Hey guys,
I'm ready to pull the trigger on a phone but worried about software updates, I just checked and the z which came out just a year ago is still only on android 4.3 where as the one is on 4.4.2 and will be getting 4.4.3. This is currently the dilemma I face between the one m8 and the z2. I prefer the z2 in various ways as well as the m8 in various ways but the deal breaker for me will be software updates and htc seems really committed to provide quick updates. Can anyone comment on this?
Personally, I don't care much about the Android version updates. The Xperia Z works extremely well under 4.3 and there's actually no real need to update to 4.4.2, in my view. I have the Xperia Z1 as well, and recently updated to 4.4.2 but it actually worked well under 4.3 and I don't really see that significant an improvement after the update to KitKat. I would be more concerned with the updates that fix bugs (but still under same Android version) as these would improve overall performance and squash issues.
Notwithstanding the above, Sony do tend to roll out the latest Android version to the latest devices first (e.g. Xperia Z1 before Xperia Z). But they do commit themselves to doing so for devices that are less than 2 years old. For example, KitKat is planned to rollout to Xperia Z this month.
till about end of 2012, Sony has been poor at updating their flagships...
but the last two flagships have received good regular updates...
this is Xperia Z (H1 2013):
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/software/phones/xperia-z/
this is Xperia Z1 (H2 2013):
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/software/phones/xperia-z1
so almost every quarter they update the Flagship to the newest available Android OS
Related
Has anyone got any news if Sony is going to release the ICS update they promised in the early of April? As they promised other Xperia 2011 phones ICS will be coming to them end of March, it doesn't look likely that XMP will be getting ICS soon? Has anyone got some recent news?
BudgyN1 said:
Has anyone got any news if Sony is going to release the ICS update they promised in the early of April? As they promised other Xperia 2011 phones ICS will be coming to them end of March, it doesn't look likely that XMP will be getting ICS soon? Has anyone got some recent news?
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http://blogs.sonymobile.com/products/2012/03/30/the-vans-around-the-corner-android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-software-upgrade-coming-to-2011-xperia-smartphones-starting-from-mid-april/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-vans-around-the-corner-android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-software-upgrade-coming-to-2011-xperia-smartphones-starting-from-mid-april said:
[...]
The first Xperia models to receive the upgrade will be Xperia arc S, Xperia neo V and Xperia ray. For these first models, the rollout will start mid-April and continue over 4-6 weeks.*
Following on, Xperia arc, Xperia PLAY, Xperia neo, Xperia mini, Xperia mini pro, Xperia pro, Xperia active and Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman will receive their scoop starting from the end of May/early June.*
[...]
*The availability and scheduling of this software upgrade and specific models upgradeable to Android 4.0 will vary by market and carrier requirements.
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Xperia mini, mini pro and Live with Walkman only getting ICS by end of May and beggining of June.
Damn it, Sony.
A bit of looking in the General section...I didn't post this long ago
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572875
Well you probably read it around the same time so it's an easy mistake.
Yeah, 1 month delay. Looking at the beta roms (official) I'm confused about what the UI will be on the Mini/Pro. Will we have the ICS blue icons throughout, continue the SE UI, or a mix? I've seen a mix of all that on the betas available. I have loved almost every UI design SE has done. BUT I do NOT like much of the new Sony UI. Some of their phone designs are nice and unique, but I do NOT like their UI, I don't want it.
I just noticed that one of the final big features missing in the custom 4.0 roms has been fixed: the camera. Now I'm happy to download a custom 4.0, especially given the delay.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1434001
I'm also really confused about many things.
First Sony said that the update was planed for end of April/Begging of may, now they are just delaying it
Also, I've never seen a beta ROM or a screenshot of the Timescape UI for smaller phones for ICS.
So disappointed....I flashed stocked ROM and relock bootloader just to update to official ICS update but now I have to wait till end of May or even beginning of June....WTF SONY??!!?!
Sony just delays the update in 1 months so we can have our fun time with the custom ROMs around
Update was delayed because of 3rd party certifications, maybe because they were busy in certifying Samsung and htc roms. 1 months isn't that long BTW.
1 month is not long at all. Should i remind you that the Xperia Pro (not the mini pro) was delayed around 8 months?
