Sony Tests Vanilla Version Of Android 5.1 Lollipop In Sweden

Sony has recently announced that it will begin testing a stripped-down operating system, dubbed "Concept," for Android project to approximately 500 Xperia Z3 users in Sweden. The company stated that the concept OS is basically a vanilla version or the basic version of Android 5.1 Lollipop. Moreover, Sony shared that this will feature “significant differences compared to our current commercial releases,” among which are some added built in features and apps developed by the company.

Testing the Concept for Android will allow the company to receive bug reports and make the proper patches and fixes, according to Tech Times. Of course, the company will also listen to user’s feedback to find out what they like and don’t like.

Sony said in a blog post that the trial will help them to assess the potential of running wider Android operating system concept initiative for more markets, devices and users in the near future. They added that they are looking into shifting a model that allows more room for creation of experiences with real user input while gaining more transparent and open workflows. The company also believes that the testing of Concept will eventually enable them to respond request easier and quicker. Xperia Z3 users in Sweden could apply to be part of the Concept testing, and were chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those who want to test the OS will need a device running a Windows OS to download the stripped-down Android OS onto their phones.

The new OS shows that Sony is attempting to stay onto the smartphone market, even though there is a significant decrease in the number of devices, from 61 in 2014 to 30 in 2016. The testing period starts on July 27, and runs until Sept. 13. Testers can then restore their Z3 back to its original software.

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