Database Users

New Xperia Neo Firmware 4.0.A.2.368 ftf && rooted system

made by eqlove196426597 from CHINA
MT15i_4.0.A.2.368_HK_ftf
http://u.115.com/file/aqz1z5i4
MT15i_4.0.A.2.368_HK_rooted_system
http://u.115.com/file/bhzudmfd

thx for eq，
i love u，hahaha

eqlove196426597 said:
made by eqlove196426597 from CHINA
MT15i_4.0.A.2.368_HK_ftf
http://u.115.com/file/aqz1z5i4
MT15i_4.0.A.2.368_HK_rooted_system
http://u.115.com/file/bhzudmfd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU!!!

I guess you need unlocked bootloader to flashe the rooted system.img?
on http://u.115.com/file/bhzudmfd
If you see this text, below blue sign with 115 on it:
优蛋专用下载链接 then the below are links right next to it.
联通下载 - Unicom download 电信下载 - Telecom Download
or whatever but, these are the links for those like me who can't make much out of chinese text.

flashing went perfect, in this HK version there is also Asfalt 5 HD included, nice!

------------------------

My mirror for the rooted image:
https://rapidshare.com/files/3350520540/MT15i_4.0.A.2.368_HK_rooted_system.7z
MD5: F378E8B79ACBC8903A6B69B0E0711728
----------------------------------------
mirror of the FTF file
https://rapidshare.com/files/3725100388/MT15i_4.0.A.2.368_HK.7z
MD5: B4826194C2B54AACD483ECB0941DABB4
in this ROM you can not turn off the camera sound when taking pictures :| there is no such option, you can choose one of three sounds.

MT15i_4.0.A.2.368_HK_ftf
http://www.multiupload.com/7XOEGED282
I reuploaded to a better site

Been using this for a little over 12 hours and despite the new enhancements and slightly faster running speed, I've had nothing but problems with:
- Touchscreen response is all over the place
- Had to uninstall Swype as touchscreen was making things up as it went
- Connectivity with wifi is patchy, connectivity with mobile data is questionable at best
- Sync issues related to connectivity
- Battery drain is significantly higher.
Is this an official Neo FW or something that's been compiled from the Arc release? If so, might be best to wait until the Neo FW is released properly. The update works beautifully on the Arc, but on the Neo (I have both handsets) I'm flashing back to rooted 2.3.2 and applying 2.3.3 OTA to await the new OTA build.

I recommend flashing via Wotanclient. Then unlock bootloader.
Thanks to Bi4ary, rooting newest Xperia firmware(4.0.A...) is very simple and safe.
First you need RootXperia.zip from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130639 Put it on your SDcard.
Then fastboot recoveryNeo.img from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1183465
In recovery install RootXperia.zip
Now if you want to relock bootloader, then get this ftf, made by Blagus from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335
Remember to thank our fine developers for such great tools!
(I hope that RootXperia.zip stays maintained by Bi4ary)

Raoa said:
I recommend flashing via Wotanclient. Then unlock bootloader.
Thanks to Bi4ary, rooting newest Xperia firmware(4.0.A...) is very simple and safe.
First you need RootXperia.zip from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130639 Put it on your SDcard.
Then fastboot recoveryNeo.img from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1183465
In recovery install RootXperia.zip
Now if you want to relock bootloader, then get this ftf, made by Blagus from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335
Remember to thank our fine developers for such great tools!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flash MT15i_4.0.A.2.368_HK_rooted_system.img is OK,just one poccess.

And what about the issues brought out by poster before me?
Been using this for a little over 12 hours and despite the new enhancements and slightly faster running speed, I've had nothing but problems with:
- Touchscreen response is all over the place
- Had to uninstall Swype as touchscreen was making things up as it went
- Connectivity with wifi is patchy, connectivity with mobile data is questionable at best
- Sync issues related to connectivity
- Battery drain is significantly higher.
Is this an official Neo FW or something that's been compiled from the Arc release? If so, might be best to wait until the Neo FW is released properly. The update works beautifully on the Arc, but on the Neo (I have both handsets) I'm flashing back to rooted 2.3.2 and applying 2.3.3 OTA to await the new OTA build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

i flashed the stock firmware and had none of the problems mentioned above, to me it seems exactly the same with the benefit of the new features....

