The mobile tech department has been too busy preparing for the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and Android 6.0 Marshmallow rollouts, while Sony lags behind as it has just released the Android 5.1 Lollipop software version since last week. With the stiff competition in the Android population, Sony is rumored to jump off to Android 6.0. Should the tech firm skip 5.1.1 for Marshmallow?

Sony Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact are among the flagship handsets of the Japanese tech titan to receive the Android 5.1 Lollipop update. Sony has been the underdog in the Android race as Samsung leads the pack, while HTC and LG promise a jump-off to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This strengthens reports that the firm might also be doing the same stuff with LG. However, there is no official word yet as of now.

Sony has been releasing overdue updates to its smartphones and tablets. Nevertheless, hopes are still high for some as Sony has begun rolling out the Android 5.1 Lollipop update.

Android 5.1 Lollipop comes via over-the-air update. It is available in stages depending on the carrier and/or region. If prompted for the update, just tap "Install Now" and follow onscreen instructions. To manually check for the download, go to Settings > About phone > Software updates > System updates. Also, check the software version before download by going to Settings > About phone > Build number/version.

Make sure the phone is fully charged and storage has enough memory space. Sony recommends using Wi-Fi connection instead of data.

To download through PC, connect device to computer using the cable. Complete guide can be found here.

Android 5.1 Lollipop brings the following features:

• Improvements to volume and silent mode control and more control of your alerts

• All new LinkedIn integration - be more productive with intuitive Calendar sync

• General stability and performance improvements

Other devices qualified for the update include Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia C3, Xperia M2, and Xperia M2 Aqua.