Besides, what is all the hype with ICS? You wont realise what is going under the hood, the UI will be exactly the same as it is now... Just because it is new doesn't mean its better, most of the times. Remember the bugs 4.0.3 had? the Changelog for 4.0.4 has some hundreds of changes to it from 4.0.3... So yea...
Sony have delayed the release of the ICS for the Arc S, Ray etc to mid april... So i guess we will have to wait a whole lot longer, more like mid june or something...
May be you should try some unofficial builds....
AOSP build by kamarush is really stable and i am using it on a daily basis... well xcept for hd recording...
Sent from my Xperia Mini using xda premium
That's exactly why I've started with the custom roms for this phone. Stock SE runs perfectly, obviously so I didn't want to leave it until custom 4.0 were v stable. My fav is this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1554996&page=26
i really like the default ics UI.. so i picked up the custom ICS build by kamarush and expeacer. stable enough now for daily use.
Mid april??? I don't think so,after two weeks SONY give us new release date
John Cooper, UK Product Manager for Sony Mobile, has been taking questions from customers on Facebook and, perhaps inadvertently, revealed that both the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S and Xperia mini pro will not receive the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update.
We have been waiting for Sony to make an official statement on their Jelly Bean upgrade plans and this is the first concrete news we have on the matter. The Xperia arc S was the highest specced 2011 Sony Xperia handset, so if this handset isn’t getting it we can conclude that none of the other Xperia handsets from the 2011 range will get the update either. However, the 2012 Xperia range do look likely to get the update, although timing remains an unknown right now.
Its funny that many of the 2012 Xperia handsets have lower specs than the 2011 models. It sux! anw, we can hope for a developer to port JB for 2011 Xperia lineup. & Cynomod10 is coming with JB
Credit goes to www.xperiablog.net
http://www.xperiablog.net/2012/07/26/official-2011-sony-xperia-handsets-will-not-get-android-4-1-jelly-bean/
They have made a mistake
Xperia 2011 handets should have had that minor upgrade to Jelly Bean, especially given the performance issues. Also, it means those handsets are stuck permanently on 2.6 Linux kernel, unless one goes the custom ROMs way. Thankfully, Cyanogenmod devs are supporting Xperia Mini Pro, so I am starting on a quest to root my SK17i.
Jelly Bean would be slow on our phones if official update was done. Sony will push own Timescape UI inside instead of Butter UI, so we don't get any performance improvements in UI.
It's a shame, but it was expected...
Yeah, i also expect 2012 xperias will probably get Jelly Bean update around this time next year (+/- couple months), just before Key Lime Pie comes out
Someguyfromhell said:
Jelly Bean would be slow on our phones if official update was done. Sony will push own Timescape UI inside instead of Butter UI, so we don't get any performance improvements in UI.
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but google successfully made JB for nexus S right? it has the same specs as the xperia 2011 lineup sooo sad
Someguyfromhell said:
Jelly Bean would be slow on our phones if official update was done. Sony will push own Timescape UI inside instead of Butter UI, so we don't get any performance improvements in UI.
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I wonder....
does anyone remember Xperia x10i? the funniest was they came from Donut 1.6 to GingerBread 2.3. they've got 3 official FW update.. and me guess we still have a chance.. Our device is not low range since we have 512 ram inside. and some of Xperia 2012 family also have the same type.
I was expecting this. They won't update 2011 xperia phones to JB. But they will update 2012 xperias. If I buy another phone, it won't be a Sony. Maybe a Nexus 7 but not a Sony. I was very disappointed with the ICS update. Can't imagine a JB for our phones, maybe to slow...
Long live to Gingerbread! xD
Someguyfromhell said:
Jelly Bean would be slow on our phones if official update was done. Sony will push own Timescape UI inside instead of Butter UI, so we don't get any performance improvements in UI.
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I dont't think Timescape has anything to do with Butter
Anyway, I'm not surprised, but they could change their minds if community presses them enough. As I remember, HTC upgraded Desire to GB even though they said phone was underpowered (for sense bloatware).
I smell some "business politic" here from sony.
