A new firmware update has been certified for the Xperia Z3 Dual (D6633). Before you get your hopes up, this is a small update which would move the build number from 23.0.F.1.82 to 23.0.F.1.96. No Android Lollipop just yet, but hopefully a certification is around the corner.
A few days back, we brought news that official CyanogenMod 12 Nightly Builds has started for a number of Sony Xperia devices. However, Sony’s newest flagship Xperia Z3 devices were conspicuously missing from the list. Well, CM12 Nightly Builds (based on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop) are now available for the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact LTE (the Wi-Fi version was available a few days ago). As always, don’t expect the nightly builds to be stable, but if you want to give them a try hit the source links below.
Sony will shortly release Android 4.4.4 KitKat to the Xperia E3. Firmware build 18.5.A.0.26 can already be downloaded through XperiFirm for the D2202 HSPA+ variant. The update isn’t rolling publicly yet, only the “internal” versions are currently available to download. There doesn’t seem to be too much that has changed in the update. The FTF can be downloaded below (at your own risk), but if you have already tried the update let us know your thoughts below.
DOWNLOAD FTF: Xperia E3 – D2202 (18.5.A.0.26)
Via XDA.
Thanks Jozef and Sergio!
A firmware update is now rolling for the Sony Xperia Z3 Dual (D6633) that moves the build number from 23.0.F.1.82 to version 23.0.1.F.0.96. The update has been released across a number of regions including the US, Brazil, Russia, Middle East and Ukraine. If you have downloaded the update, do let us know your impressions below.
Download FTF: Xperia Z3 Dual (23.0.1.F.0.96) Russia
Thanks Faruk and Jozef!
Sony Xperia M owners are now able to enjoy nightly builds of CyanogenMod 12 (Android 5.0.2 Lollipop). The nightly builds are available to single-SIM owners of the Xperia M (C1904, C1905). Head over to the CyanogenMod website and look for code name “nicki” to download the latest CM12 nightly build.
Note: The screenshot below is of a user who installed CM12 on an Xperia M Dual, however only single SIM baseband will work. Xperia M Dual is currently not fully supported.
Via XDA.
Thanks Patryk!
Just a quick heads-up to Sony Xperia M2 Dual (D2302) owners, a new firmware update has been certified with build number 18.3.1.B.1.8. This looks like a small update over the current build (18.3.1.B.0.18), so expect this to remain on Android 4.4.4 KitKat. We’ll let you know if/when it starts to roll.
Sony is expected to start rolling out the Android 5.0 Lollipop firmware update this month for the Xperia Z3. The likelihood is that we will see this update hit generic models first with carrier-branded models getting the update at some point later.
This has been confirmed by Vodafone Australia who is still waiting to receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for testing for the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3 models, but that it is expected at some point during the month. Therefore, there is a good chance that for branded handsets, the update is more likely to land in March. As soon as we catch wind of the update starting to roll we’ll let you know.
Canadian operator Rogers has listed on its website when it expects to receive firmware updates for various handsets. This includes the Sony Xperia series where it flags that the Xperia Z3 will receive the Lollipop update in March 2015, whilst the Xperia Z1 Lollipop update is expected to arrive during April 2015.
Obviously, generic firmware versions are expected to be released earlier than this. However it gives some indication when handsets other than the Xperia Z2/Z3 may start to receive the update. Sony has said that the Xperia Z3 update will start seeding this month, so as soon as we hear any news on that front we’ll let you know.
Thanks Dakota and Felipe!
The Sony Xperia M2 is currently seeing its firmware updated across its different variants. The LTE variants of the Xperia M2 (D2303) and Xperia M2 Aqua (D2403) have been updated to build number 18.3.1.C.1.13.
The Xperia M2 Dual (D2302) has seen build number 18.3.1.B.1.8 roll for those in Saudi Arabia, whilst version 18.3.1.B.0.18 is rolling to a number regions across Europe and Asia.
The D2305 variant of the Xperia M2 has seen build number 18.3.1.A.0.21 roll to Latin America, USA, Thailand, Vietnam, Ukraine and Singapore. In addition, firmware build 18.3.1.A.1.7 was recently certified for this D2305 variant.
Thanks Martin and Vinicius!
Sony Xperia E3 Dual (D2212) owners are now seeing a new firmware update roll with build number 18.5.B.0.26 that finally upgrades the handset to Android 4.4.4 KitKat. The generic update is currently rolling across a number of regions including Brazil, India, Middle East, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand and Ukraine.
