Android M release date, features and what you need to know???

Android L isn’t even out yet, but Google’s attention is already turning to its successor. Details of Android M are sketchy so far, but it’s already a hot topic among Android developers.

What will Android M be named? © ANDROIDPIT

The next version of Android, Android L, is nearly here - but developers live in the future and they’re already interested in its successor, Android M. So far the information available is almost non-existent - there are a few comments on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) website and nothing else. However, as more information becomes available we’ll add it here.

Android 6.0 / Android M: release date

Android M will be the next major release of the Android operating system, but it is a long way off yet. With massive changes already underway in the Android L release, there will be several incremental updates of that version before Android M ever enters prime time.
Having said that, the life of Android KitKat was only around a year between Android Jelly Bean and the upcoming Android L update, so it is possible that we could see Android M in October or November 2015. However, we tend to think that KitKat was more of a gap-filler than Android L will be, so we may not see Android M until mid-2016.

OMG! OMG! OMG! Android M is almost here. Oh, wait... © AOSP

For an outline of the developer-specific Android M features, check the source link below. © AOSP

Also, since Google is on an annual release schedule for Android, Android 6.0 M looks like a shoo-in for Google I/O in 2015 and a release in the fall or early winter. As ever, some handsets - notably Google’s own Nexuses - will get it earlier than others.

Android 6.0 / Android M: price

As with every new Android release, Android 6.0 M will be free.

Expect 6.0 M to refine rather than replace Android 5.0 L's interface. / © AndroidPIT

Will Android 6.0 / Android M work on my phone or tablet?

Possibly not. As we saw with the KitKat release, Android can only go so far backwards with compatibility. With Android 5.0 L already taking advantage of 64-bit processors and large amounts of RAM we’d expect that some older, less powerful devices won’t be invited to the Android 6.0 M party - and of course some older devices that should work will be dependent on manufacturers and/or network operators making updates available, which isn’t always guaranteed. We won’t know which devices are supported until Google I/O.
Which devices will come with it pre-installed? Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy Note 5, Nexus 6 (2015), Moto X (3rd gen.), LG G4 - clearly we can play the name game as long as we want, but depending on the individual update promises of each manufacturer, any device released within the 12 months before Android M is made available should be in the line for the update.
Of course, some carriers and OEMs take longer than others, and soemtimes devices are ruthlessly cut for not having sufficient specs, but you never know, Android M might be the one OS to rule them all, with Google no longer allowing manufacturer skins at all.

Android 6.0 / Android M: design and interface

We’d expect Android 6.0 M to be the iOS 8 to Android 5.0 L’s iOS 7: the big changes in Android’s interface, the adoption of Material Design, have already happened. We’re not expecting Android 6.0 M to look much different: expect evolutionary change and refinement rather than a gee-whiz new look.

Android 6.0 / Android M: new features

By the time the Android M release arrives, 64-bit support in Android will be old hat and we'll be looking at new frontiers. The future crop of flagship devices will all have 64-bit chips and at least 4 GB of RAM, with many of the second-tier and even mid-range devices probably having those specs too.
We're already sure that Android L will focus on condolidating everything Android has brought us this far and make increased attempts at providing a more stable and quality-assured platform.
But what About Android M? On the broader front, the Smart Home will be an increasingly important feature of Android, with complete control over your connected devices at home and in the office via Nest and other third-party makers.

The Smart Home will be a huge part of Android's future. © Samsung Tomorrow

Android Auto and the Open Automotive Alliance will be increasing in visibility and we're pretty sure that accessing your vehicle via your smartphone will be a standard after-market add-on. Wearables will be in full bloom too, and should have matured into the necessity we've been waiting for, with increasingly less attention focused on the physical smartphone itself, which may be largely relegated to a battery pack lost in your bag somewhere.
We may even see some AI robots introduced on which Android M will be demoed... or perhaps I'm just getting a little carried away. Of course, I'm taking wild stabs in the dark here, but I'm pretty sure Android M will be all about bringing Android to as many new frontiers as possible: from your pocket, to your wrist, to your car and home to who knows what else.

Google will be spreading Android as far and wide as possible in Android M. © Chrome Android

Android M name

This one's purely for fun, so let's have with it: Android Milky Bar, Android Milky Way, Android Marshmallow, Android M&Ms, Android Mud Cake, Android Meh... I got nothin else. Hit the comments and give us your best bets!
What do you think of Android M? Is it too soon to start thinking about it, despite the rumors? Google has planned things way in advance, so it's worth taking a look way down in the future at what the next developments could be.