Google has officially announced Android 6.0 Marshmallow but the new operating system (OS) is yet to be released to non-Nexus Android devices. Sony has now confirmed that developers can work on custom ROMs for Xperia devices before the new OS is released to Sony Xperia smartphones.
As part of Sony's Open Device Program, the company has pushed out AOSP Android Marshmallow binaries for its Xperia devices. The project allows Android developers to build custom ROMs that are based on AOSP Marshmallow for Sony devices launched in 2014 and after.
"For all you open source fans, we've just added an AOSP Marshmallow (Android 6.0) configuration and binaries available for download, as part of Sony's Open Device program. With these resources, you'll be able to build AOSP Marshmallow for all Qualcomm based 2014+ Sony Xperia devices," per a Sony Mobile Developer community.
Sony also announced that AOSP for Xperia Z5 is also included in the latest package, which means that early adopters in the in the open source community can also start experimenting.
A wide number of Xperia devices are eligible to receive software binaries for AOSP Marshmallow including the Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z2, Xperia and more.
Following the launch of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Sony also released a list of its devices that will receive the latest OS update.
"We will make Android 6.0, Marshmallow available for: Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia M5, Xperia C5 Ultra, Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia C4," according to a Sony Mobile blog.
However, a lot also depends on operators on when they would release a software update for devices running on their network. It can take months before Android 6.0 Marshmallow is actually rolled out to all Xperia devices.
Owners of Xperia devices who do not want to wait long can take advantage of custom ROMs to get a taste of the new OS. Moreover, owners of Xperia smartphones and tablets who will not get a software update can also experience the new OS on their gadgets.
