Android 6.0 brings new browser with fingerprint login and more to Samsung devices

Samsung Internet 4.0 in Marshmallow. Photo: Samsung

Samsung Internet 4.0 in Marshmallow. Photo: Samsung

Samsung’s new Marshmallow upgrade includes a number of new features that aren’t immediately obvious after upgrading, so the company has highlighted them on its website.

They include a new web browser with fingerprint web login and improvements for Gear VR, “Cross App” split-screen mode for selected apps, and more.

Samsung began rolling out its Android 6.0 update to Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge handsets around the world earlier this week, but the handset it uses to highlight these features is a Galaxy Note 5, which is expected to get the upgrade next.

One of the biggest additions Samsung highlights is the new Samsung Internet 4.0 browser, which now comes with a Secret Mode that lets you browse the web “without leaving behind a trail of information.” In Secret Mode, there is no browsing history, no cookies, and no auto-fill.

Secret Mode also works with fingerprint authentication, so only the handset’s user can access sensitive data. Samsung also lets you use your fingerprint to login to your favorite websites, rather than allowing your saved usernames and passwords to be used by anyone.

Samsung Internet 4.0 has been improved for Gear VR, making it easier to enjoy virtual reality videos online. Users can sync their bookmarks and video history between their smartphone and Gear VR, so if you have multiple Galaxy devices, you can access your sites on any of them.

Finally, Samsung has introduced a new Cross App feature, which lets you use certain appsĀ insideĀ other apps. For instance, inside compatible messaging apps, you can access your photo gallery and snap new pictures without jumping into other apps.

Cross App in Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Photo: Samsung

Cross App in Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Photo: Samsung

“Users can also open a URL from inside the chat program using the in-app browser, and use the web at full speed, without slowing down,” Samsung adds. “Even while the page is loading, a flick of the screen can minimize the website, so users can continue chatting.”

All of these things join Google Now on Tap, Doze, the new app permissions system, and lots more in Samsung’s Android 6.0 Marshmallow update. If you haven’t already received it on your Galaxy S6 or S6 edge yet, you’ll get it in the coming weeks.

Samsung has promised it will also be available on more handsets soon.