Sony Mobile is rolling new firmware build number 23.4.A.1.232 for the Xperia Z2 and Z3 series that thankfully provides a full patch for the Stagefright exploit. The last firmware that rolled for these devices (23.4.A.1.200) unusually was fully exploitable to the Stagefright bug, but this new build fixes that. We haven’t noticed any other changes in our brief testing, although USSD issues seem to have been patched.

The update is currently live to most variants of the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3 series including the Xperia Z2, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Dual, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. The Xperia Z2 Tablet is the only device that has not seen the firmware roll at the time of writing. We will include FTF firmware links below shortly.

Sony Xperia Z2 FTF firmware files – Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (23.4.A.1.232)

Xperia Z2 (D6502) 23.4.A.1.232 India Generic
Xperia Z2 (D6503) 23.4.A.1.232 Central Europe 3 Generic

Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Dual FTF firmware files – Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (23.4.A.1.232)

Xperia Z3 (D6603) 23.4.A.1.232 Middle East and Africa Generic
Xperia Z3 (D6653) 23.4.A.1.232 Malaysia Generic
Xperia Z3 Dual (D6633) 23.4.A.1.232 Middle East North Africa Generic

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact FTF firmware files – Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (23.4.A.1.232)

Xperia Z3 Compact (D5803) 23.4.A.1.232 Central Europe 1 Generic
Xperia Z3 Compact (D5833) 23.4.A.1.232 Singapore Generic

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact FTF firmware files – Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (23.4.A.1.232)

Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact LTE (SGP621) 23.4.A.1.232 Central Europe 1 Generic

Thanks Ahmad, leso60 and MScorpionZ!

Sony Mobile is rolling a new Android 4.4.4 KitKat update for the Xperia E4g models. The single SIM models have moved to build number 25.0.A.2.31, whilst the Xperia E4g Dual has moved to build 25.0.B.2.31. Sony’s official changelog for the update points to “bug fixes and enhancements”, so it’s unlikely there are more tangible changes. Check PC Companion for the update on your phone, or you can download the relevant FTF firmware file below.

Sony Xperia E4g FTF firmware files – Android 4.4.4 KitKat (25.0.A.2.31)

Xperia E4g (E2003) 25.0.A.2.31 Central Europe 5 Generic
Xperia E4g (E2006) 25.0.A.2.31 Latin America Generic
Xperia E4g (E2053) 25.0.A.2.31 Australia Generic

Sony Xperia E4g Dual FTF firmware files – Android 4.4.4 KitKat (25.0.B.2.31)

Xperia E4g Dual (E2033) 25.0.B.2.31 Russia Generic
Xperia E4g Dual (E2043) 25.0.B.2.31 India Generic

Thanks Angelos, Ivan and Martin!

The Verizon Xperia Z2 Tablet (SGP561) is still languishing on Android Kitkat, despite the global Xperia Z2 Tablet running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. If you have had enough of waiting and want to take matters into your own hands, then an official unreleased Lollipop build is now available for you to download

Build number 23.1.D.0.509 is an internal test version of the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop firmware. The FTF firmware file is available to download below, which can be installed using Flashtool. Let us know how you get on in the comments below.

DOWNLOAD FTF: Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE (SGP561) 23.1.D.0.509 US Verizon (Internal) – Android 5.0.2 Lollipop

Sony Mobile has confirmed which devices will be receiving Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the next major Android update. Sony will update the Xperia Z2, Z3, Z4 and Z5 series to Marshmallow, but this means that the older Xperia Z series and Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra are off the list.

Other handsets to receive Android 6.0 include the 2015 released mid-range models such as the Xperia Z4, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua and M5. Sony hasn’t put a timeline of when Android 6.0 Marshmallow will land, but hopefully it’s not too long before Sony commits to a date.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow will be available for following Sony Xperia devices*

Xperia C4
Xperia C5 Ultra
Xperia M4 Aqua
Xperia M5
Xperia Z2
Xperia Z2 Tablet
Xperia Z3
Xperia Z3 Compact
Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
Xperia Z3+
Xperia Z4 Tablet
Xperia Z5 Compact
Xperia Z5 Premium
Xperia Z5

*Assume this includes all dual SIM variants too

Via Sony Mobile Blog.

Thanks to all that sent this in!

Sony Mobile will give 10,000 users the chance to try Android 6.0 Marshmallow through its “Concept for Android” programme. If you want to participate, you will have to be quick as it is on a first come, first serve basis. Simply download the “Sony´s Concept for Android” application to register your details.

