Google updated the Android 6.0 Marshmallow Compatibility Definition document (CDD) that shows device makers how to properly run the new software on their devices. Android M requires full-disk encryption and discourages modifications of its new power management feature called Doze.
The updated Compatibility Definition document for Android 6.0 Marshmallow basically tells what OEMs must do to get Android M properly running on their devices and maximize its features. According to a report by Venture Beat, the CDD has three important highlights: full-disk encryption, Doze modification, and fingerprint sensor requirements.
It is stated in the report that full-disk device encryption is mandatory in the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Google enabled this by default on Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 while devices running Android Lollipop were "strongly recommended" for encryption. The CDD recorded:
"For device implementations supporting full-disk encryption and with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) crypto performance above 50MiB/sec, the full-disk encryption MUST be enabled by default at the time the user has completed the out-of-box setup experience. If a device implementation is already launched on an earlier Android version with full-disk encryption disabled by default, such a device cannot meet the requirement through a system software update and thus MAY be exempted."
Another highlight noted in the CDD is that Doze mode cannot be modified. The power-saving feature makes the device enter sleep mode when it is unused. It also conserves power for frequently used apps by having seldom-used apps run on standby. Google does not allow modifications in Android 6.0 Marshmallow's battery management feature.
"All apps exempted from App Standby and/or Doze mode MUST be made visible to the end user. Further, the triggering, maintenance, wakeup algorithms and the use of Global system settings of these power-saving modes MUST not deviate from the Android Open Source Project."
Android Police reported that requirements for device makers to use fingerprint sensors were revealed in the CDD. The OEMs are required to follow the software and hardware guidelines in making use of the fingerprint scanning support's API.
Aside from a new power-managing system and fingerprint scanners, Android 6.0 Marshmallow will offer extra treats as per Gizmodo's report. Android M will feature a boosted Google Now on Tap, easier text selection, app permissions, and sharing to apps used often.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow is expected to hit other devices soon. The whole Android M CDD can be viewed online on Android's website.
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