Google has officially announced its new platform, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and started rolling out the new version to different device models in the industry. Some tech manufacturers like HTC and Samsung have also already confirmed making the update. Meanwhile, some fans are wondering when another tech player, Sony, will adapt to the new Android, particularly for its Xperia devices.
Sony announced previously that the company is already making preparations for the update. The announcement also confirmed a list of Xperia devices making the jump to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Topping the list is the company's newest flagship lineup, the Xperia Z5 and its variants the Z5 Compact and the larger version Premium. In addition, Android 6.0 Mashmallow will also roll out for other Xperia devices, from the previous Z4 iterations to the older M4 and C4 Xperias.
Sony Mobile also noted that over-the-air updates for mobile carriers will depend on the operators, and the timing and availability will also vary.
Meanwhile, for fans who are tech-savvy and know their way around their Xperia devices, Sony recently added the Android 6.0 files to the Sony Open Device program. This means that fans of Xperias who dabble in software can build their own open-source Marshmallow platform for Sony devices. A requirement for the Android 6.0 build is that the Sony device should be running Qualcomm-based 2014+ chipsets.
Aside from cooking custom Android 6.0-based ROMs, the Sony Open Device program also tests stock platforms. Both Sony and open-source developers test out features and gather feedback. The information is then used to build and improve on OTA versions of platform updates.
In terms of OTA updates for Sony Xperias under various mobile carriers, no set time frame has yet been announced. However, with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow already a part of the Open Device program for Sony, fans may expect the official, operator-specific over-the-air updates to their units soon.
