Android 6.0 Marshmallow is in the air and every major Android smartphone manufacturer is trying to push out the update to its recent flagships quickly. Now every manufacturer has its own way of stylizing the Android UI. While Samsung likes to decorate things up, Motorola, on the other hand, leaves the stock UI as it is. Some companies, such as Sony, offer visual delights while still staying true to the stock experience.
Sony has introduced Marshmallow Concept software to beta testers for testing the OS on Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact. The company wants to tone down the amount of its own visuals as well as staying closer to the stock Android UI. The concept firmware enables Xperia owners to get involved in Sony software developments in order to provide a fast and stable software release for the public. It’s like Sony’s own version of beta testing.
People wrongly think that extra UI stuff causes Android smartphones to slow down, but nothing could be further from the truth simply because a stock Android phone is not shipped with a guarantee to have a smooth and speedy performance. The Moto X Play, on the other hand, has been reportedly getting stutters and bug issues, while the Concept firmware from Sony is becoming stable day after day.
The Android 6.0 Marshmallow Concept reportedly performs fluidly and increases battery life in conjunction with Marshmallow’s new Doze feature. The firmware looks much like Vanilla Android, including the contacts app, on-screen keys, phone dialer, notification share and the lock screen. There’s no Google Now Launcher, but it can be downloaded separately.
Meanwhile, the new launcher in the Concept Marshmallow firmware for the Xperia smartphones looks similar to stock Android but with subtle changes. There is support for theme pack, transition effects, grid-style menu, etc. The firmware does come with a few Sony apps like the Album, Camera app with AR effects, Music app, etc.
The participants of the Concept program have been providing feedback on the official Google+ group, and the reported bugs are being cleared out on this fast-moving software project. The Concept devices got updated to Android 6.0.1 just a few weeks after the Nexus smartphones. The stability and performance of the Concept firmware are being seriously appreciated.
Xperia Devices Expected to Receive Android Marshmallow
- Xperia Z5 Premium, Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5
- Xperia Z4 Tablet
- Xperia Z3 Compact, Z3+, Z3
- Xperia Z2, Xperia 2 Tablet
- Xperia M5, M4, M4 Aqua
- Xperia C5 Ultra, C4
Android Marshmallow Release Date
Sony has not announced any official date for the Marshmallow update roll-out, however, initial rumors around the web suggested that the update will arrive for some Xperia smartphones in January 2016. But another recent report has claimed that none of the Xperia phones will enjoy the Android 6 in January, and the update roll-out will start in the mid of February. According to the initial reports, phones should start receiving the update within 2 days, but if the recent report turns out to be true, you will have to wait for another 2 weeks to get the latest Android flavour on your Xperia device.
What are your expectations?