Sony Xperia Z1, Z Ultra, Z1 Compact Official Android 4.4.2 KitKat Rolling Out! More than 15 Improvements Added
Sony Xperia Z1, Z Ultra and Z1 Compact are now receiving Android 4.4.2 KitKat update which enhances various system apps including camera experience, stability and battery life.
Sony Xperia Z1 KitKat Update
Android 4.4.2 KitKat build number 14.3.A.0.681 is now seeding live for Xperia Z1 smartphone. It brings heavy-packed improvements on the camera app, email app, user interface, wallpapers, themes and launcher.
1. Update camera application with tuning of camera experience
2. New camera resolution of 15.5 MP in 16:9 landscape ratio
3. Enhanced email application
4. More intuitive and customisable status bar and Quick Settings
5. Same launch animation and live wallpaper as with Sony PlayStation 4 for lock screen and home screen
6. Updates across all Sony native apps
7. Updated Sony media apps
8. More intuitive user interface
9. Faster download speeds on Sony Entertainment Network and PlayMemories
10. Answer machine enabled
11. Screenshot on the power button
12. Optional switching of messaging app between stock and Hangouts
13. Battery icon revamped
14. Switching at the drop down menu between notification and Quick Settings
15. Touch block now included in Small Apps
16. Calendar app upgraded
17. Transparent status bar
18. Stability and performance enhancements
19. Battery life optimised
Sony Xperia Z Ultra KitKat Update
Owners of Xperia Z Ultra are also receiving live update of Android 4.4.2 KitKat with build version 14.3.A.0.681. It is now seeding across European regions such as France, Germany, Sweden and UK.
1. Overall tuning of the camera app and experience
2. Enhancements on the email app
3. More intuitive and customisable status bar and Quick Settings
4. Sony PlayStation 4 adapted launch animation and live wallpaper on lock screen and home screen
5. Updates on all Sony native and media apps
6. Improvements on the UI and download speed of Sony Entertainment Network and PlayMemories
7. Built-in answering machine supported
8. Easy switching between notifications and Quick Settings
9. Small App now supports touch block feature
10. Updated calendar app
11. Simple Home launcher included
12. Transparent status bar
13. Power key supports screenshot
14. Hangouts and stock messaging default options
15. Redesigned battery icon
16. Various stability and performance upgrades
17. Longer battery life
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact KitKat Update
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is also getting the same Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware with build version 14.3.A.0.681 and kernel version 3.4.
1. Major improvements on the camera app
2. Changes on status bar and Quick Settings
3. Sony PlayStation 4 based lock screen and home screen launch animation and live wallpaper
4. Sony native and media apps updated
5. Faster download speeds and more intuitive interface for Sony Entertainment Network and PlayMemories
6. Answering machine is now supported
7. Screenshot option is back on the power key
8. Option to choose default SMS app: stock or Hangouts
9. New battery icon
10. Switch notifications and Quick settings on the drop down menu
11. Small App features touch block
12. New calendar app
13. Status bar is now transparent
14. Stability and performance improvements
15. Longer lasting battery life than previous firmware
Unfortunately, certain exclusive camera modes from Xperia Z2 didn't make it on the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for Xperia Z1, Z UItra and Z1 Compact including 4K video and Timeshift video recording.