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Sony Xperia Z1, Z Ultra, and Z1 Compact now getting Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

Xperia-Z1-Compact-Android-5.1_1-315x560.png 2015-09-14 13-39-31

If you’re still using one of Sony’s Xperia Z1 handsets from 2013, this little tidbit is for you. Apparently, Xperia Z1, Z Ultra, and Z1 Compact handset are getting updated to Android 5.1.1 in some countries (via XperiaBlog). Alongside some really neat updates like richer Xperia themes, several Camera improvements, and new SmartWatch 3 functionality, the update also fixes the vulnerabilities in Stagefright…

Along with the above changes, this update to Android 5.1.1 includes new settings menu icons, “additional options” for WiFi and Bluetooth in the notification pull-down menu, new icons in the Settings menu, LinkedIn integrations for Calendar and Contacts, enhanced enterprise features of some kind, and more. As mentioned, the Camera has also been updated including improvements for focus, speed, and accuracy in “Superior Auto” mode.

Here’s the full change log:

– 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

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Sony testing Lollipop on Xperia Z1/2/3 handsets, developer preview coming soon

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFxnj2mb2hg]

If you own an Xperia Z1, Z2 or Z3 handset and are eagerly awaiting an update to Lollipop, Sony announced on its blog that it currently has the latest ASOP version of Android in testing ahead of a planned rollout next year.

This week Google released the source code for Android 5.0; Lollipop – and to celebrate that we have the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) version up and running on Xperia Z1, Xperia Z2 ….and Xperia Z3

There will be a beta-test program for Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact devices, but the bad news is that this will initially be limited to Swedish owners on the 3 network. Developers, however, will be able to get their hands on the binary files “soon.”

We are working to provide you with the necessary binary files as soon as we can. Once you have them, these binaries can be used as a base for compiling your own custom version of Android, together with source code for AOSP device configuration from the Sonyxperiadev GitHub. Device configurations are already available for Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z2, these will be updated, and are coming soon for Xperia Z3.

Sony is one of the main contributors to the Android Open Source Project.

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Sony releases six underwater apps for the Xperia Z1

Xperia Z1

Sony has been making water resistant devices for quite a while now and to capitalize on this particular functionality the company has released a unique suite of underwater-friendly applications. Available to download from Google Play, this somewhat bizarre collection of software is comprised of six apps that showcase what your Sony-made waterproof device can do while submerged under water.


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Sony begins rollout of Android 4.4 KitKat update for Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1, & Z1 Compact

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Sony announced today on its mobile blog that the rollout of Android 4.4 KitKat for a few of its new devices has officially kicked off. That means that Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1, and Xperia Z1 Compact owners can expect the upgrade soon, although we’ve yet to get reports that the update is available. As always, the timeframe for the update hitting your device will vary by market and carrier. 
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Sony introduces new Xperia Z1 Compact and Xperia Z1S

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Earlier tonight during its CES 2014 press conference, Sony took the wraps off of two new Xperia smartphones for the United States market. First off, the company introduced the Xperia Z1 Compact. Sony pointed out that this is no the “mini” version of its Xperia Z flagship, as it thinks that mini phones are just “watered down.” According to the company, this device has “no compromises.”


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Sony Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra, & SmartWatch 2 now available in the U.S.

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Sony originally only announced availability for Europe when it first unveiled its new flagship Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra, and SmartWatch 2 during IFA last month, but today the company has officially put all three devices up for sale in the US. Available through Sony’s website now, the Xperia devices are selling unlocked in black, white, and purple and start at a hefty $649, while the SmartWatch 2 is now available from Sony’s website for $199.

The Xperia Z1, which packs in a 5-inch display, 20.7MP camera, and quad core processor, will start at $649.99, but that model, however, will only offer HSPA+ support and not LTE connectivity. That same price will get you the bigger 6.4-inch Xperia Z Ultra with HSPA+, but for LTE connectivity you’ll have to hand over $679. The new Xperia devices have a lot to offer– superior camera systems, beautiful large displays, and premium hardware– but the off-contract price means Sony is certainly a little higher than we were hoping for. There’s no word yet on carrier partners, but the latest rumors hint that T-Mobile might be the first. 
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‘Leak everything before the launch’ trend continues with Xperia/Honami official video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alVwMu5fvns

Smartphone makers these days seem to be in the habit of drip-feeding leaks about new products so steadily that there’s almost nothing we expect to surprise us by the time a model actually launches.

About the only thing we didn’t yet know about Sony’s new handset codenamed the Honami was the official name. We knew it was an Xperia model, but both Z1 and i1 had been suggested as model names. From the “3..2..what comes next?” tweet on the Sony Xperia Twitter account, we’re going with Z1 …