Sony Xperia Z Google Edition rumored for July

A couple of months ago, this wouldn’t even seem possible. Top smartphones from the top manufacturers, but running stock Android from the moment you buy them? And with updates issued by Google? A geek’s dream, right? Well, not anymore. First there was the Samsung Galaxy S4. Then the HTC One joined it. And now the Sony Xperia Z is rumored to be the next handset to get its very own Google Edition. Or Nexus Edition. Or Nexus Experience. Whatever you want to call it.

Keep in mind though that this is nothing but a rumor at this point. And not one that comes from a source that’s been reliable in the past. So it may just be a bit of wishful thinking.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S4 and the HTC One Google editions seemed like that too just weeks ago. So who knows, this might be real as well.
According to “a Sony insider who wanted to remain anonymous”, Sony and Google will soon launch an Xperia Z Google Edition. This should be announced in July. An exact release date isn’t known yet. The Googlified Galaxy S4 and One go on sale on June 26.
The Xperia Z Google Edition will be running Android 4.2.2 from day one, unless Google already releases Android 4.3 until then. Like the other two Nexus editions already mentioned, it will only be available in the US, and only from the Play Store. We’re expecting it to be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile and their LTE networks.
Obviously it will be identical to the non-Google Edition Xperia Z in terms of specs. Pricing info hasn’t been leaked, but a $599 price point is being rumored. We’ll see.via