Raoa said:
I recommend flashing via Wotanclient. Then unlock bootloader.
Thanks to Bi4ary, rooting newest Xperia firmware(4.0.A...) is very simple and safe.
First you need RootXperia.zip from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130639 Put it on your SDcard.
Then fastboot recoveryNeo.img from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1183465
In recovery install RootXperia.zip
Now if you want to relock bootloader, then get this ftf, made by Blagus from
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335
Remember to thank our fine developers for such great tools!
(I hope that RootXperia.zip stays maintained by Bi4ary)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked for me 100% as posted in the other thread. No issues here. Just a faster phone,

No issues whatsoever with the hk-firmware. The only thing i've noticed is that the camera sound can not be disabled (not even in third party apps), but I suppose thats only because of the rules and laws in HK that does not allow silent cameraphones. It's however easily fixed when rooted by switching the sound files in the systems media folder.

Hello,
I have a MT15a, would that work on it or is it ONLY for MT15i?
Thanks!

Hi
i'm a new owner of experia neo
i want update to new firmware, but i don't understand a thing
what mean "the touchscreen response is all over the place" ?
i have some problem for the correct translation
wich is the problem, is less responsive? less feeling?
i will update official firmware with Pc companion, not rooted

maRRRco89 said:
Hi
i'm a new owner of experia neo
i want update to new firmware, but i don't understand a thing
what mean "the touchscreen response is all over the place" ?
i have some problem for the correct translation
wich is the problem, is less responsive? less feeling?
i will update official firmware with Pc companion, not rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It means that person had a problem with their touchscreen. It is not related to the update, it was just an individual error.
You can update without any problems using PC Companion or Sony Ericsson Update Service (recommended).

Ambroos said:
It means that person had a problem with their touchscreen. It is not related to the update, it was just an individual error.
You can update without any problems using PC Companion or Sony Ericsson Update Service (recommended).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but
the firmware now is not available in europe
the update service say me the firmware 3.0 ... is the last

maRRRco89 said:
Thanks, but
the firmware now is not available in europe
the update service say me the firmware 3.0 ... is the last
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're still rolling it out. Generic Nordic has the update.

Xperia Z3 D6653 update via pc 23.0.1.A.1.49

Just received new update for my xperia z3 D6653, testing now, so far icons looks bit biggers, font is different, it has portrait retouch built in.

I am just DL it now. Any other changes yet?

I still stucked in 23.0.A.2.93 version ,should i flash my devices? Why it won't get update? (i have flashed soft with central europe 1 official rom)

It all depends where u r from. For the past few days others have been getting a different update

DanijasDub said:
Just received new update for my xperia z3 D6653, testing now, so far icons looks bit biggers, font is different, it has portrait retouch built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This firmware is old, even .93 is newer. try to upgrade to 23.0.1.A.5.77

If it's old why this fw has feutures, which were missing in. 93, and how updater managed to give me notification (i was on. 93) for older update???

That's from plugging into the Sony website so it is newer than 93

Yes it's newer, because.77 is for D6603 my Z3 is D6653 sony website didn't update website info i think, but let's wait for more users to get that update. Phone looks much snappier than.93

I agree with the fact phone feels faster but apart from that have not noticed much else. There was NFC as part of the update

True, nothing major, i also noticed NFC update on first start after update

But definitely snappier in normal use. Whatever lag there was has gone

DanijasDub said:
If it's old why this fw has feutures, which were missing in. 93, and how updater managed to give me notification (i was on. 93) for older update???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nevermind, I just saw the number one (23.0.1.A.1.49), but still this firmware is older than 23.0.1.A.5.77 acording to sony firmware numeration.
DanijasDub said:
Yes it's newer, because.77 is for D6603 my Z3 is D6653 sony website didn't update website info i think, but let's wait for more users to get that update. Phone looks much snappier than.93
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firmware 23.0.1.A.5.77 is for both 6603 and 6653. just check Xperifirm.
here is the correct order:

^^ confirmed - I am running 6653 firmware 1288-4247 23.0.1.A.5.77 R9B. downloaded from Xperifirm and flashed his morning. (unlocked BL, also flashed custom kernel & re-rooted.)

