Over the past several years Sony’s software update program for smartphones has been hit and miss, but the company’s new initiative for launching Android 6.0 Marshmallow aims to give Sony smartphone users the best experience possible. Initially launched in July 2015 as “Sony’s Android Concept” initiative, the program has been set into place as a way for Sony to deliver beta versions of Android 6.0 Marshmallow to a limited number of Sony smartphone users, all the while gathering user feedback in order to build the best possible software experience ahead of a wider, public release. Now, a new Concept for Android Marshmallow firmware has been released for testers, which happens to include a handful of improvements and a new feedback application.
The new Concept for Android Marshmallow firmware bumps the build number to MMB29V.Z1.3561 and includes Google’s security update initially launched on the 18th of March, as well as the latest Wi-Fi firmware. The new software package also fixes an issue related to video recording when the “OK Google” function is turned on, and last but certainly not least, the firmware update introduces a new application called “InTouch”. It replaces the Beta feedback application from the Concept Marshmallow build, allowing users to provide feedback to Sony with more ease. It’s worth noting that the InTouch application and the new firmware itself are being released concomitantly with Sony’s Google+ community where Concept firmware users can interact with the rest of the community and Sony’s developers alike. It should also be noted that the new InTouch application can be used to provide feedback by users who have acquired the Concept firmware through official as well as unofficial channels.
All in all, it looks like Sony is dedicated to creating and offering the best possible software experience based on user feedback. However, those of you who might be interested in participating in Sony’s Concept for Android Marshmallow and influencing the software’s development should be aware that the program is available only for Sony Xperia Z3 and Sony Xperia Z3 Compact users. For additional details on what Sony’s Android Concept stands for, and for official instructions on how you can become a participant, you can check out Sony’s new Google+ community page.
