Many users are still waiting for Android Marshmallow to be released for their own devices, and many others don’t even know when might that happen. Motorola was quite fast to release this version of the Android operating system for some of their recently released smartphones. Back in October, when the final build for Marshmallow got released, the company communicated that they would be updating the second-generation Moto G in the future to Android 6.0. This device was released in September 2014, but it is still quite capable, as it shares many specs with the newer Moto G that got released last year. Today, Motorola’s website has been updated to let users know that Android 6.0 is now available for the second-generation Moto G in the U.S.
Some of the changes users will notice after updating their smartphone include a new App Standby to reduce battery consumption from some apps that are rarely used. There’s a new App Permission system, so apps will ask users to enable certain permissions once a certain feature requires them. Users can choose how to open web links with the new App Links feature. Unlike some devices from other manufacturers, the second-generation Moto G will be able to use microSD cards as expandable storage, so they get treated as part of the internal storage. Do Not Disturb mode has been improved, as well as the volume controls. Google Now On Tap provides contextual information of whatever is displayed on the screen, and the new Direct Share feature makes it easier sharing things within apps.
Some native apps from Motorola won’t be available after updating to Android Marshmallow because their functionality is now considered redundant. For example, Moto Assist will be integrated into some special modes such as Sleeping and Meeting or Driving and Home, Motorola Migrate has some alternatives at the Google Play Store and Motorola Alert will be removed, but those who want to keep using it may download it from the Google Play Store. As usual, users will receive a notification letting them known that the update is ready to download. They can manually check for the update by going into the Settings menu, then select About Phone and tap System Update.