Sony officially updates Xperia Z2, Z3, and Z3 Compact to Android Marshmallow

In a somewhat unprecedented move, Sony Mobile decided to allow users of select flagship Xperia handhelds to opt into a Marshmallow Beta program for those interested in the bleeding-edge of Android OS updates. Given the nature of an early pre-release build, there were some bugs to squash along the way. Today however, Xperia Blog is reporting that Sony has officially started rolling out the final release build of Marshmallow 6.0.1 to the Xperia Z2, Z3, and Z3 Compact handsets.

There is one important caveat, however:

Only specific variants of the devices are currently set to receive the OTA: the Xperia Z2 with model number D6503, the Xperia Z3 with model number D6603 and the Xperia Z3 Compact with model number D5803. Coincidentally, these are the variants that were eligible for the beta program, suggesting that Sony itself may have put them on a fast-track release schedule.

Customers who are using any of these three phones that have different product codes will need to wait until their time arrives, though no information was provided as to indicate when that will be. Those using carrier variants will inevitably have to wait even longer, however again, nothing has been confirmed.

Of interest, the new firmware has been given build number 23.5.A.0.570. Interestingly enough, this is the same build number as the most recent beta version.

Xperia Blog states that this latest update features both the Camera 2.0.0 user interface along with the February Android security patch. Camera 2.0.0 is essentially the app as it exists for the Xperia Z5 and includes the ability to swipe between camera modes as well as real-time adjustment sliders for brightness and other toggles.

Those readers using an Xperia eligible for this update are encouraged to leave your thoughts and impressions below and weigh-in on how the final build feels.