Sony Releases AOSP Source Code and Binaries for Xperia Z3, Z2 and Z1

Shortly after Google and Motorola announced that Android 5.0 Lollipop is available for some of their smartphones, Sony released the AOSP source code and binaries for three of its current and previous flagship handsets.

Android 5.0 Lollipop AOS source code and binaries are not available for download for those who own the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z2 or Xperia Z1. All three devices have been Sony’s flagship smartphones at some point, so it makes sense that the Japanese company would want to bring Lollipop to these ones first. Keep in mind that these are not Android 5.0 Lollipop factory images or OTA (over the air) updates, but it’s better than nothing until Sony actually makes the upgrade available to Xperia smartphone users. The AOSP source code and binaries are aimed at developers who would like to cook custom ROMs with Android 5.0 Lollipop components. This means that only those with some technical knowledge will be able to flash Android 5.0 Lollipop on their smartphones, at least until Sony launches the official ROM.

However, creating Android 5.0 Lollipop, AOSP-based custom ROMs for Xperia Z3, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z1 should be very easy for developers. Since Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system has been handed to handset manufacturers in early November, only three smartphones have been confirmed as receiving the update.

The AOSP source code has some limitations as camera does not work and modem is not enabled

Google has recently published the Android 5.0 Lollipop factory image for the Nexus 5 and announced the rollout of the OTA update has started. US-based handset maker Motorola is the second company that offers Lollipop as an upgrade to two of its smartphones: Moto G (2014) and Moto X (2014). As we’re getting closer to the end of the year, more and more devices are expected to receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, including the LG G3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Until then though, Sony Xperia Z3, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z1 owners can download the needed software binaries for Lollipop, and then download, configure, build and flash the source code onto their devices.

It’s also worth mentioning that the source code released by Sony recently has some limitations, which doesn’t recommend it for daily use. According to Sony, the camera is not working yet and the modem hasn’t been enabled, so you won’t be able to take photos or make phone calls. Even though some may have gotten past the fact that they can’t take photos, the inability to make phone calls will surely drive away most Xperia users who want to enjoy Android 5.0 Lollipop on their smartphones as quickly as possible.

Sony Xperia Z3 running Android 5.0 Lollipop AOSP

Sony Xperia Z1, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3

Android 5.0 Lollipop on Sony Xperia Z3 (homescreen)

Android 5.0 Lollipop on Sony Xperia Z3 (task manager)

Android 5.0 Lollipop on Sony Xperia Z3 (About phone)

Android 5.0 Lollipop on Sony Xperia Z3 (Lollipop logo)

Sony Xperia Z1, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3 (Lollipop logo)
Images credits to Sony Mobile

Full story: http://developer.sonymobile.com/2014/11/06/android-5-0-xperia-z3-running-aosp
This week, Google released the source code for Android 5.0, Lollipop, and as you can see in the video above, the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) version of Android 5.0 is already running on Xperia Z3, as well as Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z1.
Video credits to SonyXperiaDev

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