After a very long weekend travelling back to home from I/O, I was finally able to get the Android M developer preview onto the Nexus 6. We actually left w/ a Nexus 9 running the new preview. After spending some time w/ both devices, we’re ready to show off our findings for it.
Android M is slowly changing some of the core functions/features of the platform.
- Lockscreen now has a new font and the Phone icon has been replaced w/ a Google Voice Search shortcut.
- The app drawer is new and many of you may not like it. Its now alphabetized w/ recent apps up top and now scrolls vertical. To better maneuver through it, it has a built-in search.
- The widgets are now vertical as well and a bigger.
- Notifications now has a Do Not Disturb w/ complete volume control. The system volume control is no longer hidden within the Settings. You can access the full volume of alerts, media, & alarms from anywhere. Notifications on the Nexus 9 can be pulled down from anywhere. Instead of just at the center.
- Android Pay & Now On Tap are both MIA. Now On Tap just has a Google card place holder.
- Permissions are within the app within Settings. It is pretty impressive as you can now see what what kind of effect the app has on your battery as well.
- Within the Developer Settings, there is System UI Tuner allows you to change the Quick Settings if you don’t mind messing things up.
Remember, this is an early build. As we expect a few more updates to the Android M preview before its official launch sometime later this fall. We will update you all on the new changes/findings that come w/ them. Let us know if you have it and find more stuff than we did.
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