7.1.1 is released for other carriers, just not spark?

@sbiddle - did you use a specific au build?

SpookyAwol:

 

7.1.1 is released for other carriers, just not spark?

@sbiddle - did you use a specific au build?

 

It's been available for most variants. Spark aren't the only network without it, but most do have 7.1.1

I wrote a lot more about this over here https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=39&topicid=224270

I used the generic AU build. The generic AU builds of Xperia firmware typically release at the same time as the Hong Kong releases which is always very quick.

sbiddle:

 

I used the generic AU build. The generic AU builds of Xperia firmware typically release at the same time as the Hong Kong releases which is always very quick.

 

 

 

How far did they go with security updates for 7.1.1? I'm just downloading it along with flashtool to try it.

Thanks,

Nick

I de-sparked my phone last night with the Generic AU release.

Pretty straight forward. Just download the firmware and flashtool and run it.  The update didn't effect my data or apps and ultimately ends up at 7.1.1 with September security patches level after another update. Just be patient, it takes a while to complete the flash and the September security update takes even longer.

So both Sony and Spark come out of this as dicks.  The CVE for BlueBourne is a big one and they should have got over themselves and provided this. It is in the September update so just snuck in there.

I guess the moral of the story is avoid the telco branded phones and it would be good if manufacturers committed to 3 years software releases or at least security updates with a premium phone. So you are likely covered as long as you have the device.

NikT:

 

No unlocking is required, rebranding Sony devices to official software builds from other regions, e.g. the open market Australian variant, is a straightforward process using a utility called FlashTool. Doesn't even need to wipe user data.

 

Hate to tell you this @nikt and @sbiddle, but they've done something to change this.

As you know, I've flashed heaps of phones over the years (sammy, sony, HTC), and tonight I was sick of not having 7.1.1 on my Z5 Premium so I used Xperifirm to get the UK official (no carrier) release. Opened FlashTool and got the same message as @ubernoob. This was before I even told it what firmware  I wanted.

I'm not unlocking tho, as I use android pay daily. A bit peed off to be honest.

Edit: I'll look more into it over the weekend, but it's not as straight forward as it used to be.

ubernoob: @ nickbrooker hhmmm love to know how you did that as it refused to install for me. Your's is definitely spark branded with the whole startup logo etc not just on spark network?

Yeah, my had the spark logo on boot.  Got sick of looking at the green one :-)

I grabbed firmware

http://www.xperiablog.net/forum/resources/xperia-z5_e6653_32-4-a-0-160_australia_generic.900/

and flashtool and a guide

http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/03/12/install-xperia-marshmallow-using-flashtool-and-xperifirm-guide/

I used a windows 7 virtual machine on linux so mine was bit more complicated but windows 8 and newer won't load the drivers without starting into not signed drivers mode.

Load the firmware into the app and choose the model. Then plug the USB in with volume up button held (I think) and then say go and wait for about 20 minutes or so.  It looks like it's hung but hasn't.

How far did you get?

Mine was painful - I ended up unlocking the boot loader which immediately reset the phone......
Emma gave me a vanilla update to 7.1.1 (July) from 7.0 but Flashtool doesnt recognize any new ROMs and just gives a NULL error after downloading....
More work required.

ubernoob: @blakamin
Any luck?

Didn't get around to it unfortunately (Oil change and air filter on the Mrs X5... never change the air filter on a dieslel X5! Plus house hunting, putting up the kids pool... life getting in the way :D )

Will try again this weekend.

Ahh. "Life? Don't talk to me about life"

Cheers