There is also great news for some Sony device owners today, as Android 4.4 KitKat is now officially distributed for a total of four devices. The new firmware is now available for the Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and also Tablet Z.
As Sony announced a few minutes ago in its own blog, the latest Android version is now available for four devices, three of which are also available here in Germany. The update will be distributed immediately, but again not immediately for every device, which is why some patience is required again.
In addition to the current Android 4.4 as a basis, there are of course also various updates for the preinstalled Sony apps and the theme engine “Xperia Themes” is also on board. Thanks to the update, the devices are now also compatible with the current SmartWear devices from Sony.
Below you will find the complete changelog, which was published by Sony today.
- Google’s Android 4.4; KitKat as standard – bringing improved performance & user interface (UI) optimization…
- If you’ve got a Sony PlayStation 4, you might recognize our new user interface – we’ve added the same sleek launch animation and live wallpaper across the lock and home screens. You’ll also spot a revamped Status Bar and Quick Settings… now more intuitive and customizable (also with a fresh new look)… cleaned up to ensure you only get the notifications you really need
- As you might expect, we’re also uplifting Sony’s entire native app portfolio to the latest versions bringing tweaked / improved / current experiences for one and all… some of our favorites look like:
- Messaging – a few UI adjustments here & there, including a slicker “send” animation, and deeper Emoji support for some expressive fun… also worth noting, you’ll find smileys wherever there’s an app with a keyboard
- Email – you’ll be able to both load and see more mails… but don’t fret, navigation of said load is easier with a more responsive viewing pane – split screen modes divide info for easy digest… especially useful / works a treat on Xperia Tablet Z
- Smart Social Camera – our social imaging experience makes its debut on our first Z Series devices; a selection of Xperia Camera apps directly accessible from your viewfinder… including personal favorite “Creative Effect”, and more for download to boot!
- Battery STAMINA Mode – level-up our unique power management feature, bringing smarter data management & more for prolonging your juice
- Sony’s Media apps: WALKMAN, Album and Movies, with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration* – a more converged and full Sony entertainment experience – Sony Entertainment Network & PlayMemories integration with a more intuitive UI, better download speeds, and more…
- And proving pretty popular, now totaling over 2 million downloads (!) – our unique custom interface experience: “Xperia Themes”, with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select – skin up to 280 assets across your Xperia smartphone with a variety of styles…
- Compatibility with our SmartWear Experience; SmartBand SWR10 and Lifelog app – enabling you to record social, physical and entertainment activities and have them all visualized in a beautiful interface… remember at that past, make the best of the present and plan for the future
