Non-Google devices are still waiting for the Android 7.0 Nougat update, the Pixel and Pixel XL notwithstanding, of course. If you are rocking to LG’s V20 flagship device that was released in the second half of the year, then you would be happily enjoying the fruits of Android 7.0 Nougat already, while we have just gotten word a couple of days back that the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galax S7 edge too, are enjoying some Nougat goodness through the Android beta program . What of other smartphone manufacturers like Sony? Well, Sony smartphone owners will simply need to play the patience card and wait it out -- for the moment, at least.
In July last year, Sony did introduce what they thought was a pretty cool idea -- a software update for the Sony Xperia Z3. Most of the time in the past before that fateful day in July 2015, the majority of Sony Xperia smartphones arrived skinned in Sony’s own UI as well as modifications that ran on top of Android. That day last year, the concept software update happened to be Sony taking a slightly different route, by experimenting with stock Android running on the Xperia Z3. Interestingly enough, Sony extended the invitation to Xperia Z3 owners to participate, which is a good sign of openness. Do take note that this does not automatically mean that Sony has plans to drop their own skinned version of Android.
Fast forward to today, and you have Concept for Android introduced for the Sony Xperia X. Basically, if you are an Xperia X owner, then you would be stoked to hear of this news -- that the Xperia X smartphone has been selected to be the latest addition to Sony’s Concept for Android project. In other words, Xperia X owners can now grab the chance to give this particular ROM a go on their respective smartphones, without having to worry about it hailing from a non-legit source. Apart from that, this concept ROM will be based on Android 7.0 Nougat -- so it would not be out of place to expect unique features such as what the regular Android 7.0 Nougat would deliver sans Sony’s skin efforts. In other words, this is as close as it can get for Xperia X owners when it comes to a Nexus experience.
In the most recent Concept for Android that has been revealed for the Sony Xperia X, it will let you check out some of the upcoming features that will be incorporated in Xperia products that are to come. Of course, Android 7.0 Nougat is in the picture, where several new native features such as multi-window support and improved notifications will be part of the deal. One will also be able to gain access to Sony’s inTouch community, which in turn allows one to enjoy uninterrupted access to Sony’s software engineers as well as participate in the influencing of development & coming releases.
Right now, the Concept for Android initiative is open to Xperia X (F5121) users in Europe only -- although it might expand to other territories in due time. Those who would like to participate will first need to download the Concept Installer app from the Google Play Store, before following the instructions given in order complete the remainder of the setup process. Your Xperia X’s warranty will not be affected in any way, and updates to the concept ROM are set to be released on a monthly basis. You do have the option to roll back to Sony’s skin if you wish. Just make sure you perform a backup of your precious data before going ahead.
