Official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for Sony Xperia SP and Xperia T is expected to be released sooner than expected after leaked screenshots showed how it looks like. The new firmware build is the certified version from PTCRB hitting owners before January 2014 ends.

Screenshots Leaked

Sony is nearly finished polishing everything on the official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for Xperia SP and Xperia T, according to the screenshots provided by XDA member DooMLoRD. The new firmware has the same build certified by PTCRB recently, and it features major changes from user interface to system apps.

DooMLoRD said that the screenshots are from the real upcoming update for Xperia SP and T which includes Sony's Social camera apps, new Xperia Themes and new Xperia Z1 home launcher.

Notable major changes from Android 4.3 Jelly Bean are as follows:

1. Project Butter

2. Daydream exclusive feature

3. Modified camera app menu: Superior Auto, Manual, Picture Effect, Panorama

4. New themes included such as Heat, Sunny, Vintage, Xperia Light

5. Updated small apps

6. New UI based on Xperia Z1 home launcher

7. New application menu user interface

8. Lock screen music launcher changed to arrow which means more shortcuts

9. Home screen panes modification 3-D look

10. New Settings UI

Certified Firmware Build

For Sony Xperia SP, PTCRB certified firmware build 12.1.A.0.256 running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and the same with the leaked screenshots.

For Sony Xperia T, firmware build 9.2.A.0.278 is the version on the upcoming Android 4.3 update which has been certified recently by PTCRB and also the same with the leaked screenshots.

As for Sony Xperia V will likely have its own update soon and possibly be released at the same time with Xperia SP and T featuring Social camera apps, Xperia Themes and Xperia Z1 home launcher.

Expected Release and Downloading

Since the screenshots are already out, we can expect the update to be released sooner, right before January 2014, in a few days or weeks. Sony may push the new firmware via built-in software update app inside a user's smartphone or via Sony PC Companion and Bridge for Mac.

Remember that Windows 8 doesn't support the Sony PC Companion program as of now which means device owners need to use something that runs the previous Windows version. In addition, create a backup of important information and data files stored on the device before running the update in case the new firmware deletes everything.