Sony has re-attempted to roll out an Android Nougat update for some of its Xperia devices — the Z5, Z3+, and Z4 Tablet — after the initial software update had to be pulled, given that it was bogged down by a number of bugs.
Sony Resumes Nougat Rollout For Some Xperia Devices
The previous software, carrying the version number 32.3.A.0.372, included some snags with audio playback via third-party music players save for Sony's own. The rollout was suspended because of this audio issue, problems related to SD card performance, and poor battery life, which users experienced upon updating to the software.
Xperia Blog reports that the new firmware, carrying the version number 32.3.A.0.376, has already begun hiking its way to the aforementioned Xperia devices, albeit slowly, an over-the-air update.
What's New?
As of this time, users who have already received the new software update have not reported any bugs, including those that caused the initial Nougat rollout to be halted. Unfortunately, users are reporting that there appears to be very little that the new software is packing, at least in terms of new features.
Sure, all Nougat goodies from Google are there, but Sony's cameras doesn't appear to have gained significant updates, particularly with the lack of a manual control mode. Vulkan, a relatively new 3D standard that eclipses OpenGL and Direct3D performance-wise, isn't on board, despite already making its way to several devices, such as the Nexus 6P, which rocks the same GPU and chip found on the Xperia Z5.
A worrying note is that the security patch is also reportedly still in the December level, as per Android Headlines.
While the thin roster of new features might come as a disappointment for some owners of the target devices, it's at least comforting to know that the bugs from before have apparently been squashed, although newer ones, if they are indeed present, should be lifted out in the open soon enough.
How to Get The New Software Update
Sony hasn't announced how exactly the update will roll out, but it presumably will arrive first to devices who already have the previous update installed, and those who are still on Marshmallow will presumably receive this newer software update at a later time. In any case, all aforementioned devices will receive the update in the coming days.
At any rate, navigate over to your device's software update page and try to check if the update is ready to download.
Sony remains as one of the first phone manufacturers to roll out Nougat beyond its more recent phones. The Z3+, for instance, was released back in 2014. Other phones from other companies released in the same window sadly didn't have the same fortune of receiving Google's latest operating system, so it's still commendable that Sonny is giving their older Xperia devices some TLC. Hopefully no issues persist with the newest firmware.
Have you received Sony's new Nougat update? How's the experience so far? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