In addition, a small update (18.4.C.2.14) is currently rolling to the Xperia E3 for the D2206 variant (Wind Mobile in Canada) and D2243 variant (Claro Brazil).
Thanks Linh!
A quick heads-up for Sony Xperia T2 Ultra Dual (D5322, XM50h) owners, a new firmware update has been certified by the PTCRB which moves the build number from version 19.1.1.C.0.56 to 19.1.1.C.1.2. The 19.1.1.C.0.56 update rolled out in September last year, bringing Android 4.4.3 KitKat to the handset. This new version may bring Android 4.4.4 to the Xperia T2 Ultra Dual, but we’ll keep you posted either way.
The Sony Xperia C3 (D2533) has seen a minor update certified by the PTCRB which moves the build number from 19.2.1.A.0.72 to version number 19.2.1.A.0.74. Looks like Xperia C3 owners aren’t moving from Android 4.4.2 just yet, judging by the incremental change in build number.
Thanks Ben!
In what may be a hint that Android 5.0 Lollipop will shortly roll out, the Wi-Fi Alliance has certified the software for the Sony Xperia Z3. The certification took place on 16 February 2015, which could signal that Sony is on track to release the Lollipop update this month. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear more.
Via Juggly.cn.
Google has pushed the button on the Android 5.0.2 firmware update for Android Wear devices. Sony SmartWatch 3 owners are reporting that they are also receiving the update in the form of build number LWX49K. The update is believed to be just a bug-fix update, with no major noticeable changes. A notification should appear on your watch prompting you to update to this latest version.
Thanks Samson!
The Sony Xpera C3 (D2533) recently saw an update certified with build number 19.2.1.A.0.74. This update has not rolled out yet and now another certification has appeared on the PTCRB website with build number 19.2.1.A.0.75. This compares to the current firmware on Xperia C3 handsets with build 19.2.1.A.0.72, so do not expect any big changes to this Android 4.4.2 firmware.
A new firmware update has landed on the Verizon Xperia Z2 Tablet with build number 23.0.1.E.0.208. One of the main additions of the update is the introduction of PS4 Remote Play with PlayStation DUALSHOCK 4 controller support. Other changes include optimised touch sensitivity, font size and layout improvements and improved TalkBack accessory support. Check out the full changelog below.
Via Android Police.
Vodafone Australia has posted its latest “Software Update Weekly Wrap” for 26 February 2015, giving an idea when a customer’s phone will see their next update. The Sony Xperia Z2 and Z3 have been awaiting the Android 5.0 Lollipop update since the start of this month and there has been still no change there. However, the venerable Xperia Z has now just joined that list. Obviously, these reflect a carrier schedule and does not reflect when the generic updates might start to flow.
Via Vodafone Australia.
Thanks Eduardo and walaspancha!
Back in October 2014, Sony added “Android 5.0 (Lollipop)” as the next major Android version in the support pages for all of the Sony Xperia Z series. However, shortly after, Sony pulled the graphic. Well, it is now back again, this time with a sweet Android holding a Lollipop. Could the timing of its re-introduction signify that Sony is about to pull the trigger on the Lollipop update? Wishful thinking perhaps, but with radio silence from Sony on timing we’ll grab anything we can at this stage.
Thanks François and walaspancha!
Today Sony unveiled two of its newest devices – the Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia Z4 Tablet – both which are running Android Lollipop. If you head over to YouTube you will find numerous videos of how Lollipop runs on Sony’s latest hardware.
However, we know what you really want to see is Lollipop on current handsets. Well, a video (in Italian) from MWC has emerged showing Android Lollipop running on the Xperia Z3.
This particular Xperia Z3 is running Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with build number 23.1.A.0.632. The video confirms the new Lollipop home, back and recent keys that Sony will use, along with the new rebranded Music app. The notification menu is very similar to stock Android and you can edit your quick settings by tapping an icon in the notification tray.
Performance looks very zippy in what appears to be a final (or near final) release of the software. We’ll bring you word as soon as we hear anything official on a release date.
Update: Here is another video.
Thanks Serajr!
Sony Mobile has just confirmed on its social channels that they are finalising testing on Android Lollipop and that they are still planning to release it “soon”. In a follow-up tweet, Sony confirmed that releasing a stable update is its main priority. No further detail was given on ETA.
We’re finalising testing, still focused on rolling out soon. We’re optimising #Lollipop for *entire* Xperia Z Series – more news soon ^JM
— Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) March 2, 2015
.@AndrewJacksonZA that's absolutely our priority. ^JM
— Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) March 2, 2015