Sony's Xperia Z3 and Z2 will receive the Android 5.1 Lollipop update within this summer, while the next Android Lollipop update for HTC One M8 is coming in fall 2015. There is no word on when the HTC One M7 will get the Android 5.1 Lollipop update. Currently, all four devices are running on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop.
Android 5.1 Lollipop Coming Soon to Multiple Sony Devices
On its official blog, Sony announced plans to roll out Android 5.1 Lollipop on multiple handsets in July. These include the Xperia Z1, Z1, Z2, Z3, T2, and C3. The company will also update the Xperia M2 and M2 Aqua with similar firmware.
Naturally, distribution also depends on how fast U.S. carriers roll out the Xperia's Android 5.1 Lollipop update when it is available. So, consumers will not necessarily get the newest Android update on July. Sony urged consumers to wait patiently for more information regarding the impending roll out.
At this time, the most current Android update is the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Google has already implemented this firmware with its proprietary Nexus series. Last month, a user posted a YouTube video apparently showing Android 5.1.1 operating on the Sony Xperia Z3. Nonetheless, the the validity of that video has not been confirmed.
HTC One M8, M7 Android Update Coming This August
In April, HTC UK tweeted that the One M8 will indeed be upgraded to Android 5.1 Lollipop. The rollout should begin sometime in August 2015. Hopefully, HTC will follow through with this announced schedule. The tweet also does not confirm if there is going to be a U.S. release. Even so, this is better than no news.
There is still no word concerning the next Android update for the regular HTC One M7. Earlier, the Google Play Edition for the One M7 received the Android 5.1 Lollipop update. However, this roll out did not extend to other HTC One M7 versions.
Currently, most HTC One M7's are running on the original Android 5.0 Lollipop, which rolled out OTA in March.
Android 5.1 reportedly addresses bugs associated with Android 5.0. These include battery drain, forced reboot, and freezing apps issues. It also adds many new features alongside those of Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. These include refinements to the quick settings, screen PIN, and device security. In addition, HD Voice and Dual SIM support has been improved.
