Sony Z series Lollipop updates?

[0970373]

I'm just wondering if anyone has seen the Sony Lollipop updates to their Sony Z devices. I'm in the US and still waiting for my Z3 compact to get an update.

A little background info: I decided to check out Android as I've been contemplating moving over from iOS. I like the Z3 Compact size (I wanted a smaller phone). I currently use it as my 2nd handset.

Question though...is this how all OS updates happen for Android? It's been months since Lollipop was released so I guess I'm trying to understand why it takes so long for manufacturers to roll it out. I understand that they have to test it but 6 months? Do all handset manufacturers take this long or is it just Sony? Also from what I'm reading, it's only 5.0 that's being released for Sony, not 5.1, correct?

 

[Ulenspiegel]

I'm just wondering if anyone has seen the Sony Lollipop updates to their Sony Z devices. I'm in the US and still waiting for my Z3 compact to get an update.

A little background info: I decided to check out Android as I've been contemplating moving over from iOS. I like the Z3 Compact size (I wanted a smaller phone). I currently use it as my 2nd handset.

Question though...is this how all OS updates happen for Android? It's been months since Lollipop was released so I guess I'm trying to understand why it takes so long for manufacturers to roll it out. I understand that they have to test it but 6 months? Do all handset manufacturers take this long or is it just Sony? Also from what I'm reading, it's only 5.0 that's being released for Sony, not 5.1, correct?

Yes, unfortunately it is the update practice for Android phones/tablets, excluding Google Nexus.
Sony started rolling out the Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade for the Xperia Z3 and the Xperia Z3 Compact on March 16. Owners in the Nordics and Baltics regions will be the first to see the update, with other markets getting it soon after.

 

[ozaz]

Do all handset manufacturers take this long or is it just Sony? Also from what I'm reading, it's only 5.0 that's being released for Sony, not 5.1, correct?

The vast majority, yes. My Samsung has only just got Lollipop and it's 5.0.1 rather than 5.1.

But ever since Google uncoupled Google Play services and Google apps from the OS updates, I've stopped caring about having the very latest version of Android.

With the problems people experienced when Lollipop & iOS 8 first came out, I actually now appreciate a bit of a buffer period before I get the update (but yes, 6 months should be more than enough of a test period).

 

[Mxbzz]

I received the Lollipop update early this week for my Z3 Compact. I'm using the unlocked version (D580) with the generic US Lollipop build.

I think I had to manually search for the update via Update Center, and it prompted me to plug into the computer to perform the 1.2GB Lollipop update.

 

[0970373]

Thank you for the replies. I guess I'm just so used to everyone getting the rollout at the same time. I don't mind a testing period but yeah, 6 months is a long long time! lol.

I received the Lollipop update early this week for my Z3 Compact. I'm using the unlocked version (D580) with the generic US Lollipop build.

I think I had to manually search for the update via Update Center, and it prompted me to plug into the computer to perform the 1.2GB Lollipop update.

Hmmm....I also have an unlocked version D5803 and I haven't seen anything. I have just been checking Software Update under the About Phone section. Is there someplace else I should check?

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Thank you for the replies. I guess I'm just so used to everyone getting the rollout at the same time. I don't mind a testing period but yeah, 6 months is a long long time! lol.



Hmmm....I also have an unlocked version D5803 and I haven't seen anything. I have just been checking Software Update under the About Phone section. Is there someplace else I should check?

Try to connect your phone to a computer running Sony's PC Comoanion/Bridge for Mac.

 

[coleblk]

My Z3 Tablet Compact has been updated to Lollipop 5.0.2 here in California. It appeared in the Software Update section under settings but I had to connect it to my computer to actually perform the update.

 

[0970373]

Try to connect your phone to a computer running Sony's PC Comoanion/Bridge for Mac.

I have connected it. It says my Xperia software is up to date.

 

[Ffosse]

I won't bother updating mine - just look at the Sony forums. There are reports of numerous bugs and a now 1-day battery instead of 2.

 

[adder7712]

Still haven't gotten it.

Apparently I have the D6653 model and the only model that got the update is the D6603.

I used XperiFirm and verified that the no D6653 sold anywhere has the update.

 

[dyt1983]

edit: To remove personally identifying information not relevant to the thread.

 

[apolloa]

haha, I've been, more and more impatiently, waiting for the lollipop update for my Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, it has no cellular radio in it so is entirely dependent on Sony. I'm in the UK.
I have no idea when I will get it. But Sony are now releasing Android 5.1 updates.

This is the best site for updates:

http://www.xperiablog.net/

Although my tablet runs fine, I would like the update so I can move some apps to the SD card.

 

[ChazUK]

I flashed the Central Europe Generic FTF file to my Z3 and it does have some bugs like showing no service on the lock screen when calls/data are working fine and the apps to SD feature is barely worth it as it seems to not actually move the data it says is on the SD (SD card usage barely increased when I installed a large app and moved it to the SD).

Seems OK but the removal of the "close all" button from the task switcher was annoying (good to see it is on its way back).

Can't say that anything is much better from KitKat so the update as a whole isn't something that you desperately need. I may even flash back to the UK generic KitKat soon.

