Earlier this month, Google has finally unveiled the next version of its popular Android mobile operating system. Android 6.0, dubbed as Android Marshmallow, is now available to be tested on a handful of Nexus models including Nexus 5, Nexus 6, and Nexus 9.
Traditionally, the tech giant releases fresh Android versions to it co-branded Nexus devices. For this year, Android 6.0 is predicted to arrive first on the next-gen Nexus 5 and 6 models which will be manufactured by LG and Huawei, respectively.
Given that Google has already released the final developer preview of the software, it will not take long before the company send out the official consumer version. After rolling it out to the Nexus range, Google will subsequently release it to previous OEM (original equipment manufacturer) partners such as Motorola, Samsung, Sony, LG, Asus, and HTC.
Motorola, once owned by Google, has a fairly solid reputation of sending out new Android firmware shortly after Google made the source code available. This is mainly due to Motorola's practice of not including substantial additions to the software, unlike what other manufacturers have been doing.
This year, Motorola added several new devices to its increasing smartphone portfolio. Back in July, the company unveiled two flagship models, the Moto X Pure Edition and Moto X Play. Since they are among its newest devices, they will definitely be included in the Android 6.0 update roster along with the previous Moto X 2014 (second-gen).
Recent budget models such as the Moto G 2015 and the new Moto E are also on track to be treated with an Android M update, but they will likely receive it shortly after the flagship devices have been upgraded.
The Moto X Pure Edition, known as Moto X Style outside the US, will become available next month for $400 off-contract. It is a powerful handset with a six-core Snapdragon 808 chipset, 3GB RAM, and large 5.7-inch screen. A 21MP primary camera is fitted along with a 3,000mAh battery and 64GB built-in storage.
On the other hand, the Moto X Play is the smaller, more affordable model with 5.5-inch display, 1.6GHz octa-core Snapdragon 615 processor, 2GB RAM, and a similar 21MP main camera. Motorola opted to furnish it with a larger 630mAh battery. However, it is only available outside the US, mainly in Canada, Europe, and Latin America.
Both Moto X Play and Moto X Pure Edition runs the current Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS. Meanwhile, the slightly older Moto X 2014 was powered by Android 4.4.4 KitKat when it first arrived but is now upgradable to Android 5.1. All three devices are expected to receive the much awaited Android 6.0 Marshmallow update during the last quarter of 2015.
