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Sony Xperia devices finally began to start seeing Android 5.0 Lollipop updates last month, bringing a handful of Sony’s devices forward to Android 5.0.2. This included both the Sony Xperia Z2 and Sony Xperia Z3 models, although not for all variants of the handset as the T-Mobile version of the Z3 is still waiting on its update. For those that are already on Android 5.0.2, the device has a somewhat renewed life to it feeling new and fresh with the inclusion of the animations and the more bold use of color, as well as other features and additives like the enhanced theme chooser and other Lollipop specifics like lockscreen notifications.
Unfortunately, in regards to the initial Sony Lollipop update, features weren’t just added in as they were also taken away. Those who are still stuck on Kit Kat likely make good use of the close all apps button within the recents menu, and this is something Sony chose to dismiss when they updated their devices to Lollipop. Many users engaged in public outcry over forums about the decision to remove the close all apps button, and thankfully Sony has heard what its users were asking for, and have now decided to push out a light firmware update which brings the close all apps button back to devices running Lollipop 5.0.2. For now this is just an update rolling out to the Sony Xperia Z2 and the Sony Xperia Z3, although it could very well end up with some of the other devices Sony plans to update to Lollipop in the future.
In addition to the return of the close all apps button, this software update will also include some bug fixes and improvements to enhance the overall Lollipop experience on Sony phones. A previous bug impacting the service indicator within the lockscreen and the status bar which denoted “no service” when the device actually had coverage is no longer present, and sony has also unblocked devices with server policies like Exchange ActiveSync. Some users may have also noticed the LED light not blinking when the device was in “silent mode” and the update addresses this as well, ensuring that the LED light will be lit “across all sound modes.” The update also includes a fix to more easily move content back and forth between the internal storage and any installed microSD cards, and messaging has also been improved during the use of Ultra Stamina Mode. Sony states that the software begins rolling out today, however they also mention that the timing and availability of the software update coming down to your device depends on your region and/or carrier, meaning not all people will be seeing the update immediately.