Ice Cream Sandwich are still running on quite a few devices. This fragmentation means that users are often left waiting for the latest features and security updates.
Manufacturer Updates and Future Prospects
Several key manufacturers are yet to release the Android 6.0 Marshmallow for their flagship devices, after which we may get to see an increase in its market share. The manufacturers have confirmed the release of the latest operating system, but the exact availability dates are not yet known. For instance, companies like Samsung, LG, and HTC have announced plans to update their flagship models, but the rollout process is often staggered and region-specific.
Moreover, the update process is not just about pushing the new OS to devices. Manufacturers often take this opportunity to include their own software enhancements and features, which requires additional testing and quality assurance. This further delays the availability of the update to end-users.
Another factor to consider is the carrier approval process. In many regions, especially in the United States, carriers have a significant say in when an update is released. They conduct their own testing to ensure network compatibility and performance, adding another layer of delay.
Benefits of Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Despite the slow adoption, Android 6.0 Marshmallow brings several significant improvements and features that make it a worthwhile upgrade. One of the standout features is Doze Mode, which significantly improves battery life by putting the device into a deep sleep state when not in use. This can lead to substantial battery savings, especially for users who don’t charge their devices overnight.
Another notable feature is App Permissions, which gives users more control over the data and features that apps can access. Instead of granting all permissions at the time of installation, users can now choose to grant or deny permissions as needed. This enhances both security and privacy.
Google Now on Tap is another innovative feature that provides contextual information based on the content currently displayed on the screen. By holding down the home button, users can get relevant information and actions without leaving the current app.
In conclusion, while the adoption rate of Android 6.0 Marshmallow is currently low, it is expected to increase as more manufacturers and carriers roll out the update to their devices. The new features and improvements make it a compelling upgrade, and users can look forward to enhanced performance, better battery life, and improved security. We’ll update you as soon as more information becomes available and the rollout process gains momentum.
Source: Android
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