Verizon's lack of support for Xperia Z3v is making me switch to T-mobile!

[OJVV]

Here we are at the end of January 2016 and still no lollipop upgrade for the Z3v. I hold out no hope for the Z3v ever getting the marshmallow update. Thus, as of this week I am switching both lines, for my wife and I, over to t-mobile. I would have been okay if Verizon would actually man up, apologise to their customers and allow us to replace this abandoned phone with another at no cost, but that is just not going to happen. I have tried getting answers on their website and on their twitter (@Verizonsupport) but they don't even have the decency to answer their customers, and when they do it is some scripted "You are a valued customer" answer that just shows they did not even bother reading your question in the first place. I'll just go to a provider that will not STEAL my unused data and that lets me stream Netflix, Hulu and more without using my data! Where you at Verizon? Prove me wrong! I dare you!

[mama23dogs]

With the exception of the Nexus 6, no previous carrier phone has received android M.  Those with unlocked samsung (non carrier) Galaxy s6 is top of the list to get Mashmallow, and still has not been released yet

Sony has pulled its support for some carrier models, your Z3v is one of the victims.  Sony isn't even sending lollipop for it. And it was never on the list for marshmallow.  http://mobilefreq.com/2015/10/07/xperia-marshmallow/

This is why I purchased my new phone from Google.  Nexus 6p is awesome, reasonable price and will update straight from Google.

[vzw_customer_support]

We never want you think about leaving our family, OJVV. We do not control when the software updates are going to be released. They are generated from the software developer, Google in the case of your device. We do offer an email update, so you can be aware of the latest device updates. You can sign up here. http://vz.to/1r9PSCb I would like to apologize to you that we have not received the update yet. As mama23dogs correctly pointed out, Sony would be the one to contact.
As for T-Mobile you state that they will not steal your unused data. Data stash is not sharable data. Data speeds drop to 2G (128 kbps - similar to dial--up) after the high-speed data allowance. As for streaming Netflix - T-Mobile’s free video offering reduces the quality of video dramatically: DVD quality (480p) vs. the HD quality (1080p) most smartphones offer today. It’s like streaming video services on a 3G network.
With that being said we truly want what is best for you, OJVV. We want you to stay with the most reliable network that does not slow your speeds down at any point. I do hope that you will continue to remain in the family.

AllisonC_VZW
Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport

If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

[OJVV]

Thank you for the replies. The point I was trying to make here, though sneaky, was that the only way to get a proper answer is to threaten to leave. Your customer support needs a lot of work. I realize that you depend on the manufacturer for updates. Is there any chance then that we can get new (similar priced) phones and credited for what we already paid, or are we stuck with the Z3v till our contracts expire? Not all of us can afford to just buy a new phone! As for Sony, their reply was that they can not comment!

[mama23dogs]

You own the phone.   You can sell it and pay off the Edge/device payments, and get a new device payment on another device.  Or use the money to replace the phone with one of your choice.

IF this kind of problem bugs you, cut out the middle man.  I just bought a Nexus 6p from Google, the nexus 6 is also updated to marshmallow and is about $300.  Or the Nexus 5x which is $350 for the 32 GBs model.

LOok at the Motorola style, pure edition also.

[Ann154]

Blame Sony. They choose not to support the device. They choose not to make devices compatible with the Verizon Wireless network.

[zachariahpope]

Elizabeth Hardersen Ann154 Ann(droid)154 You're completely wrong. VERIZON scrapped the Z3v back in August, not Sony... They did this despite being still heavily stocked with units... And Sony DID send Verizon Lollipop. I'm running it on my phone...Google Z3v lollipop. Consumers assumed Verizon discontinuing the Z3v was in preparation for the launch of the Z4v, but the Z4v never came. It is most likely that the Z3v was discontinued due to low sales... once Verizon sold enough units to cover the cost of carrying the device, they discontinued the device and sent their remaining stock back to Sony and I'm sure they sent some to Asurion's warehouses for use of CLNRs (certified like new replacement). The reason the Z4v was discontinued is due to Sony's announcement of the Z5. Verizon knew consumers would feel like they were going buying an old phone so they canceled the launch altogether. I'm still unsure as to why they didn't just rename the device the Z5v and sell it.. After all the Z3v is a rebranded hybrid of a Z2 and a Z3... Following the same logic that would make the Z5v a hybrid of the Z4 and Z5. This idea was likely considered, but Verizon knew that consumers were already unhappy with the Z3v's hybrid, outdated design... That coupled with their low Z3v sales.. I assume is what lead them to scrap the launch.

