Sony Xperia Z1, Z, ZL, ZR, Z Ultra, Tablet Z, SP Getting Android 4.3 and 4.4 KitKat Soon? Update Plans and Possible Features Revealed!
Google recently announced the official details of Android 4.4 KitKat and Sony Xperia owners are expecting great news from Sony. Sony Mobile is preparing for their own announcement expected to be out by next week regarding Android 4.3 and 4.4 supported devices.
Sony Mobile on Android 4.4 KitKat
Sony Mobile sent a tweet which reveals an upcoming official announcement on Android 4.3 and 4.4 KitKat update.
"re. #Android @KitKat, we're excited - next week our news on: 4.3, 4.4; products and more... #SonyXperia," a tweet sent by Sony Mobile from their Twitter account.
The tweet was posted around 5:32PM on November 1, 2013 as a reply to someone who asked regarding new software update.
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
Sony can't wait to finish everything on the official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware set to be released before 2014. The company already detailed certain things regarding the Android 4.3 and it includes several Xperia phones.
Sony Mobile confirmed the following devices getting Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS:
- Xperia Z1
- Xperia Z
- Xperia ZL
- Xperia ZR
- Xperia Z Ultra
- Xperia Tablet Z
- Xperia SP
Sony Xperia SP has been rumoured to receive Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in December 2013 according to the detailed plan revealed by the French network carrier Free Mobile. Xperia SP smartphone is a hybrid of a mid-range Xperia phone to Xperia Z which makes it a perfect entry on Z family.
It also means that Xperia Z family may receive the official 4.3 firmware ahead of Xperia SP, may a week or two.
Android 4.4 KitKat on Xperia
Using the same information revealed by Sony Mobile, we have a good idea which devices are getting Android 4.4 KitKat soon and possibly firsthand on Xperia Z1 Honami. However, Google hasn't released the 4.4 source code publicly which is currently exclusive on the Nexus 5.
Xperia SP may not receive Android 4.4 KitKat on the same time as with other Xperia Z family. Sony still needs to update their list since they are planning to expand selected Xperia devices getting 4.3 and 4.4 firmware.
Android 4.4 confirmed feature:
1. "Ok Google" on Google Now
2. Improved lock screen with full screen album art
3. Full screen on reading mode and movie playback
4. Faster multi-tasking
5. Updated phone app and caller ID
6. Hangouts as secondary SMS/MMS client
7. Emoji with Japanese characters
8. Cloud Printing
9. Google Drive, Keep and QuickOffice are native apps
10. Bluetooth MAP support for Bluetooth-enabled cars
11. Chromecast support
12. Chrome Web view now with embed support
13. Close caption and subtitles enabled
14. Android Device Manager for finding and locking lost phones
15. New downloads app
16. Easy home screen switching for multiple launchers
17. New email client app
18. Full screen wallpapers from top to bottom with preview
19. HDR+ photography which is currently exclusive in Nexus 5
20. IR native support
21. Location toggle under Quick Settings
22. Better battery management for location services
23. Low power audio playback
24. Music and movie seeking on lock screen
25. Wireless payment