To @all
I'm pretty sure that flashing a new rom from scratch with Flashtool, is a lot better than updating your rom via OTA. It's like upgrading Windows XP to Windows 7 keeping software..... your system becomes slow and unstable.
While isn't a root method for Xperia Z3, you still can flash a new rom from scratch saving your app data with Helium, this is like titanium backup, but without root. just read and learn.
PS: I'm sure that this is the last firmware update untill lollypop.
regards.

iBuzman said:
^^ confirmed - I am running 6653 firmware 1288-4247 23.0.1.A.5.77 R9B. downloaded from Xperifirm and flashed his morning. (unlocked BL, also flashed custom kernel & re-rooted.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So which version did u DL? I can only see Israel or german

caqo71 said:
Nevermind, I just saw the number one (23.0.1.A.1.49), but still this firmware is older than 23.0.1.A.5.77 acording to sony firmware numeration.
firmware 23.0.1.A.5.77 is for both 6603 and 6653. just check Xperifirm.
here is the correct order:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's new with 23.0.1.A.5.77? Up until now i can't find the changelog for that firmware..
Edit:
I've got the changelog now:
Update: Sony has posted the following changelog for this update:
– Enhanced audio volume in notifications and ringtones
– New Xperia™ camera app: Portrait retouch
– Improved Exchange ActiveSync performance
– Fine-tuned audio for speakerphone
– Stability and performance improvement
http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaz3/software/

jbisana89 said:
What's new with 23.0.1.A.5.77? Up until now i can't find the changelog for that firmware..
Edit:
I've got the changelog now:
Update: Sony has posted the following changelog for this update:
– Enhanced audio volume in notifications and ringtones
– New Xperia™ camera app: Portrait retouch
– Improved Exchange ActiveSync performance
– Fine-tuned audio for speakerphone
– Stability and performance improvement
http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaz3/software/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The downside is that this firmware drains more battery

caqo71 said:
The downside is that this firmware drains more battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how bad is the battery drain? is it that noticeable? if so, i'm holding off in updating because i'm really loving the battery life of this phone.

rotsloeh said:
how bad is the battery drain? is it that noticeable? if so, i'm holding off in updating because i'm really loving the battery life of this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery life improved for me especially standby time now draining at most 3% overnight as opposed to 5 before.

I wonder how different this update is to the other one people r getting. I have the same features and it still won't update anymore

[UPDATE] Firmware 28.0.A.7.31 HK OTA System Update

I have just received a system update notification telling me I can update to the latest 28.0.A.7.31 firmware which was certified on July 7th according to PTCRB.. Should I proceed with the update ??
https://www.ptcrb.com/vendor/complete/view_complete_request_guest.cfm?modelid=29933
I've read somewhere that in the (.27) firmware, which is available only in UK region, people said that the CPU speed is running at a lower frequency and some cores are even turned off/in idle state by default.. I wonder if that is the case with this update..
P/S: I'm not sure if I'm currently really running on a (.24) HK firmware.. I am from Malaysia so I'm assuming I'm running on HK firmware.. Is anyone else receiving this update ??
EDIT: I've updated to the latest firmware..

