There was a time when the idea of seeing the likes of Samsung and HTC offering us “Google Edition” devices free from their own user interfaces seemed crazy. Now it’s almost becoming the norm for the latest flagships. It began with the Galaxy S4 at Google I/O last month, and then Android head Sundar Pinchai announced the HTC One Google Edition at D11 last week.

Now a rumor claims that we’ll get a Sony Xperia Z with stock Android next month.

According to Android Geeks, “a Sony insider who wanted to remain anonymous” has confirmed that Sony and Google will soon launch an Xperia Z Google Edition free from Sony’s user interface. “Even though he couldn’t confirm the exact release date of the Sony Xperia Z Google Edition, he said that the smartphone will be announced sometime in July,” the site claims.

If true, this is great news for Xperia Z owners. Sony has traditionally been very slow to update its Android devices with the latest firmware — the Xperia Z is still running Android 4.1.2 — and a Google Edition would ensure that they always have the latest release.

But of course, this is just a rumor at this point, and according to Unwired View, it hasn’t come from the most reliable source. With that in mind, take it with a pinch of salt until we receive official confirmation from either Google or Sony.

• SourceAndroid Geeks
• ViaUnwired View