Android 4.4 KitKat Update Is Here: Sony Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 And Xperia Z1 Compact Receive New OS; More Rollouts Coming In Q2

Many of the higher-end devices in the Sony Xperia line will now be getting the Android 4.4 KitKat treatment. Sony recently announced on its blog that the Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 Compact are updating to Android 4.4 as of Wednesday.

Sony has long confirmed its plans to update a number of its devices to Android 4.4. Thus far, many devices have received the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update in preparation for Android 4.4.

With the Android 4.4 KitKat update, the Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 Compact will take on some of the characteristics of the recently introduced Sony Xperia Z2. Sony details in its changelog, in addition to the performance and UI optimization that comes with Android 4.4, these devices will see Sony’s updated Status Bar and Quick Settings in addition to a new launch animation and new live wallpaper for the lock screen and home screen reminiscent of the PlayStation 4 environment.

Sony’s app portfolio has also gotten extensive updates to the latest versions. Such apps as Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, TrackID TV, Sony Select, and Smart Social Camera have all been overhauled to the latest iterations. Sony’s WALKMAN, Album and Movies apps have all been integrated with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service in order to provide a more efficient UI and faster download speeds, among other improvements. The update also includes up to 280 unique skins in Sony’s Xperia Themes customization option.

Sony reports that it has plans to update many more devices to Android 4.4 around mid-Q2, including the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z and Xperia ZR. Other devices slated for Android 4.4 updates are the Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia E1 and Xperia M2; however, a definitive rollout timeline for these devices has not yet been set.

Users anticipating the update for their devices should keep in mind that rollouts may vary by market and carrier. Currently, reports out of the Czech Republic indicate that Android 4.4 is now live for the Xperia Z1 Compact.

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