Users of Sony Xperia SP and TX in Australia may not get the official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean by early February as Vodafone Australia notified failure of firmware during testing and requested Sony's updated version. Is this the effect of the newly certified firmware by PTCRB?

Firmware Testing Failure

Vodafone Australia is scheduling update plans for four Xperia smartphones - Xperia Z, SP, TX and M. However, two of them received 'testing failed' status and awaiting new software from Sony for Xperia SP and TX.

Early February is the expected release date of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for Xperia SP, T and V to most territories based on the newly certified firmware by PTCRB. According to a screenshot caught by XperiaBlog, Vodafone Australia tagged Android 4.3 firmware testing on Xperia SP and TX as failed and waiting for Sony to deliver a new one.

But based on the official Web site of Vodafone Australia, the testing seems to be going smoothly now. There is no exact release of change logs or any details regarding any testing failure. It is also possible that the Web page received an updated software from Sony which could be based on the latest certified firmware by PTCRB.

Newly Certified Firmware

Xperia SP official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware has been certified again by PTCRB with build version 12.1.A.0.266. It indicates incremental changes for tweaks and bugs that may be existing on the previous version.

It may have affected Vodafone Australia firmware testing of Android 4.3 for Xperia SP they sell and requested Sony to deliver a new one.

Regardless which post is the recent, there is no stopping Android 4.3 update for Xperia SP and TX this time and owners need only to wait till the carrier is ready for the rollout.

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Recipients

It looks like Sony is now focusing on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on several mid-range smartphones which remains within 18-month update window period. Xperia SP, T, TX, V and now M are all eligible for the update.

Sony Xperia Model

Update Status

All Xperia Z Series

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Rolling Out

Xperia SP

Android 4.3 12.1.A.0.266 on early February

Xperia T

Android 4.3 9.2.A.0.295 on early February

Xperia V

Android 4.3 9.2.A.0.295 on early February

Xperia TX

Android 4.3 in testing from Vodafone Australia; 9.2.A.1.131 leaked

Xperia M

Android 4.3 testing schedule from Vodaphone Australia

Unfortunately, Xperia L seems to be left out running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean which is a recent update for the smartphone with build version 15.3.A.1.14. It includes home screen changes, camera picture quality, HDR and previous screen on the camera app, improved memory management, enhanced stability and optimised performance.