Tim
For just 500 Xperia Z3 owners in Switzerland, Sony is introducing its Concept for Android project, a concept OS that brings a stripped down version of Android 5.1 to users, with popular Sony features built directly into the OS. To put it simply, it’s vanilla Android, with a few extra tricks.
This project is labeled as a way for Sony to test features in a smaller, controlled group, allowing for quicker fixes to go out to the public. If all goes well, and the project is a success, Sony states it would like to make Concept for Android available in markets across the globe.
As we look to shift towards a model that allows for the creation of experiences with real user input, whilst adopting more transparent and open workflows. We believe this will eventually enable us to respond to your needs quicker and easier.
To me, the above quote from the blog post screams, “our custom skin is a total pain in the a**.” And if you ask me, custom skins do make things a bit harder on the OEMs, especially in terms of getting updates out to users in a timely manner. If Sony took the route of Motorola, axing the custom skin completely, focusing on key features that help separate their devices from the pack — such as Moto Display — it’s a safe bet that users would jump for joy.
Now, as stated, this tiny initiative is only available to 500 Xperia Z3 owners in Sweden. Fingers crossed it all goes well and this Concept for Android project heads across the pond soon.
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