Android 4.4 KitKat Update Is Here: Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z Receives New OS; More Rollouts Coming In July

A number of devices in the Sony Xperia Z line will now get the Android 4.4 KitKat treatment. Sony (NYSE:SNE) recently announced on its blog that the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z 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, and rollouts of the new mobile operating system began in March for such devices as the Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 Compact.

With the Android 4.4 KitKat update, the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z will get some improvements and user interface tweaks. In its changelog, Sony said that in addition to the performance and UI optimization that comes with Android 4.4, these devices will now have Sony’s updated Status Bar and Quick Settings option in addition to a new launch animation, new live wallpaper for the lock screen and a home screen reminiscent of the PlayStation 4 environment.

Sony’s app portfolio has also received extensive updates. Such apps as Messaging, Email, Smart Social camera and Battery Stamina mode have all been updated to the latest versions. Sony’s WALKMAN, Album and Movies apps have all been integrated with the Sony Entertainment Network cloud service 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.

Users anticipating the update for their devices should keep in mind that rollouts may vary by market and carrier.

Sony reports that it has plans to update many more devices to Android 4.4 in July, including the Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia E1 and Xperia M2, but it has not indicated specific rollout dates.

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