Well, why don't you try it for yourself? I mean the other areas are still on .24 so no-one is currently able to give you information about that.

i just updated to the .31 updates and i am also from malaysia.
After the update,performance wise nothing has really changed much , but there is a big update to the camera software.
just to point out something i noticed after the update:
1. The manual mode 20.7 mp can now touch focus (correct me if i am wrong , the older version couldnt do it)
2. The focusing on the camera improved a huge miles.(just yesterday , i am frustrating to focus a bank receipt of bank-in or anything close up like , and focus on any mode in anything just doesnt work right)
The update just made me more in love with this phone. Although a bit disappointing that it is not 5.1.1 update LOL

addicted1900 said:
Well, why don't you try it for yourself? I mean the other areas are still on .24 so no-one is currently able to give you information about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see.. I hope other regions will get it soon as I'm not really that good at noticing changes/improvements, at least in great detail with the backing of information/stats from 3rd party apps (CPU-Z) etc.. I'll try to give my thoughts on it should I notice anything.. Can't wait for fellow users to make a review of this update..
Shiro2112 said:
i just updated to the .31 updates and i am also from malaysia.
After the update,performance wise nothing has really changed much , but there is a big update to the camera software.
just to point out something i noticed after the update:
1. The manual mode 20.7 mp can now touch focus (correct me if i am wrong , the older version couldnt do it)
2. The focusing on the camera improved a huge miles.(just yesterday , i am frustrating to focus a bank receipt of bank-in or anything close up like , and focus on any mode in anything just doesnt work right)
The update just made me more in love with this phone. Although a bit disappointing that it is not 5.1.1 update LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see.. I guess this is a firmware to rectify the overheating issue plus a couple of subtle improvements here and there.. Was not expecting 5.1.1 as the version number is not that different from (.24) firmware.. Hoping for it to come soon though..

Shiro2112 said:
i just updated to the .31 updates and i am also from malaysia.
After the update,performance wise nothing has really changed much , but there is a big update to the camera software.
just to point out something i noticed after the update:
1. The manual mode 20.7 mp can now touch focus (correct me if i am wrong , the older version couldnt do it)
2. The focusing on the camera improved a huge miles.(just yesterday , i am frustrating to focus a bank receipt of bank-in or anything close up like , and focus on any mode in anything just doesnt work right)
The update just made me more in love with this phone. Although a bit disappointing that it is not 5.1.1 update LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear make a FTF for other users and upload thanks

atif_afzal said:
Dear make a FTF for other users and upload thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can easily download and create the FTF using XperiFirm:
http://www.xperiablog.net/2014/08/1...re-files-using-xperifirm-and-flashtool-guide/

hush66 said:
You can easily download and create the FTF using XperiFirm:
http://www.xperiablog.net/2014/08/1...re-files-using-xperifirm-and-flashtool-guide/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yesterday and today I check but no .31 Is there. that's why I asked for FTF. D6533 dual

Firmware 28.0.A.8.245 Certified
A new firmware with build number 28.0.A.8.245 just got certified on PTCRB.. Looks to be a slightly bigger update from the last update we got..
https://www.ptcrb.com/vendor/complete/view_complete_request_guest.cfm?modelid=29933

zabi1994 said:
A new firmware with build number 28.0.A.8.245 just got certified on PTCRB.. Looks to be a slightly bigger update from the last update we got..
https://www.ptcrb.com/vendor/complete/view_complete_request_guest.cfm?modelid=29933
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ooo, could we hope for a preparation to 5.1.1 then and lots of bug fixes

I am using HK firmware,and I am SURE there are no new OTA update(.31).

How to update and review f8131 xperia x performance to new android 7.0 nougat.

