Although Sony Mobile has been slow in delivering the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update, it seems that the release of v6.0.1 is now imminent. Recently, the Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and Z2 have reportedly started receiving the beta version of the Marshmallow 6.0.1.
According to Neurogadget, Sony Mobile aims to update most of its Xperia handsets, and the first device that obtained the new Marshmallow firmware was the Xperia Z5. The upgrade progression doesn't stop with the Z5 as Xperia Z5 Compact received the software too. Now, the Xperia Z5 Premium is waiting to get the Marshmallow firmware. Soon enough, more Xperia handsets will run on Marshmallow, meaning the owners of a Z3, Z3 Compact and Z2 could also experience the enhancements brought by the Google's newest operating system.
As a matter of fact, International Business Times reported that Sony has begun beta testing a Marshmallow version for selected users of the Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and Z2. This particular Marshmallow beta is a different take on the regular Marshmallow concept. The said version is different from the traditional firmware as the pre-release test type will eventually hit all the smartphones while this one is a form of experimental software to test out new ideas.
It was also stated that the version being seeded is the latest Android 6.0.1 with build 23.5.A.0.486 which is only available for devices participating in the Xperia Beta program. Sony Mobile had publicized a few months ago that it would roll out a beta program limited to select European countries like Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany.
Aside from that, Christian Today noted that the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow that's hitting the Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and Z2 does not have the February security patch. This is similar to the one on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow that was released to the global Sony Xperia Z5 days back.
Nevertheless this Marshmallow firmware still has the new features that come from the latest iteration of Google's mobile operating system. This includes the Doze mode, which will put the Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and Z2 in deep sleep to conserve battery life.
Another is the Do Not Disturb mode, which lets owners of the above mentioned Xperia handsets to choose which apps and contacts can pop notifications. The well-known Google Now on Tap is also intact. This feature displays important information based on the user's emails, apps and other activities.
In addition to all those features, Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow for the Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and Z2 includes the new Camera 2.0.0 user interface, which is the same with the one seen on Xperia Z5 units. With this enhancement, users can access different camera modes by simply swiping and it also includes sliders, wherein the handlers of the device can use it to change the adjustment factors.
As the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow beta version is now being seeded to Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and Z2, the release of the said firmware may already be near. Nevertheless, there is no timeframe yet as to when the beta testing will be finished so users of these handsets will have to wait for further announcements.