The programme is only open to Sony Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact users in the following countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and United Kingdom. If you are successful, Sony says you will be notified in the coming weeks. The confirmation from the app points to activity expected to start in mid-October.

Even if you are not within one of these countries, you shouldn’t fret too much as the previous concept ended up being available for those outside the programme. There is a good chance the same could happen for this beta Marshmallow concept firmware. Sony Mobile’s Android Concept trial was initially aimed at 500 users in Sweden, so this is a big expansion from that initial beta.

If you are successful, you will be able to install a Sony Xperia Android 6.0 Marshmallow concept firmware to your device. The software will take into account all of the feedback from the first “Concept for Android” beta. Sony says that “Concept for Android” has been built on “prolonged battery life, smooth and fast performance, sleek user interface, Sony apps and experiences and frequent, timely updates.” The concept firmware will receive regular updates based on user feedback.

Via Sony Mobile Blog.

A small firmware update is on the horizon for the Xperia E4 models. The single SIM version has seen build number 24.0.A.5.22 certified by the PTCRB, which compares to current build 24.0.A.5.14. The Xperia E4 Dual has seem build number 24.0.B.5.22 certified, which compares to current build 24.0.B.5.14. Expect the firmware to contain minor bug fixes. We’ll let you know once it starts to roll.

Xperia E4 firmware build 24.0.A.5.22 certified for E2104, E2105 variants

Xperia E4 Dual firmware build 24.0.B.5.22 certified for E2114, E2124 variants

Thanks Rodrigo!

When Sony Mobile confirmed which Xperia devices will receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow, perhaps one of the key surprises was a lack of an update for Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra owners. Yes, the older Xperia Z series was not on the list either, but given that these handsets launched in the spring of 2013 we always thought unlikely that they would see an update to Marshmallow. These models now have Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and have experienced a good bunch of updates since it arrived with Android 4.1.2.

The Sony Xperia Z1 models (including Z Ultra) launched 6 months later on Android 4.2.2 and therefore we can understand the frustration from owners who would like (or even demand) an update to Marshmallow. Some have resorted to petitions, others may be more resigned. But we wanted to ask our Z1/Z Ultra-toting readers their views – are you disappointed with the move? Did you expect one final major Android update? Or, do you take a more sanguine approach and are happy to see the phones final days played out with Android 5.1.1. We’d love to your thoughts below.

A new firmware update has been released for the Xperia C5 Ultra Dual. The Android 5.0 firmware has build number 29.0.B.1.55 and compares to the current release with version number 29.0.B.0.161.

At the time of writing, the update is only live for the E5563 Xperia C5 Ultra Dual variant in Hong Kong, but availability should widen to the other Xperia C5 Ultra Dual variant (E5533) and regions shortly. Sony hasn’t released any kind of changelog for this update so far, so if you’ve updated let us know what changes you’ve noticed in the comments below.

The single-SIM Xperia C5 Ultra variants (E5553, E5506) are also expected to see build number 29.0.A.1.55 roll out in due course, versus current version number 29.0.A.0.161. We’ll let you know once Sony has pulled the trigger.

DOWNLOAD FTF: Xperia C5 Ultra Dual (E5563) 29.0.B.1.55 Hong Kong Generic (Android 5.0 Lollipop)

Thanks Matt!

Sony Mobile has added Android 6.0 Marshmallow software binaries to all of its supported devices in its Open Device program. In addition, it has added its latest flagship devices to the mix – the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact. Developers will be able to use these to create AOSP Marshmallow for all Qualcomm-based Xperia smartphones released in 2014 and after. If you want to find out further information hit the source link below.

Via Sony Developer World.

Sony Mobile is rolling out a small software update for the Xperia M4 Aqua, which keeps the handset on Android 5.0 Lollipop. The update moves the Xperia M4 Aqua to build number 26.1.A.2.167 and the Xperia M4 Aqua Dual to version 26.1.B.2.147.

Sony appears to have optimised the performance and importantly has removed some of the baked-in Google apps to free up some much needed internal storage (for the 8GB version at least). Some of the apps removed include Google+, Play Games, Play Books and Play Newsstand. The firmware links for each variant can be found below. If you have installed the update, let us know your thoughts below.

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua FTF firmware files – Android 5.0 Lollipop (26.1.A.2.167)

Xperia M4 Aqua (E2303) 26.1.A.2.167 UK Generic
Xperia M4 Aqua (E2306) 26.1.A.2.167 Latin America Generic
Xperia M4 Aqua (E2353) 26.1.A.2.167 Philippines Generic

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua Dual FTF firmware files – Android 5.0 Lollipop (26.1.B.2.147)

Xperia M4 Aqua Dual (E2312) 26.1.B.2.147 Malaysia Generic
Xperia M4 Aqua Dual (E2333) 26.1.B.2.147 Nordic Generic
Xperia M4 Aqua Dual (E2363) 26.1.B.2.147 India Generic

Thanks Jozef, Saurabh and Sumedh!

