Top 10 new features in Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+

Android marshmallow update for Galaxy S6 is a major update for Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. The new features in Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+ will add significant value to most owners.

This post will highlight top 10 new features in Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+. The detailed how-to guides for these new features will be available in individual Galaxy S6 How-to guides page, and Galaxy S6 Android Marshmallow update guide page (new!!)

1. Fingerprint as a backup security measure

In Lollipop, you can set lock screen security as fingerprint.

This means you can unlock the phone with your fingerprint at any times. If your fingerprint is not recognized, you can use the backup password, which is setup when you register fingerprint.

Some owners have problems with this arrangement: fingerprint is not recognized, and they don’t remember backup password. You can read all comments on this issue in this page.

One common cause of the issue is that owners tend to forget the backup password if it is not used for long time (although some may swear Galaxy S6 forgets it).

In Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6 (S6 edge and S6 edge+), Samsung made the following changes on using fingerprint to unlock the phone:

• Fingerprint cannot be a standalone security measure. You must set pattern/PIN/password as lock screen security before you can set fingerprint.
• If you reboot the phone, you must first use pattern/PIN/password to unlock the phone. You can use fingerprint for subsequent screen unlock.
• If you don’t use the phone for more than 24 hours, you must first use pattern/PIN/password to unlock the phone. You can use fingerprint for subsequent screen unlock.

Please refer to this guide on how to use fingerprint to unlock Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+ after Android Marshmallow update.

2.  Customizable lock screen

After applying Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+, you can now customize the two app shortcuts in the bottom of the lock screen.

By default, they are Phone app and Camera app in the left and right side respectively.

For example, you can use quick lunch to start Camera app even when the screen is off. So, it is probably not necessary to put camera app there.

If you want, you can specify any apps on the phone to be used. Please refer to this guide on how to customize app shortcuts in lock screen after Android Marshmallow update.

3.  New app permission control

Android Marshmallow introduced better permission control for all apps on the phone.  You now can have full control of app permissions.

You can turn off some permissions for some apps at any time.

Please refer to this guide on how to use app permission control after Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+.

4.  Dose mode

Dose mode is an under-the-hood feature in Android Marshmallow.

Apps that are not used for some time will be automatically changed to standby or dose mode  to save battery and reduce background data usage.

Now, Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+ all have this feature baked in.

There are no settings for Dose mode. It simply works.

5. Revamped quick settings panel

The quick settings panel in Galaxy S6 (all variants) is revamped:

• You can swipe down with 2 fingers to access all quick setting toggles, and enable/disable features immediately.
• You can enable/disable Quick connect in quick settings panel.

As the new quick settings panel in Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6 is identical to that in Galaxy S7, you may check this guide on how to use the new quick settings panel.

6. Scroll capture (smart capture)

When you want to take screenshot for webpages or apps whose contents cannot be fitted into one screen, you can use scroll capture (or smart capture) feature in Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+.

Scroll capture was first introduced in Galaxy Note 5.  Now, it is available in Galaxy S6 and S6 edge through Android Marshmallow update.

Please follow this guide on how to use scroll capture (smart capture) in Galaxy S6 after Marshmallow update.

7. New Google settings and Now on tap

After updating to Android Marshmallow, you may find the Google Settings app disappear.

As explained in this page, Google settings  entry is now inside Settings — Applications — Google Settings.

Now on Tap is probably one of the best new features in Android Marshmallow 6.0 that brings Google Now everywhere. You can get tailored information for the specific contents on the screen, and specially for you. You just tap and hold Home button to use Now on tap.

Please refer to this guide on how to use Now on Tap on Galaxy S6 after Android Marshmallow update.

8. Video collage and live broadcast camera modes

New camera modes introduced in Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S7 are now back ported to Galaxy S6.

So, in Galaxy S6 camera modes, you can now find the Video collage and Live broadcast after the Marshmallow update.

 9. Auto factory reset and Auto restart

In Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+, you can now enable auto factory reset.

The auto factory reset will erase the phone if you attempt to unlock the phone incorrectly for 15 times. This is to prevent others from guessing your password/PIN/pattern.

By default, auto factory reset is off. You can enable it in Settings—Lock screen and security — Secure lock settings— Auto factory reset. Use at your own risk!

Another new feature in Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+ is auto restart.

You can schedule the phone to automatically restart at specific time when the phone is not in use (and battery is 30% or more).  This is useful for heavy users who may want to reboot the phone every one or two weeks.

10.  More edge screen functions

For Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+, edge screen is now more functional after Android Marshmallow update:

• larger screen area for edge screen
• More edge panels
• More edge panel options

Please refer to this guide on how to use the new edge screen features on Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+.

What do you think about the new features in Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+? What are your favorite new features in Android Marshmallow update?

If you have any comments, questions or problems on new features in Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+, please let us know them in the comment box below.

The community will help you.

For other features of Galaxy S6, please check Galaxy S6 online manual page.

For detailed guides on how to use Samsung Galaxy S6, please check Galaxy S6 how-to guides page.

Please check Galaxy S6 Android Marshmallow update guide for more on new features in  Android Marshmallow update for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+.