Sony is planning a 'stripped back' version of Android 5.1

Sony is now beta testing a version of Android that has a ‘stripped back, vanilla Android look and feel.’ In a post on the Sony’s mobile blog, the firm said it is testing a 500-person trial of Concept for Android in Sweden. The blog stated that an Xperia Z3 user based in Sweden can check out the  Xperia Lounge application to read full details, terms and conditions and register. Users will be selected on first come, first serve basis. Sony has pointed out that ‘a concept operating system with a fresh take on our user experience based on Android 5.1 Lollipop’. It is said to have significant differences compared to their current commercial releases. The blog post says the Sony Concept for Android will still feature native Sony experiences that have proved most popular among users. The trial will help Sony decide the future of its Android devices. With this move, users can also provide feedback about their experience and report problems regarding bugs along with providing opinions as well. According to the blog, “This trial will help us assess the potential of running wider Android operating system concept initiatives for more markets, devices and users in the future, as we look to shift towards a model that allows for the creation of experiences with real user input, whilst adopting more transparent and open workflows. We believe this will eventually enable us to respond to your needs quicker and easier.”