Android 6.0 Marshmallow Update Release Date: 'Google Now' Launcher Mod Brings the Marshmallow Experience To ALL Android Devices

By Jomar Endriga
8862884
Someone has just created a Google Now Launcher mod that promises to give users a little taste of the upcoming Android 6.0 Marshmallow.  Google

Earlier this week, the Big G surprised everyone by displaying a certain green robot holding a spongy, sweet treat outside its Mountain View, California headquarters. Just like that, Android fans all over the world finally came to know that Google's upcoming Android M software will be called "Android 6.0 Marshmallow."

However, the tech behemoth is not ready to spread the goods yet. It has just released a third Android 6.0 developer preview so developers can test it out on the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, and Nexus 9. That is also the final preview so the next release will have to be the actual Android Marshmallow OS intended for all users. But then, it would most likely take months before manufacturers and carriers send it out to their users or subscribers.

For those who can't bear the long wait, here is some good news. One resourceful developer took to Reddit to share a Google Now Launcher file modified to deliver design elements found on the soon-to-be released firmware.

With this launcher, non-Nexus owners may now enjoy, to some extent, what Marshmallow has to offer. The dev labelled the APK installer as version "1.2.large" and apparently made it out of the Android M preview that Google has just distributed.

Meanwhile, we have to warn those who would like to install it that it will not deliver new features to their devices. It does not have the vertically arranged app drawer or the "Google Now On Tap" feature that the company has promised to come with Android 6.0.

Understandably, those perks will only arrive once Marshmallow is ready for public consumption. But for Android users who only want their devices to experience the unadulterated aesthetics of Android M, then they're free to try this out.

As this Marshmallow-inspired Google Now Launcher comes from a preview version, we should also expect that there will be inevitable bugs and small glitches. If that is a problem, especially for users who only have one handset, then they might want to think this through before installing the launcher.

Otherwise, for those who can live with a little bug here and there, the Google Now Launcher Marshmallow mod can now be downloaded from this Reddit source link. The file is less than 15MB and is compatible with models running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and above-which are practically all Android devices currently in use, except for those whose units are three years old or so.

Furthermore, it can be only be installed once users change some settings beforehand. The default Android setting does not allow the installation of apps outside the Play Store, so they should head to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources and enable the option to install apps from third-party sources. 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo