Sony Xperia SP users of HSPA+ C5302 and LTE C5303 are receiving now a new firmware update from Sony Mobile. It features transparent notifications/menu bar, more SMALL APPS and additional row on the notifications panel.

Sony Xperia SP New Update

Sony Xperia SP has a new update with build number 12.0.2.A.2.245 designed for both HSPA+ C5302 and LTE C5303 running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean OS. The update is currently available via Sony PC Companion on a computer or via manual flashing using Sony Flash Tool. Hopefully, the firmware update will be pushed via Over-the-Air procedure soon.

Notable changes include:

- Notifications bar/menu bar transparency

- Additional row of settings in the notifications panel (original panel include 4 toggles and settings icon)

- New SMALL APPS

- Transparent soft keys UI (originally black)

How to Update Sony Xperia SP

1. Download and install the Sony PC Companion on your computer.

2. Launch the Sony PC Companion on your computer.

3. Connect the Sony Xperia SP to the computer using a USB cable and let the drivers be installed.

4. An update prompt will tell you regarding a new firmware available. If the prompt says "not accessible", click the text to reload the PC suite.

5. Click on the prompt or support zone to begin updating your phone.

6. Follow the instructions provided to you to update the device properly. Do not disconnect the phone during the firmware upgrade or suffer unexpected consequences.

7. After the software upgrade, you can now disconnect your phone and turn it on.

XperiaBlog offers another way to update the Sony Xperia SP but the process is manual which risks the device especially for beginners.

The manual flashing includes download and installation of Flashtool, enabling USB debugging mode, enabling "unknown sources" on the handset, drivers installation and some steps for updating the Sony Xperia SP. If you are familiar with these things, click here and start manually flashing it to your device.