A few days back, a small firmware update started to roll for Xperia C5 Ultra Dual and now we are seeing the single SIM variant also get its version. Software build version 29.0.A.1.55 has been released for the E5553 and E5506 Xperia C5 Ultra variants, which compares to previous build version 29.0.A.0.161. You can check PC Companion for the update or download the FTF firmware files below.

DOWNLOAD FTF firmware files

Xperia C5 Ultra (E5553) 29.0.A.1.55 Australia Generic (Android 5.0 Lollipop)
Xperia C5 Ultra (E5506) 29.0.A.1.55 Latin America Generic (Android 5.0 Lollipop)

Sony Mobile updated the Xperia M2 straight from Android 4.4.4 KitKat to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop at the end of last month. Whilst the update brought much relief to Xperia M2 owners after waiting for Lollipop for so long, it appears to have affected the quality of pictures taken on the camera.

A number of long forum threads on the Sony Mobile Talk website and XDA are littered with users complaining about pictures that “lack detail”, are “over sharpened” or look like a “painting”, especially when zoomed in.

The stock camera does not appear to be the problem either as using a third-party app such as Google Camera causes a similar result. This is likely to mean that Sony has changed part of the algorithm or changed the settings within the camera 1.0 API. The Sony Mobile support team are investigating the issue, but has provided no firm solution for now.

Hopefully, a camera fix will be a priority in the next Xperia M2 firmware update. If you are an Xperia M2 or M2 Aqua owner and are experiencing this problem, let us know what issues you are facing in the comments below (some camera samples would also help to highlight the problem).

Thanks Roman!

Australian carrier Telstra has interestingly listed the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet as receiving Android 6.0 Marshmallow in early January 2016. This is the only Sony device listed on Telstra’s latest software update list with Marshmallow and gives a hint as to when the global rollout could commence. With testing already likely to have started, this means that if carriers are pushing the update in early January, we may see the global release before the turn of the year.

Could this also mean that some of Sony’s 2015 models could see an update straight from Android 5.0.2 Lollipop to Android 6.0 Marshmallow? After all, the Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet and mid-range 2015 handsets are all still running Android 5.0 with no sign of an update to Android 5.1.1 so far. As Telstra has not certified an Android 5.1.1 build for the Xperia Z4 Tablet, the jump to Marshmallow is certainly an option for Sony. We’ll bring you more news as we have it.

Telstra pegs Android 6.0 Marshmallow on Xperia Z4 Tablet for January 2016 release

Thanks Pankaj!

Sony Mobile has still not updated a number of H1 2015 Xperia devices to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, keeping the handsets firmly rooted on Android 5.0. The only 2015 Xperia devices that are currently running on Android 5.1.1 are the recently released Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact.

Owners of the Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet and other 2015 mid-rangers such as the Xperia C4, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua and M5 have been wondering when Android 5.1.1 will arrive. At first, it was thought that Sony was waiting for the Xperia Z5 models to launch, but this has come and gone with no sign of Android 5.1.

Earlier today we speculated that Sony Mobile may move straight to Android 6.0 Marshmallow as this firmware appeared on Telstra’s software roadmap. Well it looks like that will indeed be the case according to Sony Mobile’s support pages.

It shows that the next update for the Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet, C4, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua and M5 will be straight to Marshmallow from their current Android 5.0 Lollipop builds. It means that owners of these handsets will probably have to wait until the end of the year before they see the next major Android version.

Xperia C4, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua, M5, Z3+ and Z4 Tablet will bypass Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and move straight to Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Thanks Sasa!

Sony Mobile has confirmed that it has today started to roll the Concept for Android: Marshmallow firmware builds for the Xperia Z3 series. A few lucky people have already begun to receive invites, however Sony says the Android 6.0 Marshmallow concept firmware will be roll gradually “over the coming weeks.” Sony also says that it has released some more spaces for the program, so if you’re quick you may still get a place on the beta.

Via Sony Mobile Blog.

If you own a Sony Xperia Z3 or Xperia Z3 Compact and did not make it into the Marshmallow Android Concept beta program, then help is at hand. The FTF firmware files for Sony’s Android 6.0 Marshmallow build is available to try for all Xperia Z3 (D6603) and Xperia Z3 Compact (D5803) owners.

