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Sony China collaborates with Meizu to provide a new version of Android to its customers

The Xperia 1 III. (Source: Sony)
The Xperia 1 III. (Source: Sony)
Sony's Chinese division is reportedly in talks with Meizu to port features of the latter's Android skin, Flyme OS, to mobile devices from the former in that country. This may sound strange as Sony already develops its own apps for its phones; however, it may perceive the region-specific change as a better way to appeal to that market.

Sony has announced a strategic agreement with the Chinese OEM Meizu, by which the latter will start sharing some of the apps it has developed for Flyme OS with the latter in its home country. Their roll-out will reportedly begin with units of the Xperia series such as its current flagship, the 1 III, and go on from there.

This decision on Sony's part may seem strange, as most of its Android devices worldwide run a relatively clean version of the OS, with some of its own pre-installs such as a first-party camera app. However, things are different in China, meaning the Japanese giant may have chosen to make these Flyme-based changes in order to adapt to the forces of that market.

For example, there is no Google Play Store in China, so Sony would indeed benefit from using a different portal to app purchases instead. In addition, the agreement involves the provision of apps or widgets for weather, news and so on, which Meizu would have already developed to appeal to its own home market.

Furthermore, the collaboration might expand to involve more and more Flyme OS features on Xperia phones in China over time. Therefore, Meizu would get to stamp its brand identity on that many more devices, growing their recognition over time. The first Xperia handset to ship with its new apps might be unveiled during the Chinese equivalent of Sony's upcoming October 26, 2021 event.

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Meizu and Sony announces their new partnership. (Source: Weibo)
Meizu and Sony announces their new partnership. (Source: Weibo)

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2021 10 > Sony China collaborates with Meizu to provide a new version of Android to its customers
Deirdre O'Donnell, 2021-10-16 (Update: 2021-10-16)