Sony Xperia Z3: Android 5.0 Lollipop update in February

The Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone- Sony's current flagship device and predecessor of the upcoming Xperia Z4[Photo credit: Sony Mobile]

It is confirmed, the Sony Xperia Z3 and other Xperia handsets will receive the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop OS update next month. The sweet update was announced by Sony Electronics chief operating officer Mike Fasulo during Sony's press conference at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. 

Just before Fasulo closed the presscon of the Japanese OEM manufacturer, he confirmed what most already know: that the Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z2 series will be upgraded to the latest Android OS this year. It was announced last month via Twitter, and since the tweet mentioned both the Z3 and Z2 lines, the update will most likely include the different variants of the smartphones. 

The specific release date has not been disclosed yet as the company only gave out a vague timline, but details will surely surface soon as Sony is probably finishing the firmware. Besides, unlike other companies, Sony has been very open about the roadmap of the Android updates on its devices. 

Just like other Android software, the roll out will most likely be in phases. Users will receive a notification for the Over-The-Air software update of their respective Sony device. Users can download and install the OS by going to Settings > About phone > Software updates.

Google's latest operating system from Android features the new user interface called Material Design. The software also includes improved notifications, multi-tasking and sharing capabilities, as well as new lockscreen and security features. Moreover, Android 5.0 mobile OS also allows users unlock the device with Smart Lock Settings in which users can set "safe locations" where the handset will unlock itself in certain locations or networks without the need of the passcode. 

Sony did not announce any smartphone this year at the CES 2015 event. The company is instead emphasizing on the Sony Xperia Z3 that it announced in September at the IFA event in Berlin.