First impressions of the Marshmallow Concept firmware are positive judging by initial feedback. People are reporting that the ROM is fast with very good battery life performance. Key Marshmallow additions such as ‘Doze’ for battery life and the new app permissions are included within this Sony ROM. Sony has included a new home launcher with this ROM that allows you to switch the app names within the dock on or off.

There are some features missing though, including double tap to wake, quick unlock, STAMINA mode and no Xperia Themes. However, the key Sony media apps are included such as Album, Music and the stock Camera app.

If you have used the Flashtool utility before, then installation should be straightforward. You simply need to flash using the FTF firmware files linked to below. Make sure you do not use the FSC Script to flash when using the latest version of Flashtool.

Sony Concept for Android Marshmallow FTF firmware files

Sony Xperia Z3 (D6603) [Mirror]

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (D5803) [Mirror]

Via XDA (1 and 2)

Thanks Balazs and Jozef!

Better late than never? Sony Mobile and Verizon will shortly begin the rollout of Android 5.0.2 Lollipop for the Xperia Z2 Tablet (SGP561). Build number 23.1.D.0.508 is the official Lollipop build, but appears to be a slightly older build versus the test Lollipop firmware that was previously available (23.1.D.0.509). The full changelog of the new update is available below.

Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet (SGP561) for Verizon (23.1.D.0.508)

Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce an operating system update to Android™ 5.0.2 Lollipop. This version brings Android beyond smartphones and tablets, allowing access to apps and Android services on other connected screens like TVs, cars and wearables. The new material design offers complex animations and 3-D views, 64-bit ABI support and improved runtime.

Enhancements include:
Introducing Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Operating System
Latest Android security patches

First impressions
Upgraded users will see a quick summary of changes to their Home screen.
Redesigned Setup Wizard is easier to use right out of the box.
Several new visual themes, all optimized for Lollipop.

Basic interactions
Lollipop introduces the Floating Action Button, providing quick access to common app functions.
With updated Quick Settings, users can access frequent features by swiping from the top twice.
Users can now manage volume controls by selecting from sound (simple), priority (selective interruptions), and silent modes.

Look and feel – daily tools
Sony’s new UI is bold, simple to use, and beautifully incorporates intelligent interactivity with sophisticated transitions.
Contacts
E-mail
Calendar

Look and feel – What’s New
What’s New now consolidates functionality from Update Center and Sony Select into a single app.
Update Center
Sony Select

Look and Feel – Entertainment
Sony has updated its entertainment experiences, including renaming the Walkman and Video apps.
Music (formerly Walkman)
Album
Video (formerly Movies)

Lock screen
Enhanced lock screen with intelligent notification cards and easy swipe shortcut

The PTCRB certification website has been a key source of firmware update news for Sony Xperia devices ever since the Xperia X10 launched. However, the site has made a fundamental change recently, which will make it that much harder to monitor new firmware releases. It has removed the certification date for each firmware release, which means you can no longer quickly scan to see if a new update is out.

You now have to know what the latest firmware release is for a particular device, so that you can determine whether a new update is imminent or not. This is fine if you are only looking at one device, but when you are scanning pretty much all of the Xperia variants released in the last few years, like we do, it makes it very time consuming.

We’re not sure why the PTCRB has changed this disclosure, but it affects all certifications on its site, not just Sony Xperia models. It means that, more than ever, we will need your help if you notice a new firmware certification for a particular device. Any tips are gratefully received at our contact page, as always.

Sony Mobile has begun to roll a new firmware update for the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact (E5803, E5823) with build number 32.0.A.5.32. It is unclear whether this update is the same that Sony’s support team referred to yesterday, bringing the touchscreen fix for the white Xperia Z5 Compact models. However, users are reporting that the update improves performance. If you have updated your handset let us know what changes you’ve noticed below.

DOWNLOAD FTF firmware files

Xperia Z5 Compact (E5803) 32.0.A.5.32 Singapore Generic [Android 5.1.1 Lollipop]
Xperia Z5 Compact (E5823) 32.0.A.5.32 Central Europe 1 Generic [Android 5.1.1 Lollipop]

Thanks Charles!

A new firmware with build number 23.4.A.1.236 has been certified for the Sony Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. The new version compares to the current firmware release 23.4.A.1.232 and we imagine that Sony is fully patching the Stagefright exploit. The last update patched most of the exploits, but one new exploit emerged (CVE-2015-6602). We’ll keep you posted once the new firmware starts to roll.

Update: Looks like the same firmware has also been certified for the Xperia Z2 series.

Thanks leso60!