Google Edition of Xperia Z could be the boost Sony is looking for

Looks like Sony wants a piece of the Google Edition pie. Word is that the Japanese electronics giant will be releasing a pure Android version of its Xperia Z flagship smartphone.

Android Geeks spoke to a Sony insider who supposedly confirmed that such a device is in the works. The attention and good publicity garnered by Samsung and HTC for their Google Edition smartphones could go some way towards explaining the potential move. But Sony has already initiated an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for the Xperia Z, allowing users to install stock Android on the Sony flagship.

The Xperia Z has been in stores since March

We believe a Google Edition Xperia Z could work wonders for the company, still angling for a spot under Samsung and Apple in the smartphone market.

For one, unlike the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4, Sony’s flagship is water and dust-proof, a feature which should most likely stay for the Google Edition of the phone. And as we have seen in our review, it is one sturdy handset. This could turn out to be a major advantage for Sony, if at all a Google Edition Xperia Z is launched.

Secondly, both the One and the S4 have a slew of software features, HTC Zoe and Samsung Air View being two examples. But Sony has preferred to keep its custom UI close to stock as far as possible. Any Sony-developed software features will obviously be missing from the Google Editions of the Xperia Z. This includes things like HDR video capabilities, Sony Mobile Bravia Engine 2 and the Stamina mode for battery management. In comparison to the heavily customised HTC Sense and GalaxyS4’s TouchWiz overlay, these seem like minor omissions.

If indeed Sony goes for the Google Edition treatment, it will give the Xperia Z a new lease of life after many months on store shelves.