Google began the rollout of Android 6.0 Marshmallow at the beginning of October, but four months on, just 1.2% of active Android devices are running the newest version of the OS. Even some of the biggest manufacturers have barely begun upgrading their devices so far; Sony"s Marshmallow update only began trickling out to its range-topping Xperia Z5-series devices a few days ago, but the company is now making preparations for a wider rollout.
Sony has launched an "Xperia Beta Program" to allow some owners of its Xperia Z2, Z3 and Z3 Compact to test preview versions of Android 6.0 for their handsets. Xperia Blog notes that the trial is currently only available in certain markets - including Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.
To sign up for the Beta Program, you"ll need to download a registration app from the Google Play store. Details provided in the app explain its purpose further:
The Xperia Beta Program puts you right at the center of Sony Mobile"s software development. By signing up, you will be able to try a pre-release beta version of the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) [sic]. Most importantly, you will also have an open channel with Sony Mobile"s developers. Your feedback will enable us to release even better software for your Xperia device.
The store listing for the app points out that only a limited number of users will be able to sign up for the Beta Program, although it"s not clear just how large the pool of testers will be - or how long other owners of Sony"s Xperia devices will have to wait before Android 6.0 Marshmallow is officially released for them.
Source: Xperia Beta Program (Google Play) via Xperia Blog