Sony Mobile has started to roll a minor update for the LTE Xperia M2 variants (D2303, D2306), which moves the build number from 18.3.1.C.1.15 to version 18.3.1.C.1.16. The phone remains on Android 4.4.4 KitKat, but is due an update to Android 5.1 Lollipop later this year.
DOWNLOAD FTF: Xperia M2 (D2303) Central Europe 1 Generic – 18.3.1.C.1.16
Thanks Sergio!
French operator SFR has released its latest software roadmap for the devices it offers and confirms that Android 5.1 Lollipop will be landing from August 2015 on its Sony Xperia models. Sony Mobile expects the update to land from July, so an August launch for carriers seems about right.
Interestingly, looking at the release phasing suggests that the Xperia Z3/Z2/Z1 series will see Android 5.1 from August, whilst the original Xperia Z series will have to wait until September. SFR has no confirmation of when Xperia M2 will get the Android 5.1 update, which could mean it won’t launch until late summer at the very earliest.
Thanks François, mukul and walaspancha!
Sony Mobile has released a new firmware update for the MediaTek-powered budget Xperia E4. The Xperia E4 has seen firmware build 24.0.A.5.14 release for the E2104 variant (in Latin America) and E2105 variant (in France, Greece, Russia and Turkey).
The Xperia E4 Dual has seen build number 24.0.B.5.14 release for the E2115 variant across a number of regions in Asia, MENA, Russia, Greece, Italy and Portugal. It has also been released for the E2124 variant in Brazil. If you have updated let us know your impressions below.
Thanks Lionel!
A small firmware update has been certified by the PTCRB for the Sony Xperia T3 (D510X). The LTE Xperia T3 variants (D5103, D5106) have seen build number 18.1.A.2.32 certified, which compares to current version 18.1.A.2.25.
The HSPA+ Xperia T3 (D5102) has seen build number 18.2.A.2.38 certified, which compares to current version 18.2.A.2.32. We guess most Xperia T3 owners would like to see Android Lollipop, but Sony has still not confirmed whether Lollipop is on the agenda for this model. We’ll let you know as soon as we have word either way.
Thanks Ben!
The Sony Xperia T2 Ultra (D5316 variant) has seen new build number 19.3.A.0.474 certified by the PTCRB. The update compares to current version 19.3.A.0.472. At the time of writing, the update has only been certified for the D5316 variant of the Xperia T2 Ultra, although this may eventually be released to all models. If it is released, we expect only bug fixes and could be the last Android 5.0.2 update before 5.1 rolls later this year.
A new firmware update has been certified by the PTCRB for the Sony Xperia Z3+ and Xperia Z4 Tablet. The update looks a minor one with build number 28.0.A.7.31, which compares to the current latest build with version number 28.0.A.7.27. We expect Sony is pushing this update to further optimise performance versus heat generation, as well as other bug fixes. We will let you know once it starts rolling.
Thanks Rimaz!
A very minor firmware update has been released for the LTE variants of the Sony Xperia M2 (D2303, D2306) and the Xperia M2 Aqua (D2403, D2406). Build number 18.3.1.C.1.17 compares to the last version (18.3.1.C.1.16) that only recently started to roll. Expect only small bug fixes. The update is only started to hit a few regions, but you can also download the FTF firmware from the links below.
Xperia M2 (D2303) 18.3.1.C.1.17 – Middle East Generic [Android 4.4.4]
Xperia M2 (D2306) 18.3.1.C.1.17 – US Generic [Android 4.4.4]
Xperia M2 Aqua (D2403) 18.3.1.C.1.17 – Switzerland Generic [Android 4.4.4]
Xperia M2 Aqua (D2406) 18.3.1.C.1.17 – Commercial and Journalists [Android 4.4.4]
Thanks Panagiotis and Vinicius!
If you are running CyanogenMod 12.1 or AOSP for the Sony Xperia M, SP or V, then you will be keen to hear about an exciting new mod from XDA member xperiaz2. He has managed to port the Xperia Z4 framework and Sony’s stock camera to run on the above-mentioned custom ROMs.
This means you will get access to Superior Auto and Manual modes along with a host of camera apps including Sweep Panorama, Info Eye and Background Defocus amongst others. This news comes just in time as CM12.1 recently added full support for the camera button (activate in Settings > Buttons). All of the installation instructions and download links can be found in the source link below.
Via XDA.
