Android 5.0 update for Xperia Z3 Dual, Z1, Z1 Compact, and others now going on; Android 5.1 custom ROM for Xperia Z now available

By Staff Writer

Apr 14 2015, 11:59 AM EDT

Sony has just announced that they are continuing the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for Xperia Z3 Dual, Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact, and Xperia Z Ultra. The update has been going on since April 13. The company also announced that Xperia T2 Ultra, and Xperia C3 (including the dual SIM variants) will receive the Lollipop update next week.

In addition, the post said, "After that, it's the original Xperia Z Series; Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z - starting in a few weeks time..." It was also noted that the timing and availability may depend by market and/or carrier.

This update bears the build number 14.5.A.0.242, and it will bring various improvements such as new design language (Material Design), interactive user interface, lots of animation graphics, lock-screen notification options, option to transfer apps from phone flash memory to SD card, multi-user profiles (work, private, guest), and replacement of Dalvik with ART, resulting to improvements of the performance and battery life.

Users can check if their devices are qualified for the update by going to Settings>About device>System updates>Check for updates. Further, secure that the phone's battery is charged enough.

A CyanogenMod is also available for Sony Xperia Z Android 5.1 Lollipop update. Software programmers in XDA Developers Forum released the CyanogenMod CM12.1 series custom ROM for the Sony Xpera Z1 (aka Yuga) model. The custom ROM is based on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) 5.1 Lollipop operating system. Users should take note that it is an experimental alpha version. Hence, it still contains some bugs. It is recommended to read the whole tutorial article before proceeding with the installation.

The following are things that need to remember before installing the custom ROM:

The CyanogenMod must be installed in the Sony Xperia Z (aka Yuga) model. Other devices might get bricked.
The custom ROM is not Pre-rooted. Thus, it is advised to root the device through SuperSu before proceeding with the installation.
The installation also requires memory clearing in the device. Back all data first though installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/TWRP in the smartphone.
Make sure that USB drivers are installed in the PC so that the computer would recognize the device (Xperia Z).

To complete the installation, click "How to Install CyanogenMod [Unofficial] CM12.1 Custom ROM [Guide]"

Disclaimer: The process requires technical knowledge and should be performed by a person with sound understanding of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the device getting bricked or getting permanently irreparable. VcPost or the establishment providing the installation cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims if the procedure does not give the required results or if the smartphone malfunctions. Device owners are advised to proceed with caution.