Samsung has always been slow when it comes to bringing minor Android version bumps to its smartphones and tablets, but it looks like the company is doing things a little better with the Android 6.0 beta that it released for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. Both devices are getting an update that brings them up to Android 6.0.1 and includes a slew of changes and new features.
Since this is beta software, the changelog is unsurprisingly rather large. The update includes additional quick settings toggles for Private Mode in the status bar, new emoji, and improved visibility of notification panel icons. Samsung is also changing the way vibration works when the device is locked with a fingerprint – users will now only get vibration feedback if their fingerprint is not recognized. With 6.0.1, the phone also has a new ‘Install overnight' option that will install an update at night between 2 to 5 AM. Furthermore, after the phone restarts once the update is installed, it now shows a full-screen image for the part where it optimizes apps upon first boot.
There's also an entirely new interface for the Edge screen settings. Users will now find an ‘Edge panels' option in the settings, with an easier and more intuitive way of enabling and disabling Edge screen panels (for example, you can simply tick or untick a panel instead of going into each panel's settings and using the on/off switch). You can also set the Edge panel's transparency and size, and download new ones online. There's a new Tasks edge panel that lets you set shortcuts to functionality inside apps, such as composing a new message, adding a new contact, or composing an email, and more. You can even add profiles for various settings based on your location, such as putting the phone in power saving mode when you're at work, muting all sounds, and quite a lot more.
Android 6.0.1 brings quite a lot to the table, especially the Edge functionality that has been sorely lacking on Samsung's Edge smartphones after the Note Edge. This hasn't brought us any closer to knowing when the official update will roll out, but if you are using the beta, go grab the 6.0.1 update. If you haven't gotten a notification yet, head into the Settings » About device » Software update menu.
