Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet
IN PHOTO: Showing the display of Sony Xperia Tablet. Rituparna Sengupta

Sony Mobile took an initiative by launching a new user interface via Concept for Android that offers lighter feeling compared to the commercial release of Xperia Home UI. It is currently limited to 500 Xperia Z3 users in Sweden.

Sony’s Concept For Android Launched In Sweden For Simplified User Interface

Sony Mobile launched an initiative in Sweden called Concept for Android designed among Xperia devices. Feedbacks from users inspired the Japanese tech company to create a better experience on Xperia smartphones and tablet, thus the birth a newly designed user interface based on Android 5.1 Lollipop OS.

User interface of Concept for Android features significant differences when compared to the Xperia Home UI based on Android Jelly Bean and Android 5.0 Lollipop. Unlike the commercial releases, Concept for Android has leaned more on the Android Vanilla experience indicating bloatware-free system but features essential Sony apps such as Album, Video and Music apps. According to the screenshots presented by Sony Mobile, the new UI offers the following changes:

  • Hangouts app becomes the default messaging tool. Sony Messaging app is no longer pre-installed.
  • Dialer and Contacts app are all based on Android 5.1 Lollipop instead of using Sony’s native apps found on Xperia Home UI.
  • Clock and Calendar apps are all under Android Vanilla user interface.
  • Several pre-installed apps such as PlayStation, File Commander, Smart Connect, TrackID and more are no longer present. Users will need to download them separately.

Sony’s new approach with this Concept for Android seems to replicate the smoothness and lightweight feeling of Google Play Edition devices which only offers Android Vanilla apps and services but remains loyal to Sony’s prominent services including the Smart Social Camera. Around 500 Xperia Z3 users in Sweden can take part to test the experience and features with the ability to send feedback to Sony Mobile. Participants can also suggest Sony if the Concept for Android can be used in other markets, devices and users in the future. Interested Xperia Z3 users can simply use the Xperia Lounge application and read all the details to join the Concept for Android initiative.

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