Android 5 Lollipop is a thing of the past for Google. Android M on the other hand is the next big update!

On the 28th of May, that is less than 3 days from now, Google will host its annual I/O developer conference at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. Nerds from different plateaus of coding will fill the room, but if you’re one of the geeks that will, unfortunately, not be attending the conference, don’t fret. Articles regarding key updates, and features will be posted by the AFP team as soon as they are announced.

Most likely Google is going to unveil their new Android M update, Android Wear, Android TV, and Android Auto – who knows, maybe even Android panties!

Until we know for sure, let’s speculate and talk amongst ourselves!

Android M – does it stand for Marshmallow?

We all know how Google likes to name its software updates something based on pastry goods, or candy – Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, JellyBean, KitKat, and Lollipop; but what does the new M stand for? Muffin? Marshmallow? Madeleine? Mars isn’t out of discussion here either. Google formed an alliance with KitKat in order to use their name.

But what about the number? The logical thing would be Android M 5.2, but Google may wish to skip directly to Android M 6 – it’s not been unheard of.

By the way, have you noticed that Google likes to name its software in alphabetical order?

Android M Material Design

It’s unlikely that it’s going to change, and Android M is expected to build on top of Lollipop’s UI – it’s going to be an evolutionary update, like we’ve seen it happen a couple of times now, not a revolutionary one.

Expect to see new flat icons, shadows under objects, and sliding transitions – focus is shifting towards a minimalist design that will still keep the essence of Android. Google’s new update will focus more on enhancing existing features, rather than implementing new ones.

Security

Some time ago, the fingerprint scanner was released with a popular flagship phone, from a popular brand – it was really easy to use, and it didn’t pose as a frustrating problem like its earlier iterations did. We loved it – even my grandma loved how easy it was to unlock her phone.

It’s common sense that Android M will most likely release its own native version of a fingerprint scanner – this will allow developers to integrate in their apps the fingerprint scanners, without looking for a third-party, or building a new one themselves.

Fingerprint scanning is growing in popularity, and it’s the wisest of choices to support it – more so, people tend to love the fact that they can connect to every device they have using a universal fingerprint scanner.

Rumours have it that Android M will focus a little bit more on businesses, enterprises – this isn’t to say that Google will completely forget the average Joe.

Also, Google will add a feature that will allow the device’s owner to edit app permissions. Let’s say that you don’t want a certain app to look at your Google account info, or your photo gallery – just edit out its permission and the feeling of dread that the NSA, or whoever, watches over your personal info will be no more.

Android Pay

This isn’t a new mobile payment system; it’s going to be focused more on alleviating the stress that developers have. Android M Pay will give the ability that developers need – I’m talking about a safe, and easy integration of payment methods into their apps.

NFC will be its main communication medium, and support for biometrics will most likely come in future updates.

Support for Android Wear on iOS

Google’s software platform, Android Wear for wearables, has been improving constantly since its release. There’s a rumour, a huge one to be more specific, about Android Wear coming to iOS. It’s a little bit hard to believe, but we might see Google offering support for iPhones, and iPads at Google I/O. Come to think of it, we have seen Android Wear smartwatches paired with iOS devices – without any hacks involved whatsoever.

Google has been reported of saying that they are – ” close to finishing the final technical details”, that involves iOS support.

See, we will see two of the industry’s giants work together for the greater good of the consumer? Or is this a clever rouse to make money? I’ll go with option B.

Android M Release Date – When should we expect it?

I think it’s safe to say that we don’t need to hold our breaths for a release date being announced at the conference in 3 days. Sure, it will probably be available for download after the conference is over, but don’t expect a stable version – that’s going to take a couple of months of intensive tests.

Android 5.0 Lollipop was announced in June of 2014, and it rolled almost 5 months later. This isn’t to say that Android M will suffer from the same fate. Nexus and Google Play Edition devices will surely receive the software update first, then flagship smartphones and tablets from Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola, and Sony will be the next ones.

We predict that Android M, a stable version, will be available for the public some time this Autumn, even Winter – probably to pair it with the Nexus 2015 release.

Source: Image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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Roxanne Briean

I am a geek, a gamer and a writer. I have always been fascinated with the online community. At the moment I work as a full-time writer and study interior design. When I'm not scouring the net in search of interesting new gadgets and software I spend my time in MOBAs or drawing.