Shortly after revealing the official name of Android 6.0 Marshmallow on Monday, Google released the final preview version of the software along with the Android 6.0 SDK. Developers will now be able to begin publishing apps on Google Play that take advantage of the new API level 23 included in the latest version of Android.
But if you’re not a developer, you’re probably far more interested in just getting your hands on the update.
FROM EARLIER: We now know what Android M’s full name is
A few things worth noting before you rush to the nearest computer:
- Preview images of Android software aren’t intended for consumer use
- You’ll have to manually re-flash your device when the consumer version rolls out this fall if you want to receive OTA updates
Understood? Ok, let’s move on to the instructions:
First of all, you’ll need a compatible device: a Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 or Nexus Player. Next, you’ll need to head over to the Android developer preview site and download the system image that aligns with your hardware. There’s one for each of the Nexus devices listed above, so be sure to choose the right one.
Once you have the file on your computer, follow the instructions on this Google Developers page on how to correctly flash an image onto your device. If you’re uncomfortable with any of these steps, keep in mind that the update will (eventually, probably) reach your Android device the normal way, so don’t feel pressured.
Here are the update notes for the final preview version of Marshmallow:
- Android Platform Change:
- Final Permissions User Interface — we updated the permissions user interface and enhanced some of the permissions behavior.
- API Change:
- Updates to the Fingerprint API — which enables better error reporting, better fingerprint enrollment experience, plus enumeration support for greater reliability.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow will officially release to the public this fall.