Hey there, this is a Guide to Update the Xperia X Performance F8131 To the new Android 7.0 Nougat, also with a Small Review if you want to know what’s new, or you will wait for your region to be available.
I made this guide because i had an issue that i tried to flash the FTF via flash tool, but it is useless the flash tool needs to be updated before we can flash android 7.0 Updates. DO NOT TRY TO FLASH THE _39.2.A.0.327 YOU WILL BREAK THE SYSTEM OF YOUR PHONE. Also for those like me that doesn't want to wait for the update to be available in your region.
First of All i am not responsible of bricked phones by using this guide.
Review about the Software (WITH SCREENSHOTS)​
Well First of All is that the lockscreen have a few New Changes for the notifications and the clock (its bigger Now)
Now the Quick Widgets in the notification bar are now small al of them.
Also the Wifi and antenna icons are slightly different
Now we have Stamina levels that we can Change to get better Battery.
On Camera we have the new Camera APP that Xperia XZ Has that can change many more things in manual mode.
Contact and Dialer have a few Changes.
It feels Slightly Faster than before, so you can check it up.
Thats all i can tell from now, we will see in the time.
Process to do the Update:​1- You will need the latest flash tool available, you can download it in http://www.flashtool.net/downloads.php if you don’t know how to use this tool, please search on the internet first.
2- You will need the software update F8131 35.0.A.1.275 Customized RU you can download it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxPbn7RHkJD1WElDV2xHMkhyMzg/view Thanks to [email protected]
3- What you will actually do, it’s to flash the 6.0 MM ftf on your phone for Russia because in that region it’s available to download OTA the Update for 7.0 Nougat.
4- Flash the downloaded FTF on your phone with the usual method (Remember to charge your phone at least at 80%, you will need that battery).
5- When your phone finished and booted, just connect to a Wireless Network and go to settings ----> About Phone -----> Software Update and click update and let it work.
6- You will do 2 updates, one to the 6.0 Update .297 and then the 7.0 Nougat update will be available.
7- Enjoy the new software Update

The flashtool has updates for F8132. I just tried the Russian 39.2.A.0.327 and it didnt work... Im trying the same update but from Taiwan... Hope it works I think its the Nougat update..

nickcaper said:
The flashtool has updates for F8132. I just tried the Russian 39.2.A.0.327 and it didnt work... Im trying the same update but from Taiwan... Hope it works I think its the Nougat update..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one Nougat will be flashed successful by old flashtool

Desperanto86 said:
No one Nougat will be flashed successful by old flashtool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the new Flashtool version out? Cant seem to find a version that allows nougat flash... Sux... Cause Nougat is now out for this X Performance... Officially OTA..

nickcaper said:
Is the new Flashtool version out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920746&page=336 and http://www.flashtool.net/index.php

Desperanto86 said:
nope http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920746&page=336 and http://www.flashtool.net/index.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this will be my last Sony product.. This company is half ass....

nickcaper said:
I think this will be my last Sony product.. This company is half ass....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's your problem. Everyone doesn't give a damn on your opinion.

Desperanto86 said:
It's your problem. Everyone doesn't give a damn on your opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems you gave a dam enough to type all them words out... :laugh:
BTW.. Youre now muted... k bye...

If you install the nougat what do you need to wipe in flashtool

Has anyone tried going straight to nougat with the new flashtool?
http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/12/21/flashtool-update-0-9-23-0-brings-android-nougat-support/
Came from ab htc, not looking to make a brick
Sent from my F8131 using XDA-Developers mobile app

sssssbarn said:
Has anyone tried going straight to nougat with the new flashtool?
http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/12/21/flashtool-update-0-9-23-0-brings-android-nougat-support/
Came from ab htc, not looking to make a brick
Sent from my F8131 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trying to flash F8132 to Nougat directly with Flashtool and I get an error:
Code:
10/018/2017 17:18:45 - INFO - Device connected in flash mode
10/018/2017 17:18:45 - INFO - Opening device for R/W
10/018/2017 17:18:45 - INFO - Start Flashing
10/018/2017 17:18:45 - INFO - No loader in the bundle. Searching for one
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - INFO - No matching loader found
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - WARN - No loader found or set manually. Skipping loader
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - INFO - Ending flash session
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - ERROR - null
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - ERROR - Error flashing. Aborted
Any toughts?

chiobesek said:
Trying to flash F8132 to Nougat directly with Flashtool and I get an error:
Any toughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What boxes did you check off before flashing?

will this work for flashing on US ver. ?
i got one from Amazon US and the fingerprint is disabled. will this work if i flash the UK firmware?
sorry for the noob question. i don't want to brick it. just want US ver --> UK stock firmware change.

it asks for a fikin password

Phone not updated since March security patch

My F5321 from Malaysia isn't receiving any of the new updates. Last one was 34.4.A.2.32.
Could anyone explain why?

