Google's next Android OS is Marshmallow

Google's new version 6.0 of its Android mobile operating system has officially been named Marshmallow, the company announced today.

Image credit @tojiro

A final preview of the OS aimed at developers was released today, along with the official Android 6.0 software development kit (SDK).

The software had previously been referred to by its codename Android M, following its unveiling in May. The 'Marshmallow' moniker follows Google's lolly naming convention for Android versions - the most recent version is Lollipop and its predecessor was KitKat.

Marshmallow will include new features like Android Pay for mobile payments, the Now On Tap for the Google Now digital assistant (which allows users to access the feature by holding down the home button), and also the Doze extended power saving mode.

Android Marshmallow offers a new permissions model to streamline the process of installing and updating apps. It allows applications to request permissions as needed rather than users needing to grant any when installing or upgrading certain apps.

Goggle mobile OS update also includes the new FingerprintManager for applications to authenticate users via fingerprint scans.

Android Marshmallow will launch to consumers towards the end of the year.

According to market analysts IDC, Android was used in 78 percent of smartphones shipped worldwide, with Samsung the dominant player in that segment in the first quarter of this year.

Rival Apple iOS took 18.3 percent of the smartphone market.