Whenever Google provides a new Android update, it\u2019s usually the case that tech reviewers get stars in their eyes about new features and functionality. Android Marshmallow is bringing some new features to Android that are sure to make many users happy, but there\u2019s always a political component. There are things going on behind the scenes to make Android Marshmallow a success. We don\u2019t always get a glimpse into those political, out-of-sight factors, but Marshmallow has introduced them to us and made them more transparent.<\/p>\n
Among the new requirements for Android Marshmallow is detailed battery usage and a general sense of transparency about battery drain, that devices \u201cMUST be able to track hardware component power usage\u201d and provide battery stats for individual apps (how much Facebook drains on your Samsung Galaxy S6, for example). Some Android OEMs such as Sony and Samsung have effective battery-saving modes and optimizations that allow you to conserve your battery well, but some Android OEMs (such as LG) don\u2019t. LG hasn\u2019t been the best at battery longevity on its devices, and Apple was once in the same boat \u2013 until this year\u2019s iPhone 6s Plus. With Google\u2019s new Doze Mode in Marshmallow, it appears as though Google\u2019s transparency in battery stats on its own Nexus devices is something the search engine giant wants copied across the board for all of Android as a whole.<\/p>\n
In days past, Android has become rejected by some iPhone users because of this very problem. For example, usually, when looking at battery stats in, say, Android Lollipop, you\u2019d notice the words \u201cAndroid System\u201d with a percent number beside it \u2013 with few details. In one critique of Android I read a few months ago, a reviewer pointed out that this \u201cAndroid System\u201d battery drain (with few additional details) is one of the reasons why he left Android for iOS for the first time. He just became too frustrated with seeing his battery run out after a few hours.<\/p>\n
Of course, lots of social media notifications, camera use, video playback and heavy gaming could all be the culprit of battery drain apart from battery stats, but it\u2019s nice to see Google require something positive in Android Marshmallow. Even in 2015, honesty is still the best policy.<\/p>\n