Sent from my wt19i MIUI 2.7.6
I wasn't really expecting that our 2011 Xperia phones would get 4.1. But I'm going to flash a custom rom when it's available
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda app-developers app
who cares about their update...cyanogenmod 10 alpha has rolled out..have to tell its much more faster than GB..wait for fue for days l get the beta version of bug free ...just waiting to get beta cm10.
The thing is that to be able to create stable custom roms you need support from the manufacturer. Without proper source code or hardware drivers/libraries that suit the new OS developers have to tack everything together which greatly increases the chances of bugs.
IMHO the least thing Sony could do is provide a proper hardware layer to developers to give them a solid base to work from. Nobody really needs the Sony customisations anyway so they could actually save a lot of development time there.
Personally I'd wish all android phones came with AOSP, like what Apple and Microsoft do. It saves the manufacturers a lot of development and opens the way for more frequent/longer OS updates.
All hope of custom rom
**** Sony, where's Ericsson when we need him?
pfonck said:
The thing is that to be able to create stable custom roms you need support from the manufacturer. Without proper source code or hardware drivers/libraries that suit the new OS developers have to tack everything together which greatly increases the chances of bugs.
IMHO the least thing Sony could do is provide a proper hardware layer to developers to give them a solid base to work from. Nobody really needs the Sony customisations anyway so they could actually save a lot of development time there.
Personally I'd wish all android phones came with AOSP, like what Apple and Microsoft do. It saves the manufacturers a lot of development and opens the way for more frequent/longer OS updates.
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Correct.
Nicely Explained Brother:good:
Here is example!
1.Bravia Engine wont work without proper supported lib files
2.Same will happen with xLoud
But we can force SONY to give us JB update
If majority of all the customers keep on telling them about the update for 2011 Family, after all customers are the only strength of any COMPANY
What say guys?
Yeah yeah yeah! As what I have expected from SONY!
Come on guys! This isnt the first time so stop relying on this b*llsh*t company. We have the developers here and they are even better than those "INCOMPETENT" developers from Sony.
So stop crying over spilled milk and just wait for JB port to our devices :good:
zerorated24 said:
Come on guys! This isnt the first time so stop relying on this b*llsh*t company. We have the developers here and they are even better than those "INCOMPETENT" developers from Sony.
So stop crying over spilled milk and just wait for JB port to our devices :good:
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Well... There is
And i agree, Not only the developers here are better, they also keep updating us with Alpha, Nightly and Beta builds all the time, and they're also open for suggestions
I don't know why people keel slagging off Sony as a company?
Personally I buy an SE phone for the hardware (who else makes a tiny phone with a useable hardware keyboard?) while knowing you can optimise the thing to personal taste by modding the firmware and using apps.
As for updates the Mini Pro got 200% of what it's predecessor got (the X10 Mini Pro which only got Eclair).
Sent from my phone.
very sad news for xperia 2011 series, but im now testing CyanogenMod10 Alpha rom in lww but its have lot of bugs hope it will fix soon
And I was right! 4.1 probably coming after all!
We are actively investigating Android OS upgrades for all devices, but in the meantime, our Ice Cream Sandwich rollout for Xperia S and 2011 Xperia smartphones continues as planned.
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Source
Hi what you guys think of this phone? Is it worth to buy? I'm planning to upgrade my phone
kelvinkou said:
Hi what you guys think of this phone? Is it worth to buy? I'm planning to upgrade my phone
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Well of course it is! Awesome phone! And you should ask what to buy and stuff in the device suggestion thread
I've been holding out for the Nexus 4 but I have to admit that the Xperia Z has my attention. I think the splash proof feature is great but taking off the charging port cover every time it needs charging (at least once a day possibly more) would be a real pain. If only they included wireless charging then I would have been sold. If I do get the Xperia Z then I'll probably permanently remove the cover for the charging port and thus lose the splashproof aspect. Luckily the Xperia Z has a lot more going for it. The other reason that I might be apprehensive of the Xperia Z is possibly slow Android OS updates.