Gary  Drewes Wireless Customer Support, you're wrong about this update.  I realize you're just doing your job and you may only see our latest update (.44 KitKat) as it shows on your computers... But there are two Lollipop builds on the Internet [removed] ..  This is why there are so many angry threads on this topic.  These firmwares are both in Verizon Internal Testing [removed as required by the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service] The final lollipop build that wasn't released (and hasn't yet leaked) is 23.1.D.0.508. Release it.

[Tidbits]

Just because there are leaks doesn't mean they are finished. The rims are different and require different things based on what is agreed upon. Things manufacturers don't tell you when things don't pass testing it goes back to them to fix it. Don't is TERRIBLE at fixing things. Like their Wi-Fi problems they have had since the original Z down to the Z5 line. I bet if they released the update and it broke things you guys would be first in line to blame the carrier simply because they released it saying they should do more testing. Can't have it both ways...

Sony scrapped they said it THEMSELVES. They pulled out of the US market as well for their unlocked and unbranded phones. They have 3rd party selling them now. Their sales in the US market has been bad because they treat it like a second rate market. They are always months behind releases from their other markets. Also when they update it always Japan/Europe first and months later US market.

Before you say anything. I have owned the ZL to the Z5 Premium(Recently imported) all unlocked and unbranded and I IMPORT them for better support sadly.

[zachariahpope]

Sony never once admitted to cancelling the Z3v... That was Verizon's move. Show me one source that says that was Sony's decision. Also, I will agree with your statement about leaked firmwares- you're right. They might have some bugs... That's why they often have several release candidate builds. I'm not an idiot, I know these things quite well actually... But I also know that there's nothing stopping Verizon from releasing that firmware except the fact THEY NO LONGER WISH TO SUPPORT THE DEVICE... And why is that, I wonder...? Because they, Verizon, again not Sony, are the ones that discontinued the device. The Z2 tablet has the same .485 and .509 lollipop builds that we do in Internal Testing, but it managed to get its final release firmware of .508 via OTA because it was supported longer than the Z3v was. I say was because it too was recently discontinued. There's nothing wrong with people urging them to update the device when it's not even reached it's two year mark... It's barely only reached one and was discontinued even before that.

[Tidbits]

Show me a device that the manufacturer finished the update and was never updated by the carrier.

[zachariahpope]

I see you failed to provide support for your claim, as I expected...

And as for your question... Are you serious? That's EXACTLY what's happening right now with THIS device, the Sony Xperia Z3v... If you want another example though, how about the 4.3 update for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. Believe it or not , this kind of thing happens ALL the time and especially with Verizon.

[Tidbits]

Show where Sony finished the update. Then it would be happening right now. Since you can't prove it then it's nothing more than speculation. If Sony or ANY manufacturer for that matter really wanted to support their devices and a carrier was stopping them why not make an official statement saying so? Simply because they know people will always blame the carrier and gives them an out. Carriers are always under a NDA which stops them from speaking about anything.

Again one last time show me where Sony said they finished the update that is meant for the Z3V and what is contractually obligated for that said device.

[Tidbits]

Galaxy Nexus. Did you know Google STOPPED the update themselves. JBQ even said it himself. We don't want to deal with the carrier testing so we are moving forward on their own Google Group Nexus forums. It's long gone now and I wish it was still there...

[Tidbits]

Oh and I had the Galaxy Nexus and I did a write up about how Google lied about the how the updates would be no different, but again it doesn't matter.

