Android Marshmallow's eight killer features

Whether you want to call it Android M, or by its official name of Marshmallow, Google's latest mobile OS represents a significant step forward for the Android platform. As well as some great new features like the battery-saving Doze and more intelligent Google Now, Marshmallow also features a raft of small tweaks and refinements that make it even easier to use.

But what are they, what do they do, and why do they make make Marshmallow the best version of Android ever? Here are 8 killer features you'll find in Android Marshmallow.

1. Google Now

Google Now is also invading other applications, too. A new feature available on around 100 of the most popular apps, Now on Tap brings Google functionality to third party apps. If you're listening to a band on Spotify, you can say "Ok Google, who's the lead singer?” and the system will fetch the answer.

2. Clear permissions system

Instead, Marshmallow only asks for your permission when it needs to. So rather than configuring something like Snapchat when you first download it, Android will ask to use your phone's camera once, and only the first time you use it. If you change your mind, you can dive into settings at any time to tweak your app permissions.

3. Personalised lock screen message

4. Storage is easier to manage

Smartphones have more storage than ever, but they need it: We now use your handsets for everything from playing Angry Birds and Periscoping, to shooting 4K videos and downloading films: Even with removable storage available, we run out of space sometimes.

But, when that fateful moment arrives, Android Marshmallow makes it easier than ever to manage your memory. A simple, clean interface shows users how much memory they've used, and a breakdown of how they've used it - and that makes it even easier to know what to delete.

5. Smoother app experience

Another feature that doesn't sound spectacular, actually makes a huge difference to your Android experience. When clicking on app-specific links – like those for Twitter and Instagram – previous versions of Android would present the user with an "Open With" dialogue box. As well being ugly, this also made using Android a less than seamless experience. Thankfully Android Marshmallow is much more intelligent, and will know which app to open when you click on a specific link. That means if you click on a an Instagram link, the Instagram app will automatically open and display the content. Simple, but effective.

6. Doze

Interestingly, Doze will have control over all apps and other functions – unless otherwise stated – and that means Android users will benefit from improved battery life across the board.

7. Fingerprint scanners

In Marshmallow, fingerprint sensors can be used to login to apps like Evernote, or even buy things via in app purchases. Simply put, authentication will be easier across the Android experience.

8. New app drawer

Marshmallow uses a brand new layout for the app drawer, and it makes looking for applications a quicker, simpler process. Rather than scrolling sideways, users now have to scroll down vertically, and if you're too impatient, a search box at the top means you can find the app you're looking for by typing the first few letters.