new features in marshmallow
Marshmallow is the latest version of the popular mobile operating system, Android. It was released in October 2015, and it brought many new features and improvements to the Android platform. In this article, we will take a closer look at these new features in Marshmallow, and how they enhance the user experience.
1. App Permissions
One of the most significant changes in Marshmallow is the introduction of a new app permission system. In previous versions of Android, when downloading an app, the user was presented with a list of permissions that the app requires. The user had to accept all the permissions or not download the app at all. With Marshmallow, the app permissions are more granular, and the user can choose which permissions to grant and which to deny. This gives users more control over their privacy and security.
2. Doze Mode
Doze Mode is another significant improvement in Marshmallow. It is a power-saving feature that helps extend the battery life of your device. When the device is not in use, Doze Mode puts it into a deep sleep state, which reduces background activity and conserves battery. This feature is especially useful for devices that have been idle for a long time, such as when you’re asleep or not using your phone.
3. Google Now on Tap
Google Now on Tap is a new feature that takes the functionality of Google Now to the next level. With a long press of the home button, Google Now on Tap provides contextual information based on what is on the screen. For example, if you are reading an article about a specific restaurant, Google Now on Tap will show you reviews, directions, and other relevant information about that restaurant. This feature makes it easier to get information without leaving the app you’re currently using.
4. Improved App Drawer
The app drawer in Marshmallow has received a significant makeover. It now displays your most frequently used apps at the top, making it easier to access them quickly. The app drawer also has a search bar at the top, making it easier to find specific apps. With the new vertical scrolling feature, you can quickly scroll through your list of apps without having to swipe multiple pages.
5. Fingerprint Scanner Support
Marshmallow now has native support for fingerprint scanners, which means that more devices can now take advantage of this security feature. With fingerprint scanner support, users can unlock their devices, make purchases, and authenticate within apps using their fingerprint. This feature adds an extra layer of security, and it’s more convenient than entering a password every time.
6. Improved Volume Controls
In previous versions of Android, adjusting the volume was a bit of a hassle. You had to press the volume buttons and then wait for the volume slider to appear. In Marshmallow, the volume controls have been revamped, and now you can adjust the volume of different aspects, such as media, alarms, and ringtones, separately. This feature makes it easier to customize the volume settings to your liking.
7. Adoptable Storage
With Marshmallow, Android devices now have the option to use external storage, such as an SD card, as internal storage. This feature is called Adoptable Storage, and it allows you to expand your device’s storage capacity without having to worry about running out of space for apps and other data. However, it’s worth noting that once you adopt external storage, it cannot be used with any other device unless it is formatted.
8. Improved App Backup and Restore
In previous versions of Android, backing up and restoring apps was a tedious process. With Marshmallow, this process has been simplified. Now, apps can be backed up to Google Drive, and when restoring a device, the apps can be automatically reinstalled. This feature is especially useful when switching to a new device or after a factory reset.
9. Direct Share
Direct Share is a new feature in Marshmallow that makes it easier to share content with your favorite contacts. With Direct Share, you can quickly share content with specific contacts, instead of having to scroll through a long list of apps to find the one you want to use. This feature saves time and makes sharing content more efficient.
10. App Standby
Another power-saving feature in Marshmallow is App Standby. This feature automatically puts apps into a low-power state when they have not been used for a while. This helps conserve battery life by reducing the background activity of apps that are not frequently used.
11. System UI Tuner
The System UI Tuner is a hidden feature in Marshmallow that gives users more control over the status bar and notification settings. With the System UI Tuner, you can customize which icons appear in the status bar, and you can also enable or disable heads-up notifications. This feature is helpful for users who want a more personalized experience on their device.
12. App Links
In Marshmallow, app links make it easier to open links directly in the relevant app instead of a browser. For example, if you receive a link to a YouTube video, clicking on it will open the YouTube app instead of the video playing in the browser. This feature makes it more seamless to switch between apps and provides a better user experience.
13. Improvements to Google Now
Google Now has received some improvements in Marshmallow, making it even more useful. Now, you can use voice commands to control certain aspects of your device, such as adjusting the volume, turning on the flashlight, and more. You can also use Google Now to set reminders and alarms, making it a handy personal assistant.
14. App Drawer and Folder Customization
In Marshmallow, you can now customize your app drawer and folders. You can change the layout of your app drawer from the default grid to a list or vice versa. You can also create folders within the app drawer, making it easier to organize your apps. This feature allows for a more personalized and organized home screen.
15. Google Now Launcher
The Google Now Launcher comes pre-installed on many Android devices, and it has received some updates in Marshmallow. Now, you can access Google Now by swiping right on the home screen, instead of having to long press the home button. The launcher also has a new feature called “Now on Tap,” which allows you to access Google Now from any screen by long-pressing the home button.
16. Flexible App Permissions
With Marshmallow, you have more control over app permissions. Not only can you choose which permissions to grant and which to deny, but you can also change these permissions at any time. For example, if you initially deny an app access to your contacts, but later decide you want to allow it, you can go into the app’s settings and change the permission. This feature gives users more flexibility and control over their privacy.
