Marshmallow and S’more - Updated

Updated on December 8, 2015 to add more devices.

We believe your phone should look and behave like you want it to. That means our approach to software is ‘less is more’, so you can focus on the choices that are right for you. In fact, we’ve made it a priority to avoid bloatware and skins, and focus on identifying and tackling areas where we can enable more meaningful exchanges between you and your phone, such as simple voice controls and notifications that you can interact with even when your phone is asleep.

This philosophy has enabled us to make what we think are the most personal and responsive phones in the world, built on a foundation of pure Android with a few Moto Enhancements to improve (not impede) overall functionality. 

The New Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS is Here

We think Android is one of the best phone ingredients out there, and there are some sweet enhancements with Marshmallow that we’re excited about. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Doze Mode -- This new feature monitors your phone and puts it into a deep sleep when it’s not being used, which can extend battery life substantially. 
• Now on Tap -- We love Google Now, and it’s improved in Android M. Simply long press the home button to bring up the Google Now feature and display information based on whatever you’re doing at the time.
• Android Pay -- Android M allows you to bring up Android Pay with a simple tap and easily make purchases without having to open a separate app.
• Direct Share -- Share your photos, news, links, etc. with your favorite contacts easily and quickly.
• Simpler volume controls -- A more intuitive way to control ringtone and media volume.

Changes to Moto Enhancements

The release of a new Android version is a great time to take a fresh look at our signature Moto Enhancements to ensure we’re complementing Android (not competing with it). Android 6.0 Marshmallow includes some great new features similar to things we’ve developed in the past. For example, you’ll find an option for ‘Do not disturb’ under the ‘Sound and notification’ settings to make sure you’re not interrupted during meetings or while sleeping. That’s similar to Moto Assist, so we’re removing Moto Assist as part of the upgrade to M.

Android M also enhances support for backing up user data. These improvements duplicate most of what Motorola Migrate provides. Consequently, we’ll retire Motorola Migrate and no longer preload it going forward. We will also retire the Google Chrome extension found in Motorola Connect. Since we created Motorola Connect, several similar services have shown up on Google Play and many consumers have moved from SMS to other over-the-top messaging services. Both of these products were valuable in their time but the world has moved on and they no longer add enough value to justify taking up space in your device. For more information about where to find a few of these common features within Android M or alternative apps other consumers use, check out our support forum.

Upgrades

Now, we know the question that’s on everyone’s minds. Right now we have plans to upgrade the following Motorola devices¹. Things may change, so please refer to our software upgrade page for the latest, and specifics by country:

• 2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
• 2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
• 2015 Moto X Play
• 2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
• 2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
• 2014 Moto X in Latin America, Canada, Europe and Asia² (2nd gen)
• 2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE² (2nd gen)
• DROID Turbo
• 2014 Moto MAXX
• 2014 Moto Turbo
• Nexus 6
• Moto X Force
• DROID Turbo 2
• DROID Maxx 2
• 2015 Moto E with 4G LTE in Latin America, Canada, Europe and Asia² (2nd Gen)
• 2015 Moto G Turbo Edition (3rd Gen)

As for timing, we have high standards, so we’ll work fast but we won’t push the upgrades out until we know they’re ready. Look for more news on timing in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for more details on upgrades for specific devices.

- Bjorn Kilburn

VP, Software Product Management

¹All upgrades are subject to carrier support and approval, and the phone being able to support the upgrade.
² Excluding China.