Sony reveals EvolutionUI research project

Sony has just announced its open source internal research project known as "EvolutionUI" which appears to be nothing more than Google Android with a customized interface on top. This interface is capable to "evolve" as the users' experience with the device increases. SonyMobile describes it as "an experimental gamified UI" which "gets more advanced as you learn to use it."

EvolutionUI can be easily compared to a MMORPG game, as the user gains access to more features as amount of time spent using the system increases. According to Sony, "The user starts with a very simple-to-use phone, which slowly evolves into a really powerful and personal smartphone."

In the beginning, the EvolutionUI user has access to a single desktop panel with a clock widget and only 4 application shortcuts - camera, dialer, messages and browser. To ensure no items are removed by mistake, this desktop layout is locked as well.

As the experience level increases, more and more actions and features can be acquired and each is connected to a profile. The profiles currently available are Beginner, Easy, Medium and Advanced.

Since the complete source code and precompiled binaries have been released online by Sony, anyone can give EvolutionUI a try or modify it. Unfortunately, most users who would really enjoy such a mobile operating system simply do not have the expertise required to install EvolutionUI at this stage. On the other hand, this concept could evolve into an attractive custom UI for low-end and mid-range devices aimed at people who buy their first smartphone.