17. Improved RAM Management
Marshmallow has improved RAM management, which means that apps will run more smoothly and efficiently. This feature is especially useful for devices with lower RAM, as it helps prevent apps from crashing or slowing down due to lack of memory.
18. Data Backup
With Marshmallow, you can now back up your data to Google Drive. This includes your app data, call history, device settings, and more. This feature is useful when switching to a new device or after a factory reset, as it makes it easier to restore your data and settings.
19. App Drawer Search
In Marshmallow, you can now search for apps directly from the app drawer. This feature is handy when you have a lot of apps and can’t find the one you’re looking for. Simply type in the name of the app, and it will appear in the search results.
20. Dark Theme
Marshmallow has a hidden “dark theme” option, which turns the system UI and certain Google apps into a dark color scheme. This feature is useful for users who prefer a darker theme or want to reduce eye strain when using their device in low-light conditions.
In conclusion, Marshmallow brings many new and improved features to the Android platform, enhancing the user experience and making the operating system more efficient. From app permissions to power-saving features, Marshmallow has something for everyone. As more devices upgrade to this version of Android, users can look forward to a more personalized and seamless experience on their smartphones and tablets.
how to find out if someone has a snapchat
Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years. With over 293 million daily active users, it has become a go-to app for sharing photos and videos with friends and family. While many people enjoy using Snapchat for its fun filters and disappearing messages, others may wonder how they can find out if someone has a Snapchat account. In this article, we will explore various methods that can help you determine if someone has a Snapchat account.
1. Look for Snapchat App on Their Phone
The first and most obvious way to find out if someone has a Snapchat account is to check if they have the app installed on their phone. Snapchat is available for both Android and iOS devices, and it is free to download from the respective app stores. If you have access to the person’s phone, you can simply check their app drawer or home screen to see if the Snapchat app is present. However, keep in mind that they may have hidden the app in a folder or deleted it altogether.
2. Check Their Social Media Profiles
Another way to find out if someone has a Snapchat account is to check their other social media profiles. Many people link their Snapchat account to their Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook profiles. If you know the person’s username on these platforms, you can search for it and see if they have linked their Snapchat account. However, keep in mind that not everyone links their Snapchat to their other social media accounts, so this method may not always be successful.
3. Ask Them Directly
If you are comfortable, you can simply ask the person if they have a Snapchat account. This method is the most straightforward and can provide you with a definite answer. However, keep in mind that not everyone is willing to share their social media accounts with others, especially if they are not close friends or family. So, if the person declines to share their Snapchat username with you, respect their decision and do not push them to reveal it.
4. Use a Snapchat Username Search
There are several websites and online tools that allow you to search for a person’s Snapchat username. These platforms work by collecting public information from Snapchat profiles and compiling them into a searchable database. All you need to do is enter the person’s name, and the search engine will provide you with a list of possible matches. However, be mindful that these platforms may not be entirely accurate, and the person’s profile may not show up if they have set their account to private.
5. Look for Their Snapcode
Snapcodes are unique QR codes that users can scan to quickly add someone on Snapchat. If you have access to the person’s phone, you can open their Snapchat app and click on the ghost icon at the top of the screen. This will open their Snapcode, which you can scan with your phone’s camera to add them on Snapchat. If the person has their Snapcode shared on their social media profiles or website, you can also scan it from there.
6. Use a Reverse Phone Lookup
If you have the person’s phone number, you can use a reverse phone lookup service to see if they have a Snapchat account linked to that number. These services work by searching through public databases and social media platforms to provide you with information associated with the phone number. However, keep in mind that not everyone links their phone number to their Snapchat account, so this method may not always work.
7. Search for Their Email Address
Snapchat allows users to sign up using their email address, and many people choose to do so instead of using their phone number. If you have the person’s email address, you can use it to search for their Snapchat account. You can try searching for their email address on Snapchat’s search bar or use a reverse email lookup service. Keep in mind that this method may not always be successful as not everyone links their email address to their Snapchat account.
8. Look for Their Bitmoji
A Bitmoji is a personalized avatar that users can create on Snapchat and use as their profile picture. If you know the person’s username, you can simply search for it on Snapchat and see if their Bitmoji appears. However, keep in mind that not everyone uses a Bitmoji as their profile picture, so this method may not always work.
9. Check Their Story Views
If you are friends with the person on Snapchat, you can check their story views to see if they have an active account. When someone posts a story on Snapchat, their friends can view it for 24 hours. If you see the person’s name in your story views, it means they have an active account. However, keep in mind that they may have set their account to private, and you may not be able to see their stories unless they add you back.
10. Search for Their Username on Snap Map
Snap Map is a feature on Snapchat that allows users to see their friends’ locations on a map. If you know the person’s username, you can search for it on Snap Map and see if they have an active account. However, keep in mind that not everyone enables Snap Map on their account, and you may not be able to see their location.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, it has become easier than ever to find out if someone has a Snapchat account. With various methods available, you can quickly determine if someone is using the popular social media app. However, keep in mind that some of these methods may not always be accurate, and it is important to respect the person’s privacy if they decline to share their Snapchat username with you.