Sony has launched a new initiative called Concept for Android, which asks for Swedish Xperia Z3 owners to test out a new version of its software, essentially beta testing a new-look interface for its current and upcoming smartphones.

Successful applicants will get new software to install on their Z3 handsets. While using it, they can give feedback about what they like and dislike, helping Sony craft the new software that better reflects what its customers want.

It's a lot like what Microsoft is doing with allowing people to test out Windows 10 before its launch, though this time on a smaller Sweden-sized scale.

Jog on LifeLog

Judging by Sony's web page for Concept for Android, it looks like Xperia owners will be getting a new-look user interface, with a "fresh take on the Sony user experience" promised.

This will be good news to anyone who's been turned off by Sony's custom overlay for Android, and could mean pre-installed apps and services such as LifeLog could be for the chop – but we doubt too many people will complain about that.

The fact that the Concept for Android trial will only work with Xperia Z3 units (which have a 1080p display) and not Xperia Z3 Compact devices (with 720p screens), suggests that a visual overhaul could be on its way – with assets and icons for full HD screens ready to be tested.

The Concept for Android initiative runs from July 27 until September 13, and you can sign up now, though there are a few caveats.

Not only do you have to be a Swedish Z3 owner, but your personal data and settings will be erased when you test out the new software (you can, of course, back them up before you start).

Sony will also be closely monitoring how you use the software, especially when there are bugs and crashes – which seeing as it is early software, you can expect a fair amount of.

Oh, and you won't be able to show anyone who isn't in the program what the new interface looks like, so the rest of us will have to wait to find out what Sony has in store.

• Sony Xperia Z3+ vs Sony Xperia Z3

source TechRadar: All latest Mobile phones news feeds http://ift.tt/1HJgoub