Sony Mobile is rolling a beta version of Android Marshmallow that brings a new "soft charging" feature, or Charging Optimization, which keeps the battery of smartphones healthy.
Sony is releasing the software update to the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z2. The update will bring the Marshmallow beta build version 23.5.A.1.238.
The three Sony Xperia handsets were launched in 2014 and all of them have received several software updates over the last few months. Customers who own one of these devices will want to download the latest software to increase the battery life of their handset.
Soft charging may not be considered a major addition to the phones' features. Charging optimization, though developed to keep the battery in top shape longer, adjusts the amount of charge the battery gets to just less than 100 percent.
Reports suggest that the battery life of mobile phones is extended if the charge is held at less than 100 percent. However, with that amount of charge, users will not get full battery usage from the handset. This means that users may have to charge their device more often.
It's important to note that the more frequently a battery is charged, the shorter its life span becomes, hence the need for charging opitimization.
Market experts suggest that the soft charging feature of the Marshmallow update for Xperia phones will help users in increasing battery longevity, especially those who keep their handsets for two to three years or more. However, many smartphone customers who change their smartphone every year may not find soft charging helpful.
Apart from soft charging, the latest update also brings along a fresh version of the Xperia Home launcher, which now includes support for landscape orientation. Update 23.5.A.1.238 also brings a number of bug fixes and improvements to the Sony handsets.
Software updates are normally rolled out in phases. Some Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z2 owners may have to wait slightly longer than others to receive the update from Sony.
It is recommended that users are connected to a strong Wi-Fi network and their device should have at least a 50 percent battery charge to experience a seamless download process.
The first time Sony Xperia device owners boot their phone after downloading and installing the update, they will get a notification confirming that "Charging Optimization" is enabled. Those who do not want to take advantage of the feature can go to Settings > About phone > Status > Charging optimization and disable it.
