The Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition ( a mouthful) has always been a different kind of beast compared to Sony’s other smartphones. Unlike their normal line where Sony handles both hardware and software tweaks within the guidelines of Google, the Z Ultra Google Play Edition is all Sony hardware and all Google software. That’s to say that while Sony fully developed the hardware, all software was left to Google which meant for some less bloatware and a more pure Android experience. At the same time, if you liked any of the apps provided by Sony like Walkman or their cameras, you were equally out of luck.

Still for some, the pure experience of Android and timely OS updates was a unique one to pursue. While it’s been sometime since Google has discontinued the phone, updates are still rolling out for the phone and ones that are even newer than what Sony is releasing.

In the last month, you’ve likely noticed all the phones and tablets from Sony that have been getting Android 5.0 Lollipop. Specifically, Sony is providing Android 5.0.2 which is the OS that their most recently announced devices, the Xperia Z4 Tablet and Xperia M4 Aqua will be shipping with. Seeing how the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition is handled directly by Google, the Android maker is waisting no time and actually releasing Android 5.1 on the phone. It’s likely that most manufactures will skip Android 5.1 and wait for a bigger revision.

The OTA update should be like for all Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition owners, regardless of their carrier, something which tends to be a problem for all Android makers as carriers also need to approve/certify any new OS releases. Google on the other hand with this unlocked device can skip all of that.

Discuss:

Do you think Sony will provide Android 5.1 or will they skip it?

[Via XDA]