Android M is 5.2 Version, Not 6.0? News, Release Date & Rumors Here!

There are talks that Google might release Android M with version number 5.2, instead of the previously rumored 6.0. The smaller jump can mean a number of things for the update.

In software development, a new version number generally shows the size or significance of the update. This means that when the Android M was initially believed to make the jump from version number 5.1.1 to 6.0, users expected that there would be many huge changes that will arrive with it. However, there are rumors that Google might move up from Android M version 5.1 to 5.2 only.

Android Police presented a new screenshot from an exclusive Android M feature referred to as “demo mode”. In the second version of the Android M Developer Preview, the “System UI tuner”, a new entry in the options menu, appeared. When users open the System UI tuner, they will find the “demo mode” option.

When the new feature is enabled, the status bar will clear all notifications, including incoming ones, although these may still be temporarily present as heads-up notifications. It also makes the user interface presentable for photos and simulates a full battery, full bars for Wi-Fi and cellular data, if applicable. The clock in particular shows 5:20, suggesting that the version is Android 5.2. Previously, all official Google press images for Nexus phones feature the present version of Android on the clock such as 4:40 for Android 4.4. Demo mode is only available with the newest Android M build.

Android Police added that user notifications will still be accessible, similar to true time and battery level. They only have to open the notification bar to find messages that were not dismissed yet. Demo mode is also ideal for developers who intend to take videos or screenshots for the Play Store and device bloggers who plan to grab more attention through the screenshots. There is no convenient method to disable demo mode and return to normal display mode at the moment. Users have to return to the System UI tuner and disable the mode manually.

iDigital Times reported that the jump from Android 4.4 to Android 5.0 featured big changes to the operating system. Key features like updates to notifications functions, the Material Design interface, security, performance, device sharing and many more were introduced. A smaller version number update to Android M will most likely be less comprehensive. Google announced Android M in May 2015, although users are still speculating what “M” will mean. Following other names before it, Android M will most likely be called after a candy or sweet treat.