Sony is leading the mobile communications industry in terms of updates for its Android smartphones after the company rolled out the January Security patch for the Xperia X and X Compact on Jan. 20. This is the second release of updates for 2017 because the tech company also released performance updates for its Xperia X and XZ on Jan. 19.
While other manufacturers are also slowly rolling out the same January Android security update, Sony is the first manufacturer to release the patch to many devices in a short period of time. Perhaps this is still in line with Sony's goal to be the first manufacturer to roll out Android 7.0 nougat in its devices since such patches are important in keeping smartphone softwares in good condition.
The security patch is available as an Over-the-Air (OTA ) update and includes bug fixes. One of the important errors the patch fixes is the smartphone clock's tendency to reset with every reboot, which is really a problem all smartphone owners would hate having.
Another critical issue the patch addresses is the security vulnerability that could enable remote access and code execution on an affected device.
Xperia X and X Compact users should be able to update their devices now by going to the Settings page and pressing "About Phone" under the "System" sub-menu. You should then be able to see if the 147.89 MB Software Update is available for you.
After updating your phone system's software, your device should reflect that it is running software version 34.2.A.0.292 with the Android Security Patch Level dated 1 January 2017.
Take a look at the photos below to compare the information reflected in your handset with updated ones.
It is important to note, however, that this particular security patch is still considered as a partial patch by Google because there are actually two levels in the January Android security patch to address all issues before it can be considered a complete patch. That said, Xperia smartphone owners should make sure to keep their eyes peeled for the level two of the patch which will reflect 5 January 2017 as its Android Security Patch Level date.
If you need a better reason to update, take a look at the list of vulnerabilities the two patches address in the Android Security Bulletin.
So far, there is no news from Sony on when level two of the Android Security Patch will be released but, with the speed at which the manufacturer is pushing updates, we can bet it will not take too long before the patch is released OTA.
