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While nowhere near final software, the Android M Developer Preview is a great way for devs to test drive the next version of Android before it’s officially released at the end of the year. That’s why Google introduced the program back when Android L (Lollipop) was first unveiled during last year’s Google I/O.
Normally, we don’t expect to see a developer preview running on much, not outside of officially supported Nexus devices or 3rd party custom ROMs. Today, the folks at Sony Mobile are now giving developers a shot at trying it on their Xperia devices as part of Sony’s Open Device program.
Willing developers can now create a test image for themselves and flash it onto their Xperia devices providing they have a knowledge in these things. There’s a fair amount of officially supported devices and Sony Mobile was even nice enough to provide a quick guide for those that needed a refresher. For those curious, here’s the full running list:
- Xperia Z3
- Xperia Z3 Compact
- Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
- Xperia Z2
- Xperia Z2 Tablet
- Xperia Z1
- Xperia Z1 Compact
- Xperia Z Ultra
- Xperia E3
- Xperia M2
- Xperia T2 Ultra
- Xperia T3
We should note, Sony also cautioned users that the AOSP software isn’t certified or intended for daily use (modem and camera aren’t working), so you probably shouldn’t go flashing this on your daily driver. If that hasn’t scared you away yet, feel free to hit up the source link for more.
[Sony]
So if Sony will release 5.1.1 in July (Hopefully T-Mobile Supports it) then hopefully Android M will be released at the end of the year!! (Wishful thinking)
I’m guessing 3 or so months after Android M final hits AOSP, and that’s only for unlocked/international models. :/
Ahh..right…right..
I acknowledge that this is an effort by Sony to get things in the pipeline for apps to support M when it comes out, and is not a daily driver.
Nevertheless, I feel like some OEMs have been sincere in wanting to get the latest and greatest out to it’s users in a timely fashion.
Unfortunately, while it’s not likely to change anytime soon, I still cling to some home when I see these kinds of efforts.
Does this mean Sony is going stock Android now? This would be a good move by them
Sony always offered a near-stock OS. They add a few little useful features and their own bloatware..but other wise its extremely stock..think Moto Devices..
No. Most of them have a skin on it. It’s more stock than Samsung but still skin
And I think their theme engine actually is in Android M
Yes Sony please release Android M developer previews for 12 of your devices but only do an official OTA and release for 3 of them. Gee wonder why your mobile department is failing.
This probably isn’t the reason
when customers see an inconsistent company they tend to stay away. When kitkat and lollipop was announced, sony listed a handful of devices that would eventually get the update but in reality Sony made a statement at a later date announcing that one like 3% of the phones they announced would actually get the updates. I would never buy a Sony phone and i hope they fail. im not even a sony hater they just do business bad.
z3v :'(