I'm hoping for further improvements in later builds but Sony dont seem to be in any rush to get it out to all markets.

 

[DanGoh]

My Z3 Tablet Compact has been updated to Lollipop 5.0.2 here in California. It appeared in the Software Update section under settings but I had to connect it to my computer to actually perform the update.

How's do you like the tablet all in all? I've been thinking of getting one (or an iPad mini) for video watching, email, games, web browsing, non work stuff in general.

 

[dyt1983]

edit: to remove personally identifying information not relevant to thread.

 

[0970373]

The update came in today so I'm updating this evening when I get home. I have the Z3 Compact D5803, build 23.1.A.0.726 which is Lollipop 5.02. No 5.1 still. Maybe by next year! haha.

 

[brentsg]

My Z3 Tablet Compact got the update, but moving apps to SD card doesn't work. That's the only feature I cared about too.

The OS will tell you that it moved an app, but the SD card will remain empty.

 

[galstaph]

In Canada here, been on the Canadian build for my z3 compact since it dropped more than a week ago now. I don't really like the new lock scree (swip up then pattern) but over all it seems ok. I am getting less battery, however a full discharge did help a bit (I can push two and a half days of light use). I miss location based wifi, I don't buy that the new wifi is better on the battery and feel that may be where one of the drains is.

 

[0970373]

I'm finding the WiFi to have some real issues. Even with a really strong signal, it tells me I have poor connectivity. It's right next to my computer & iPhone which are getting 75mbps. Anyone experiencing the same?

 

[apolloa]

My tablet got updated today

Liking it so far, very fast and smooth, not that it wasn't anyway haha.

 

[coleblk]

How's do you like the tablet all in all? I've been thinking of getting one (or an iPad mini) for video watching, email, games, web browsing, non work stuff in general.

I liked it a lot when I first got it...the speed and responsiveness and overall design with its extremely thin and lightweight footprint were all great. It still runs great! Also it's super cool being waterproof. The only thing that has irked me since getting it is the display. Keep in mind that I'm kind of a display junkie so I may be somewhat picky but my unit has horrible color variance from the top of the panel (blueish) to the bottom (yellowy) and makes reading in landscape kind of hard on the eyes and distracting. One of those things that once you notice drives you crazy. Also, when tilting it at different angles there's an odd rainbowy effect that I really don't like. I'm sure each unit is different and mine may be particularly bad but it kinda ruined it for me. I actually even ordered a 2013 Nexus 7 again to fulfill my portable tablet needs. I still keep it around for the PS4 stuff and integration with my Sony camera but it doesn't get used much. I also picked up a Nexus 9 (which I had heard terrible rumors about it's build) but go figure it has a display that looks way better to my eyes than my Sony's and feels very well built. Perhaps go with the iPad mini to be safe if you are picky about the display like me but all in all I do still think the Sony is a nice device but my unit's panel is not pleasing to my eyes.

Cheers!

 

[epicrayban]

I may have to seriously consider the z3 again. It was a very close second contender when I was picking between the one plus and the z3.

Now I think I want to return to the smaller form factor so the z3 is looking amazingly tempting again.

I was surprised to see they went down in price recently too.

 

[apolloa]

I may have to seriously consider the z3 again. It was a very close second contender when I was picking between the one plus and the z3.

Now I think I want to return to the smaller form factor so the z3 is looking amazingly tempting again.

I was surprised to see they went down in price recently too.

I wouldn't bother, the Z4 should be out by June.

 

[apolloa]

I liked it a lot when I first got it...the speed and responsiveness and overall design with its extremely thin and lightweight footprint were all great. It still runs great! Also it's super cool being waterproof. The only thing that has irked me since getting it is the display. Keep in mind that I'm kind of a display junkie so I may be somewhat picky but my unit has horrible color variance from the top of the panel (blueish) to the bottom (yellowy) and makes reading in landscape kind of hard on the eyes and distracting. One of those things that once you notice drives you crazy. Also, when tilting it at different angles there's an odd rainbowy effect that I really don't like. I'm sure each unit is different and mine may be particularly bad but it kinda ruined it for me. I actually even ordered a 2013 Nexus 7 again to fulfill my portable tablet needs. I still keep it around for the PS4 stuff and integration with my Sony camera but it doesn't get used much. I also picked up a Nexus 9 (which I had heard terrible rumors about it's build) but go figure it has a display that looks way better to my eyes than my Sony's and feels very well built. Perhaps go with the iPad mini to be safe if you are picky about the display like me but all in all I do still think the Sony is a nice device but my unit's panel is not pleasing to my eyes.

Cheers!

You have a faulty tablet I would say as mine has a perfect screen, no yellowish colour or rainbow effect in mine. The screen blueish effect can be dialled out also using the built in controls and calibration for the white balance.
And you now have three tablets?

Anyway, the Xperia Z3 Tablet is a fantastic device, very lightweight and pocketful, good front speakers, water and dust proof, fast and powerful without any overheating issues. It's also very thin but we'll made. I like mine and am glad I got it over the Nexus 9, but that also has to do with the size difference as the Sony fits in my pocket just.

 

[epicrayban]

I wouldn't bother, the Z4 should be out by June.

But it'll be expensive