[zachariahpope]

http://support.sonymobile.com/us/xperiaz3v/kb/0231018876c092a014b064c0ace001543/

Straight from Sony^

http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/xperia-z3v-general/sony-support-confirms-lollipop-released-t31960...

https://www.androidpit.com/android-lollipop-update-overview-for-smartphones-and-tablets#sony

I hope that satisfies you.

As for the Galaxy Nexus I said the 4.3 update which is the final Jellybean update.  Google stopped supporting the device at 4.4 Kitkat. Other carriers released the 4.3 update, but Verizon did not. I assume you want proof of that too so here you are

http://m.androidcentral.com/sprint-galaxy-nexus-android-43-update-rolling-out-starting-today

[mama23dogs]

zachariahpope

Your own pick shows the z3v was only going as far as 5.0.2.  Both 5.0 and 5.0.2 version of lollipop was rife with problems, while 5.1.1 is quite stable.  Given the option, of functional 4.4.4 or non functional 5.0, the correct choice was made not to release 5.0 and 5.0.2 by Verizon.  What is not clear, is if Verizon requested or received their carrier version of the software back.  (After their additions were made). The snowball effect is,  they could not or would not have futher carrier update software to work with.   

*The process being: manufacturer gets update, sends it back with carrier requested tweeks, manufacturer does the code and sends it back to the carrier.  (I'm sure you know this, it is written for anyone else who wants to know why they don't have an update.)

Android Lollipop: update overview for smartphones and tablets - AndroidPIT

IT also seems clear Sony and some US carriers have parted ways.  (They are not longer dealing with ATT either) While you can use many Sony international versions on GSM carriers, Sony has declined to produce specifically ATT versions.  I can't say as I blame them.  Non carrier models updated without the significant problems reported by ATT and Verizon users.

Google finally FORCED ATT to release marshmallow to Nexus 6, I believe Verizon also complied.   This imay be why the 6p and 5x are sold from Google and they stopped selling the Nexus 6 through carriers months ago.

And why Motorola and Microsoft are selling devices directly.  They may be sick of the extra work/problems and delays created by carrier requested software. 

Apple introduced their own financing, and Samsung is rumored to do the same later this year.  It is high time for this separation between "service" and " equipment".   Whether we see lower service cost or not is questionable.  Reduced bloat would be fabulous.  I have used Samsung since the GS3 was introduced - bloat on every one since is intolerable.   I purchased the 6p and am very pleased

ATT reported much lower sales of equipment in 2015, especially Q4, when 2 year contracts were only available online.   The wave of the future...

[Tidbits]

As for the 6P and 5X. They went back to the old way because of logistics. Getting a Nexus 6 was a nightmare splitting inventory with a company that no longer had the manufacturing power to meet demand. People were ordering a Nexus and waiting 3-4 months to even get their orders while it appeared some who got it from another place for another carrier didn't wait long at all.

[mama23dogs]

Tidbits wrote:

As for the 6P and 5X. They went back to the old way because of logistics. Getting a Nexus 6 was a nightmare splitting inventory with a company that no longer had the manufacturing power to meet demand. People were ordering a Nexus and waiting 3-4 months to even get their orders while it appeared some who got it from another place for another carrier didn't wait long at all.

I Wonder if that is to blame for the slow sales of the 6p and 5x.  That and the lack of hands on.   Let's face it, most customers like to get touchy feely first, then they gotta have it.

Google needs to find a way for customers to get hands on....

[Tidbits]

I think more people now would rather buy than try. I think the declining sales has more to do with the fact people expect the world as cheap as possible. They see things like the "Flagship" killer. Sure it's cheaper and similar specs. Then they have a problem and realize their tech support is the reason why it's cheaper. Not naming names, but 5-10 weeks for a replacement, and 5 months for refund for a product that never came.

[mama23dogs]

Which is why dealing with carriers may never go away completely.  This is my first non carrier phone, I have always taken good care of my phones, so I don't expect problems from my end.  So far, I am impressed, and I sill have an old phone to switch to if I do have a problem.

Google replaced the Zenwatch 2 that arrived broken in 5 days.  So Google has my support.  Time will tell I guess.

[Tidbits]

Google is fine. Their support is better than most manufacturers.