You can check xpericheck.com if there's a newer version,but there's a good chance there isn't one. I'm stuck on 34.4.A.2.50 on the Central Europe version for example, the newest one is .85

Matej101 said:
You can check xpericheck.com if there's a newer version,but there's a good chance there isn't one. I'm stuck on 34.4.A.2.50 on the Central Europe version for example, the newest one is .85
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Customised MY isn't even listed. :/
What now? Unlocking bootloader if you want latest security patches?

Is there another firmware variant that would be suitable for your location? There may be less difference between the variants than you might expect.

pseudonym58 said:
Is there another firmware variant that would be suitable for your location? There may be less difference between the variants than you might expect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you just flash the firmware straight from xperifirm, or do you need an unlocked bootloader or sth?

Bro do not update it to 8.0 oreo is wery bad I swear im back to stock Nougat again

Qendra said:
Bro do not update it to 8.0 oreo is wery bad I swear im back to stock Nougat again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true

Matej101 said:
You can check xpericheck.com if there's a newer version,but there's a good chance there isn't one. I'm stuck on 34.4.A.2.50 on the Central Europe version for example, the newest one is .85
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me too.. central europe and stuck on 34.4.A.2.50, I don't understand why

andy356 said:
My F5321 from Malaysia isn't receiving any of the new updates. Last one was 34.4.A.2.32.
Could anyone explain why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to xpericheck, singapore region firmware is also stuck in March. I guess both MY and SG are using the sme FW. I think you cn flsh other region FW without unlocking Bootloader.

Is there a way to flash security updates only, without upgrading to oreo?

trewelu said:
According to xpericheck, singapore region firmware is also stuck in March. I guess both MY and SG are using the sme FW. I think you cn flsh other region FW without unlocking Bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone please confirm this? I'll unlock the bootloader if I have to, but it would be great if it is not needed.

andy356 said:
Can anyone please confirm this? I'll unlock the bootloader if I have to, but it would be great if it is not needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in USA, and I've flashed f'd from at least 10 different countries and never seen any affect on the phone operation.

andy356 said:
Can anyone please confirm this? I'll unlock the bootloader if I have to, but it would be great if it is not needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to retain the fingerprint sensor operation, don't flash to US. People here have in the past recommended either DE or UK, as they tend to be updated promptly. No unlocking of bootloader needed.

Okay guys. I'm ready to flash a new firmware, probably Customised UK. Is the guide on xperiablog up to date and accurate? Also, there is a flashtool by Androxyde on flashtool dot net, but there is also a flashtool on Sony Developer World. Which one should I use?
There is only one xperifirm so that's unambiguous, at least.
Edit: also, it doesn't affect user data or the OS in general, does it?

I can only speak from personal experience with the Androxyde flashtool. I've never tried (nor even known about) the Sony flash tool. In my experience, if you don't make any changes to the default settings, the existing user data is carried over into the newly installed firmware. I'm assuming here that you're flashing from one variant of Android 8.0 to another, not from Android 7 to 8, etc.
BTW, I would always advise backing up your data first, of course. If, for some reason, you are dissatisfied with the result, you can normally get a factory installation of your currently-installed firmware by using software restore from SONY (as part of Xperia Companion).

@pseudonym58 Thanks. Is the guide on Xperia blog the one to follow or is there a better one out there?

I don't recall which guide I used. It basically runs like this:
Run Xperiafirm from within flashtool; it will refresh available software. Choose particular phone model and download desired firmware. Back in flashtool proper, connect phone in flash mode. Select downloaded firmware, which is unpacked and prepared for flashing. As I mentioned above, you should not need to make any configuration changes to the default. Flashing can now begin (it might seem to pause temporarily from time to time but don't cancel process).
Don't worry about warnings of missing elements; I have never had a flashing procedure fail as a result of a claimed missing component.
This is just a general procedure; perhaps someone else can recommend the best full tutorial.

Ok so CE1 got the newest (.107) update right now so it can probably be used too.