While Android's latest 5.0 Lollipop operating system has already dropped for several Motorola and Nexus devices, Sony steps up as the next in line to get the anticipated upgrade.
Sony took to Twitter on Wednesday to make the Lollipop announcement while answering a query from a fan. "We'll start the upgrade at beginning of 2015 for the core Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z2 series."
While the company had already previously made the announcement that the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1S, Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 Compact, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3V, and the Xperia Z3 Compact would all be getting the update, this is the first confirmation we have on a timeline and specific models that will presumably be getting Lollipop first. There has been no word on when the other listed models will be getting the update and the use of the word "core" leaves many to speculate on the possibilities that this will include the full range of compacts and tablets as well.
The window of the "beginning of 2015" could mean a long stretch of time, but if the Xperia Z2 and Z3 do get updated in the first few months of the year, it could put it right in line with when Samsung is expected to make the upgrade for its S4 and possibly S5 models.
The Sony Xperia Z2 is a high-end smartphone that was first released in July of 2014 for U.S. customers. The water- and dust-proof device features a 2.3 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor with 3 GB of RAM, 16 or 32 GB of storage (expandable to 128 GB through microSDXC), a hefty 3,200 mAh Li-on battery, and a 5.2-inch full HD 1080p display.
The Xperia Z3, on the other hand, is only a few months newer and is reported by the company to be a "more refined" design over the Z2. The hardware specs are almost identical, aside from the slightly better 2.5 Ghz quad-core Krait processor. The frame changes over the Z2 include an anodised aluminum finish and tempred glass on the front and back. Nylon corners were included to help protect those vulnerable edges, and an overall narrower thickness helps keep it a bit lighter.
Android 5.0 Lollipop is Google's latest version of the popular operating system, featuring better security, longer battery life, and the new Material Design layout and appearance language. A recent bump to Android 5.0.1 was made to Google's flagship devices to help squash some lingering bugs from the original launch in November.
Beyond the Z2 and Z3, Sony may already be teasing the Z4 as seen in a recent video the company posted to promote its presence at CES 2015. The cryptic video also shows a woman pressing a button on an elevator for the fifth floor, while a young girl is sucking on a red lollipop. Not exactly a subtle hint, but the imagery is getting Sony fans excited for what's coming to the Consumer Electronics Show on January 6 - 9 from Las Vegas.
