Early last month we reported that Sony pushed out Android 5.0 Lollipop to many of their devices – Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z2 and the Xperia Z2 Tablet – however, it was only available to a few countries. Sony then expanded the Xperia Z3 updates and now it looks like it is the Xperia Z2’s turn to expand across the borders. Sony Canada is pushing out the new Android 5.0 Lollipop to the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet and the Xperia Z Ultra on Rogers and Bell. As in all updates, we are looking at a roll out, so if you did not get yours yet, do not panic. You can always prompt your download by manually going to Menu -> Settings -> About Device -> Software Update -> Update.
The newest version of Lollipop looks different from manufacturer to manufacturer, as they ‘mix’ the update with their own User Interface (UI). In Sony’s case, they seem to have kept it mostly stock Android, adding a few of their own colors here and there. Settings are in blue and white rather than the dark blue color used on the Nexus 6 and sliders are not the typical blue/green color…Sony uses a bright orange that actually stands out a little better. Sony has their own enhancements with their Xperia skin, but it looks pretty good on the Xperia Z4.
Sony has done a fairly good job in updating its devices with Android Lollipop 5.0 when compared to some of the other manufacturers. We are hoping to see quicker updates from manufacturers – many customers really take that factor into consideration when purchasing their new smartphone. As prices rise and carriers push for unsubsidized pricing, customers are many times forced into holding on to their device for a longer period of time, and current updates become more important. The prior attitude of manufacturers to just worry about pumping out newer devices and neglecting the older ones just will not fly today. Of course, we all know that sometimes it is the carriers that hold things up with their rigorous testing before they will release the update…but it all starts with the manufacturer.