Earlier this month, Google finally revealed that Android M is called Android Marshmallow. The new software will be the version 6.0 of its mobile operating system (OS) once it hit consumer-level roll out.
The third and final Android M preview has also been released to developers so they can test it on recent Nexus models. Seasoned Android users have come to know that the search giant always send out the latest OS version to its own line of Nexus handsets.
An Android 6.0 Marshmallow software development kit (SDK) is already available to the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 smartphones, Nexus 9 tablet, and the Nexus Player for Android TV. This kit includes tools, system images and library files that are used to test applications and software elements to ensure that the release of Android 6.0 to more devices will be a smooth one.
Following these tests, Google is expected to roll the firmware out to its co-branded devices. For this year, it will be the 2015 editions of the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 which are said to be manufactured by LG and Huawei, respectively.
Subsequently, Android 6.0 will be sent out to various flagships from other manufacturers. Device makers that are among the first to disseminate new OS versions include Samsung, Motorola, LG, Sony, HTC, and Asus.
In Motorola's case, the recent Android version will most likely be delivered to three of the latest members of its smartphone lineup; the second-generation Moto X (2014), Moto X Play, and Moto X Style. The latter is known as Moto X Pure Edition in the U.S.
The Moto X Pure Edition is an unlocked version of the Moto X Style coming stateside on September 3. It is a $400 flagship model powered by a six-core Snapdragon 808 chipset partnered with 3GB RAM. A large 5.7-inch screen is furnished along with a 21-megapixel rear camera and 3,000mAh battery.
Meanwhile, the Moto X Play is Motorola's new budget-friendly handset that features a 5.5-inch screen, octa-core Snapdragon 615 processor clocked at 1.6GHz, 2GB RAM, and a similar 21MP primary camera. However, the device maker decided to equip it with a larger 3,630mAh battery.
The X Play is previously known to be offered outside the United States. However, a Phandroid report suggests that it will indeed come to the U.S. a Verizon-exclusive smartphone called Motorola Droid Maxx 2.
Both 2015 models run Android 5.1.1 Lollipop out of the box. Being Motorola's latest premium devices, there is little doubt that they will be treated with an Android 6.0 Marshmallow upgrade.
On the other hand, the Android 5.1 roll out to the present Moto X 2014 flagship is currently in full swing. Motorola software product manager David Schuster confirmed last month that the version 5.1 upgrade is being distributed to the AT&T, Verizon, and off-contract versions of the second-gen Moto X. This is seen as a move to prepare the device for an impending Android 6.0 upgrade.
If previous trends are of any indication, the transition from Android 4.4 to Android 5.0 had been made by Motorola in a relatively quick fashion. As such, the Lenovo-owned company is expected to upgrade the Moto X 2014, Moto X Play and Pure Edition before the year ends.
