Sony rolls out their OTA beta test concept Marshmallow into all Xperia Z3+, Z4, and Xperia 3 Compact mobile phones and is expected to affect around 100,000 Sony Xperia users. The beta testing, however, is offered only to select European countries, to wit: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany.
In a report made by GSM Arena, Sony Corporation announced that the beta testing of their Concept for Android will be made on a per invitation scheme. This means that the select European countries (beta testers) should check-in with Sony's "Concept Sign-up" app in order to participate.
The Sony-initiated move will be on a "first-come, first-serve" basis and as such, select beta tester European countries have to act swiftly before the Concept Marshmallow is all gone, GSM Arena further stated.
Moving along with Concept Marshmallow, Sony Xperia series of mobile phones will be receiving official Android 6.0 Marshmallow early 2016. This, however, will only take place after beta testing of Android 6.0 has been done by developers involved with Sony AOSP.
Neuro Gadget revealed that Sony made available the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Android 6.0 Marshmallow configuration and binary files for the latter's respective devices specifically the Xperia. Neuro Gadget also stated that developers are enjoined to participate with this activity to run the concept software on compatible handsets.
And lastly, the Sony Z1 series will not be receiving the Android 6.0 Marshmallow upgrade. The two-year-old handset has yet to prove its relevance to the new Android OS, according to James Peckham of Tech Radar. Citing Apple and iOS supporting older iPhone models, Peckham reported that this move taken by Sony is a little bit harsh.
Sony Xperia users have to be patient, though, with the roll out of Android 6.0 Marshmallow into their handsets since the company is also busy placing its own Xperia UI on top of the new Android OS, Peckham added.
The beta testing of Sony Concept for Android 6.0 Marshmallow update signifies the company's commitment in servicing other Xperia users from the other side of the world. With this move by Sony, not only did they add another dimension to their aging Xperia series handsets but also prove that they can make "non-significant" units relevant again.
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