The wait for Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware is nearly over for the Sony Xperia Z2 and Z3 series. The latest firmware update with build number 23.4.A.0.546 has just been certified by the PTCRB for these devices. The 23.4.X.X.XXX build template versus the current firmware starting with ‘23.1’ or ‘23.2’ is expected to denote this being Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Firmware build number 23.4.A.0.546 has so far been certified for the Xperia Z2 (D6502, D6503), Xperia Z2 Tablet (SGP521), Xperia Z3 (D6653), Xperia Z3 Dual (D6633), Xperia Z3 Compact (D5803, D5833) and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (SGP621, SGP641). This means that the update could land any day now, but hopefully means we will definitely see it this month, as Sony had originally intended. We’ll let you know once the update starts to roll.
Thanks cachanilla86, Steve and Vinícius!
A new firmware update might shortly be heading to the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua, as the PTCRB has just certified build number 26.1.A.2.99. This compares to the current Xperia M4 Aqua firmware with build number 26.1.A.1.128. The update is certified for the single SIM model only (variants E2303, E2306, E2353).
The Xperia M4 Aqua Dual has seen no new updates certified, but if there are any big changes in the above firmware then we imagine a new update will also be following the dual SIM variant in due course.
Thanks difwwh!
Android 5.1.1 Lollipop was certified for the Sony Xperia Z2 and Z3 series yesterday, which most likely indicates that the firmware will start to roll in a few weeks’ time. If there was any doubt that it would arrive in July, then you will be glad to hear that Sony Japan has confirmed a late-July release is on the cards.
Japan typically sees firmware updates later than other markets globally, so it looks like Sony is trying to speed up the updates in the region. The company has also revealed an Android 4.4.4 KitKat to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop changelog. As we already have Android 5.0.2 Lollipop many of the changes detailed we have already seen.
However, what it does reveal are two changes that we reported on a while back: 1) additional options for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the notification menu (to choose a wireless network for example) and 2) new icons being used in the settings menu. New animations are also expected. The changelog doesn’t reveal anything additional over and above what we’ve seen on Android 5.0.2, but you can check it out for yourself at the source link below.
Via Sony Japan.
Thanks @shima_runrun!
Sony Mobile has released firmware build number 26.1.A.2.99 for the single-SIM Xperia M4 Aqua. Variants with model numbers E2303, E2306 and E2353 are now seeing the update across various regions. If you have downloaded the update let us know what changes you have noticed. The FTF firmware files for each variant is available to download below.
Xperia M4 Aqua (E2303) 26.1.A.2.99 Central Europe 1 Generic (Android 5.0)
Xperia M4 Aqua (E2306) 26.1.A.2.99 Latin America Generic (Android 5.0)
Xperia M4 Aqua (E2353) 26.1.A.2.99 Singapore Generic (Android 5.0)
Thanks snopkowsky!
Sony Mobile is working on a new Android concept software build for Xperia devices. Sony says that the concept Sony Android software brings a “fresh take on the Sony user experience”. Judging by the language, it looks like this is not so much the move to the next major Android release, but perhaps more of a wholesale change on the Xperia UI that we have been used to so far.
Sony Xperia Z3 owners in Sweden are able to evaluate this new concept by joining a select beta. This will give these users a chance to test the software in full and provide feedback to Sony. The beta will take place between 27 July and 13 September 2015. If you want to sign up, click here. We can’t wait to hear more, the timing of the UI could very well coincide with the launch of Sony’s next flagship.
Via Swedroid.
Thanks Diego and Lars!
Sony Mobile has just released the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware update for a couple of devices. Software build number 23.4.A.0.546, which represents Android 5.1.1, has been released for the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (D5803 variant only) and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (SGP612 variant only) at the time of writing.
The Xperia Z3 Compact update is live in the Baltics and Middle East for generic firmware, but it is also live for carriers in the Nordics. The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact update is only live in Italy right now. We will list the FTF firmware files for each variant for each device below as they become live.
If you have downloaded the update, please share your impressions with the community including screenshots. We would love to hear what’s different over and above Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, so please don’t hesitate to post your feedback below.
Xperia Z3 Compact (D5803) 23.4.A.0.546 Baltic Generic (Android 5.1.1)
Xperia Z3 Compact (D5833) 23.4.A.0.546 Singapore Generic (Android 5.1.1)
Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact Wi-Fi (SGP611) 23.4.A.0.546 Nordic Generic (Android 5.1.1)
Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact Wi-Fi (SGP612) 23.4.A.0.546 Italy Generic (Android 5.1.1)
Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact LTE (SGP621) 23.4.A.0.546 Hong Kong Generic (Android 5.1.1)
[Via XDA]
Pressing volume up/down now brings you the graphic on the left below. Tapping the button on the right expands the volume menu.
