Sony has begun rolling out the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update for its older Xperia devices.
So far, the list of handsets that are set to get the update include the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and the Wi-Fi and LTE variants of the Xperia Tablet Z.
According to the Xperia Blog, the update for the latest version of the Lollipop platform will upgrade the devices' firmware build number to 10.7.A.0.222. However, since the handsets were already running on version 5.0 before the arrival of the update 5.1.1, the latest firmware upgrade is not considered as a major one.
Aside from the addition of minor features and enhancements to the handsets, version 5.1.1 mainly comes with patches for various bugs. However, as noted by various sources, the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop does not come with security patches against the Stagefright exploit, Neurogadget reported.
As previously reported, the Stagefright exploit was first discovered by cyber security experts earlier this year. According to them, using a vulnerability in the Android platform's Stagefright media tool, hackers can access handsets and their owners' information through a simple text message.
Experts explained that since the Stagefright tool is used to play back media files, messages that contain a malware or dangerous links can be used to hack into the device's system. Based on the number of Android users in the world, over 950 million people are at risk of being attacked using the Stagefright exploit.
In response, various companies such as Google and Samsung have already released their own patches to protect users from hackers. Last month, Sony also announced that it will release its own security patches for its Xperia Z line of devices. However, the company noted that it will only be available for newer models such as the Xperia Z2, Z4 and Z3 Tablet Compact.
There are still no details if the older handset will get the same security update. Despite this, Sony said that users can still be able to protect their devices from the Stagefright exploit even without the patch.
"Users can also take steps to protect themselves by disabling the automatic download MMS messages and deleting those from unknown senders, exercising caution when opening email attachments, connecting to well-known Wi-Fi networks and ensuring websites, services and application stores are authentic," Sony said in a press release.
Currently, the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update is being released for the old Xperia Z devices in stages, which means not all users will be able to get it at the same time. For those who are still waiting for the update, they can expect to receive it within the next few days.
