Sony lets 10,000 Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact users test Android 6.0 Marshmallow update

Sony has launched Concept for Android programme to let 10,000 Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact users test Android 6.0 Marshmallow update ahead of its public release. The new announcement comes just a day after the company revealed a list of its Xperia series smartphones that will receive the Marshmallow update.

The programme will start rolling out over the next couple of weeks for users in all major European markets, including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany. Sony says the testing software is built on "some of the key feedback" that it received from the first launch of Concept for Android beta testing programme back in July.

The company states that the feedback that it received from its beta testing users helped in improving the fundamentals of prolonged battery life, smooth and fast performance, sleek user interface, Sony apps and experience and frequent, timely updates. However, it has not detailed any features that the new programme will offer to the beta testers.

"Rather than merely previewing a new software version, this is about a proof-of-concept way of working, whereby we build a new user experience – and more importantly, process – from the ground up, that will also allow us to be more responsive in developing and rolling out the Sony Android upgrades Xperia users want, more quickly," Sony wrote in a blog post.

Users who want to participate in the new programme using their Xperia Z3 or Xperia Z3 Concept in all the applicable countries need to download the Concept Sign-up app. The programme will be available on first come, first serve basis and successful applicants will be notified over the coming weeks.

Earlier, Sony revealed that it would release Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the newly unveiled Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact and Z5 Premium. The update will also be available for the previously launched Xperia Z4, Z3+, Z3, Z3 Compact, Z3 Tablet Compact, Z2, Z2 Tablet, M5, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua and C4. Although the company has not yet mentioned any particular update schedule, it would start rolling out by the end of this year.