Tapping the icon on the left side twice puts the phone into silent mode.
New icons for the ‘Settings’ menu.
Home launcher settings now allow you to change icon size
Thanks Boris, fijasko and Sadman!
Sony Mobile has started to roll the Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop Maintenance Release 1) firmware update for its devices earlier today. We have included a changelog for build number 23.4.A.0.546 below showing the new features that this update brings, along with a quick promo video on the release from Sony. Check them all out below.
– Improvements to volume and silent mode control, more control of your alerts, simplified and enhanced design
– Integration of LinkedIn with your Calendar and Contacts
– Camera focus, speed and accuracy improvements in Superior Auto mode
– Many new features for Xperia in Business, enhancing enterprise support for Xperia
– Now take pictures from the camera using Sony SmartWatch 3; use the SW3 as a remote shutter button
– Instant calendar events – create & share smart events directly from any email
– Calendar agenda in Email – no need to switch apps to check upcoming events
– Richer Xperia themes
– New Settings menu icons
– Additional options for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in notification menu
Thanks Boris!
Bad news for those hoping that Sony Mobile would add manual camera settings to the latest Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware release that has started to hit the Xperia Z3 series today. A quick check on the “Manual Camera Compatibility” app shows that, as before, no manual camera settings (manual focus, WB, ISO, shutter speed, RAW) are supported.
We expect this will be the case for all other 2013/14 Sony Xperia models being updated to Android 5.1 over the coming months. The latest flagship, the Sony Xperia Z3+ does support manual settings through the Android Lollipop Camera2 API, albeit with the exception of RAW support.
Thanks Mario Junior!
Sony Mobile has confirmed that the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update is currently rolling to the Xperia Z2 and Z3 series. It has also given a vague idea of the order in which the handsets will be updated. All of the handsets stem from the 2013/14 Sony Xperia range, what we don’t know right now is when the company plans to update its 2015 range to Android 5.1. We’ll let owners of the Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet, M4 Aqua, C4 et al. know once firm plans have been announced.
This week: Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3 series
Over the coming weeks: Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact and Xperia Z Ultra
Shortly thereafter: Xperia C3 and Xperia T2 Ultra
Then: Original Xperia Z Series
Lastly: Xperia M2 and Xperia M2 Aqua
Via Sony Mobile Blog.
Thanks Niclas!
The Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware update has now started to seed for the Sony Xperia Z3. At the time of writing, Android 5.1.1 build number 23.4.A.0.546 has been released to select regions for the D6603 variant and D6653 variant. We will include FTF firmware links to each variant below as they become live. If you have upgraded, please let us know your impressions below.
Xperia Z3 (D6603) 23.4.A.0.546 Nordic Generic (Android 5.1.1)
Xperia Z3 (D6653) 23.4.A.0.546 Australia Generic (Android 5.1.1)
Thanks Adrian, cachanilla86 and Jenge!
Sony Mobile has only just begun rolling the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware update for the Xperia Z2 and Z3 series and it looks as if another one will arrive shortly. New firmware build number 23.4.A.0.570 has been certified for the Xperia Z2 and Z3 series, which compares to the current Android 5.1.1 firmware with version number 23.4.A.0.546. The update is likely to provide small bug fixes, but we’ll keep you posted once it starts to roll.
Thanks to all that sent this in!
Earlier this week we reported on Sony’s ‘Concept for Android’ initiative that it will trial in Sweden. This gives select Swedish Xperia Z3 owners the chance to test a new Sony Xperia Android software experience. Sony has today revealed a few more details on the project, including a couple of screenshots.
The new Sony Android experience has been developed in response to feedback from users. Sony describes the Concept for Android as having a “stripped back, vanilla Android look and feel, with native Sony features and apps we find most popular amongst our users.” The new UI is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop.
Sony goes on to say that it plans to “shift towards a model that allows for the creation of experiences with real user input, whilst adopting more transparent and open workflows.” That sounds good to us, if it means faster Android updates and bug fixes.
The beta test is open to 500 Sony Xperia Z3 owners in Sweden on a first-come, first serve basis. You can apply to be part of the trial by clicking here. If you made the cut, you will be notified in a few weeks’ time. Sony says that the trial will enable it to assess whether it can potentially run these Android concept initiatives for more markets over time.
Via Sony Mobile Blog.
Thanks Sasa!