The next version of the Android operating system, which Google unveiled earlier this year, is about to start rolling out to selected Nexus devices.

Revision 6.0 is known as Marshmallow, and the new release will also be available as part of the Android Open Source Project.

Billion-plus users

Google has announced that its Android OS now has 1.4 billion 30-day active users, so the update is sure to have a significant impact for the wider digital industry.

New apps will be able to make use of the latest features, and Google is pushing developers to make themselves aware of the new opportunities that Marshmallow has to offer.

Android VP of Engineering Dave Burke had this advice for content producers: “Take some time to make sure your apps and games are ready to give your users the best mobile experience on these devices.”

Burke explained: “Nexus 5X has a quantized density of 420 dpi, which falls in between the xhdpi and xxhdpi primary density buckets. Nexus 6P has a density of 560 dpi, which falls in between the xxhdpi and xxxhdpi buckets. The platform will scale down any assets from a higher resolution bucket, but if those aren’t available, then it will scale up the assets from a lower-density bucket.”

Google Play

Burke also pointed out that designers need to make sure they aren’t filtered on Google Play, and testing and updating schedules should take into account the impending nature of the roll-out.

“For best appearance in the launcher, we recommend that you provide at least an xxxhdpi app icon because devices can display large app icons on the launcher,” Burke said.

“For the rest of your assets, you can consider using vector assets or optionally add versions for the next-higher density bucket. This provides a sharper visual experience, but does increase apk size, so you should make an appropriate decision for your app,” he advised.