The Android 5.0 Lollipop will finally reach Xperia Z units - much to the delight of their users. However, it was not Sony that released the update but discerning Android custom ROM developers who leaked it through the Dirty Unicorns v9.3 ROM.
Xperia Z users have Team D.I.R.T to thank for creating the ROM and Team XDA for optimizing and distributing the update by uploading the ROM. Due to their efforts, device owners can now relive the legacy of Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for Lollipop ROMs. It also brings with it a multitude of patches from CAF to make older devices function as intended, according to International Business Times.
To date, the most stable Android 5.1.1 ROM was offered by the developers from XDA, namely, developer Mazda and senior members Mazwaz and Chasmodo. The version they offered has a variety of powerful features not included in the CyanogenMod 12.1 build.
To avail of these features, Xperia Z users can go ahead and install the Dirty Unicorns Lollipop ROM even though it is way ahead of the official date the firmware was supposed to be released.
Examples of such features is a new powerful Theme engine, unique Headsup options, easy pull-down preferences, AppOps, new lock screen tiles, customization options for Date and Clock in the interface's Statusbar, AdBlocker, and the OmniSwitch.
However, since the release is unofficial, it must be noted that any news outlet reporting about the leak will not be held liable for any damage to the Xperia Z unit during or after the installation of the ROM. That said, device owners are advised to go ahead with the update at their own risk.
The report from IBT also stated some pre-requisites that must be taken into account before the installation. First and foremost, the instructions that the developers provided were only reportedly meant for international variants of the Xperia Z only. The device model number can be checked by navigating to Settings then clicking About Phone.
Furthermore, to avoid bugs, the unit must be charged at least up to 80 percent to prevent unexpected device shutdown while the installation is ongoing.
Regardless of the battery status, the owners must make sure that data and important settings are backed up. This can be done through a recommended custom recovery tool such as ClockwordMod. Doing so will create a complete image of the set-up that the unit currently has installed.
