When Sony rolled out Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact and Xperia Z Ultra in March, it promised that more Xperia devices will be receiving the latest Android version by mid-Q2 2014.
It seems the Japanese giant has indeed kept its promise and has now begun rolling out the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Sony Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z. Further, Sony also revealed plans to roll out the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Sony Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia E1 and Xperia M2 (and their dual-SIM variants) starting July.
Sony announced the news on Twitter and said, “it’s here: #Android 4.4 #KitKat rolling for #XperiaZ, #XperiaZL, #XperiaZR & #XperiaTabZ – new UI, Xperia Themes.”
Sony’s official Mobile blog notes that the Android KitKat update is now rolling out, though as usual, the timing and availability of the update for the four Xperia devices will vary by market and mobile carrier.
The company has also revealed the changelog for the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Sony Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z. Some of the changes include performance improvements and UI optimisations; tweaked Status Bar and Quick Settings that according to the company are more intuitive and customisable; and the new Xperia Themes, which are downloadable UI packs from Sony Select.
The Japanese handset giant also announced the revamped Sony native app portfolio with the new Android 4.4 KitKat which includes Messaging, Email, Smart Social Camera and Battery Stamina Mode among others.
Sony’s media apps such as Walkman, Album and Movies, are now integrated with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service. Sony has also added a sleek launch animation and live wallpaper, which is reminiscent of the Sony PlayStation 4, across the lock and home screens.
One of the highlight features that will be introduced to the Sony Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z with the Android 4.4 KitKat update is the compatibility with SmartWear Experience, SmartBand SWR10 and Lifelog app, recently introduced alongside the flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z2.
