Sony launches a new Marshmallow beta program, as stable release nears

Sony was one of the first Android manufacturers to detail their Marshmallow update plans and the first to launch a beta program for Android 6.0, called Concept for Android.

Now Sony is launching a new beta for the Xperia Z2, Xperia Z3, and Xperia Z3 Compact. The initiative is called Xperia Beta Program (how creative) and is only available for users of the aforementioned phones in Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

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The difference between Concept for Android and Xperia Beta Program is that the latter is a “Quality beta test of official software,” while the former is “Experimental consumer driven software.” In other words, the builds in Xperia Beta Program should be very close to the final versions that will roll out to Sony devices in the close future. While the company did not specify when we should expect the official update rollouts, we think it’s a matter of weeks at most.

To sign up for Xperia Beta Program, head over to the Play Store and install this app. Sony promises that your feedback will reach its mobile development via an “open channel.” Regardless of what that means, you get a chance to make Xperia software a little better.

Openings are limited, according to the Play Store description, so if you live in one of the three countries we mentioned above, hurry up and sign up for your place.

Sony has confirmed the Marshmallow update for 14 devices released over the last couple of years, including the Xperia Z5, Z4, Z3, and Z2.

As for Concept for Android, which we reviewed here, users who signed up should expect a new update in the following weeks, bringing their devices to Android 6.0.1.