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Android 6.0: Get a taste of Marshmallow on any Android phone with Google’s updated Now launcher

Published Aug 19th, 2015 6:10PM EDT
Android Marshmallow Google Now Launcher
Image: Droid Life

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Google surprised Android fans earlier this week by finally confirming that the final name of Android M will be Marshmallow, but the company is not quite ready to roll out the finished build of Android 6.0 just yet. Instead, Google only released the third and last developer preview version of Marshmallow, which can be installed on any of the supported Nexus devices by anyone looking to try it out.

Other people looking to experience parts of Android 6.0 have a few options though, including the new official wallpapers, the new boot animation and now the new Google Now Launcher app.

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Before you get too excited about the new Google Now Launcher, especially if you’re using the launcher on a regular basis already, you should know that the developer preview version doesn’t come with that awesome Google Now on Tap feature built into it. Google Now on Tap should be available in the final Marshmallow release later this year, though.

According to Phone Arena, the Google Now Launcher version 1.2 doesn’t introduce any significant features either. The blog says that the launcher doesn’t feature the vertical app sorting layout on non-preview ROMs, but you can expect performance improvements and new wallpapers to choose from.

Assuming you want to give this Google Now Launcher a try for yourself and get a small taste of Marshmallow, you can download the APK from the Reddit source link below and install it manually on your device.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.