Techno79 said:
I've been holding out for the Nexus 4 but I have to admit that the Xperia Z has my attention. I think the splash proof feature is great but taking off the charging port cover every time it needs charging (at least once a day possibly more) would be a real pain. If only they included wireless charging then I would have been sold. If I do get the Xperia Z then I'll probably permanently remove the cover for the charging port and thus lose the splashproof aspect. Luckily the Xperia Z has a lot more going for it. The other reason that I might be apprehensive of the Xperia Z is possibly slow Android OS updates.
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don`t worry if you are a even a barely proficient rom flasher (like me ) sony makes it very easy for you to unlock the bootloader with official support It literally took me less than 10 minute to unlock the bootloader and install cm10 plus kernel.
i think this Xperia Z was the best phone from sony...but more interested with Galaxy Note II GT-N7100
cs098 said:
don`t worry if you are a even a barely proficient rom flasher (like me ) sony makes it very easy for you to unlock the bootloader with official support It literally took me less than 10 minute to unlock the bootloader and install cm10 plus kernel.
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I know that custom ROMs make a number of enhancements and improvements over stock but I'm actually really keen on using a phone that is just totally stock (or as close to it as possible).
Plus, I've always found custom ROMs to be more unstable than an official ROM specifically for that phone. I've never tried CM ROMs (mainly been using the Resurrection Remix ROM for SGS2).
Techno79 said:
I know that custom ROMs make a number of enhancements and improvements over stock but I'm actually really keen on using a phone that is just totally stock (or as close to it as possible).
Plus, I've always found custom ROMs to be more unstable than an official ROM specifically for that phone. I've never tried CM ROMs (mainly been using the Resurrection Remix ROM for SGS2).
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when the xperia z come out you should try stock based roms, these only takes a week or two become stable with very minimal changes and because the xperia z has jellybean it should be a smooth experience. And besides I heard sony will be upgrading the z and zl to jb 4.2 shortly after its release
cs098 said:
when the xperia z come out you should try stock based roms, these only takes a week or two become stable with very minimal changes and because the xperia z has jellybean it should be a smooth experience. And besides I heard sony will be upgrading the z and zl to jb 4.2 shortly after its release
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Sure, I appreciate that but Sony would shoot itself in the foot if it hadn't announced a quick 4.2 update after release as it would really hamper sales. I doubt they'll be so timely when the phone is 6 to 12 months old and their attention is focused on a new flag ship phone.
Similar story with the Samsung S2 and S3. S3 gets the JB update very quickly after release but S2 still hasn't gotten JB even though JB was released about 14 months after it's initial release.
I'm really hoping that the N4 will continue to receive updates until it is hardware cannot keep up with the Android OS (which will hopefully be at least 2 years).
Hi
I've just purchased a Sony Xperia Z (second hand). I've run the root programme from Kingo (only via PC worked, not via Android itself).
I've got Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and want to upgrade to the latest one as this version is precluding me from having a couple of apps that I want and have on my other phone.
Can someone please help me?!
Thanks!!
Hello,
I am confused about which phone should I buy. I have concluded to these three phones; nexus 5, htc one dual and xperia z1.
NEXUS 5: I dont like the build design of nexus 5 but it will be getting all the updates for 18 months I think. Currently it is running on 4.4.2 which is latest from google. Nexus 5 camera is average. Confused a bit about what to prefer build design or latest updates?
XPERIA z1: Build is good but a bit larger in the hand. also running 4.3 android. Sony released kitkat for z1 last month but it is creating issues. Z1 has best camera and multimedia but not updtes its OS. Which should I prefer better multimedia or latest updates? Also SONY android is not pure android. Could anyone please tell me the what changes SONY or other manufacturers made in the actual android. Do they remove few features from actual?
HTC ONE: Does it really worth to buy a phone with less specs at the same price? Although it has a very good build design and camera. Hope it will be providing best multimedia experience.
Just received an update for the Sony account management, which boldly States lollipop support.
Sadly that doesn't mean much, as the account management app is not device specific.
Aside from the GPe Z Ultra, the Z3 will get Lollipop then the Z2, and the Z1 before we get a look. Which is kind of sad seeing that with the GPe, they have a working 5.0 ROM ready to be skinned.
And then there's Google's mega bug fixing 5.1 release around the corner, which I would hope that Sony would hold on a little more and give us that instead of risking a multitude of complaints arising from the current version of Lollipop, not Sony's implementation of it.