Sony has confirmed the official over-the-air (OTA) release of Android 5.1.1 Lollipop to Xperia Z3, Z2 and its variants very soon. The good news came out through a new firmware certification released by the PTCRB.
Build number 23.4.A.1.232 reveals that a few Xperia devices will get the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update. According to the Xperia Blog, lucky devices include Xperia Z2 (D6502, D6503), Xperia Z2 Tablet (SGP521), Xperia Z3 (D6603, D6653), Xperia Z3 Dual (D6633), Xperia Z3 Compact (D5803, D5833), and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (SGP621, SGP641).
Sony has dropped a "soon" schedule for the release of Lollipop's software version. However, news reports told that it could be rolled out before the Android 6.0 Marshmallow software debuts on LG-made Nexus 5X and Huawei-made Nexus 6P out of the box.
The certification from the PTCRB was dated September 25, 2015. The last firmware 23.4.A.1.200 brought the notorious Stagefright threat and this new build is slated to zero in on the complete removal of the vulnerability.
The update shall come through an official over-the-air (OTA) release following a string of rollouts to older and mid-range phones. Meanwhile, other variants already received the same update in other parts of the world. While the official update has not yet come, custom ROMs have been made available for these devices particularly from well-known developer XDA.
Lollipop's final software version comes with the new LinkedIn app integration to Calendar and Contacts apps, direct access of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth via menu, more Xperia themes to choose from, bug fixes and several other improvements. Here's a quick rundown to new Lollipop's features:
- Camera focus, speed and accuracy improvements in Superior Auto mode
- New Settings menu icons
- Now take pictures from the camera using Sony SmartWatch 3; use the SW3 as a remote shutter button
- Many new features for Xperia in Business, enhancing enterprise support for Xperia
- Calendar agenda in Email - no need to switch apps to check upcoming events
- Instant calendar events - create & share smart events directly from any email
- Improvements to volume and silent mode control, more control of your alerts, simplified and enhanced design
The update shall come in stages. If prompted for the update, just click "Install now" and follow onscreen instructions. To manually check for updates, go to Settings > About phone > System update > Check for updates.
Before installing the Android 5.1.1 version, charge up the phone to at least 50% and make sure storage has enough memory space. Do not forget to back up files since the update will wipe out all data. The device must be connected to a Wi-Fi.
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