Sony Developing New Android Launcher To Replace Xperia Home

Sony's Xperia line of smartphones may not be the hottest sellers on the Android market, but that doesn't stop the company from releasing new devices. While one could argue over the amount of effort they put in to improve their phones, Sony is finally making some changes to their software UI. Sony's existing Xperia Home launcher is being retired, it's been revealed, soon to be replaced by a new Home application.

It was first shared earlier this week that the Xperia Home launcher was going into maintenance mode, a fate shared by the Xperia Weather app, which has also stopped receiving updates. This led to speculation that Sony would simply start using the stock Android launcher. That isn't the case, however, as it was revealed on the Google+ community for the Xperia Home Open Beta that a new Home application is on the way.

There was no mention of what kind of new features or changes to the interface users can expect, but with Android P on the way it seem likely Sony will include its new features, such as new gestures for navigation.

Sadly there's no word on when the new launcher might debut. Assuming it is based on Android P and has been in development for some time already, it could see release as part of a future beta for testing on the Xperia XZ2, with a final release later this fall.

SOURCE Xperia Home Open Beta