Sony Xperia devices get KitKat starting today

Sony just dropped a KitKat bomb today: many of the Xperia devices will start receiving Android 4.4 KitKat today, along with the new Sony User Experience upgrade. Read on to know which devices will get it and what features to expect.

© AndroidPIT

Which devices?

First in line for the software upgrade are the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z, all starting today. That being said, don’t expect the update prompt to appear on your device right away, this will take a few days to roll out to every country. On the other hand, you can check to see if you are already in line for the OTA by going into the settings of your device, then tapping on About Phone, and then Check for Updates to know if there is one available.

The Xperia Z2 Ultra, Xperia E1 and Xperia M2 (also the dual SIM version) will be updated after this first set of Android devices.

Android 4.4. KitKat new features

The next question is what you can expect from this update. First of all, Android 4.4. KitKat improves the overall performance of your device as well as boosts the battery life. You’ll see some changes to the UI, like white status bar icons, fullscreen mode with album covers while listening to music, cloud printing support, the possibility to change your default messenger, and being able to add a camera to the lockscreen. Quick settings have also become more customizable and have also gotten a new look, with better notification filters.

Here's what the general home screen will look like after the update. Notice the white icons in the status bar. © Xperiablog/DooMLoRD

Sony Experience upgrade features

In terms of Sony-specific changes, the UI is getting a makeover, adopting the look of the Sony Playstation 4. All Sony’s native apps are being upgraded to the most recent versions, coming with a bunch of improvements.

Messaging has a new UI and more emojis, while the email app allows a broader overview of all your emails, in addition to a new viewing pane that lets you see more content at a glance.

Sony comes with an array of great camera features, and now older Xperia devices will also be able to make sure of the Xperia Z1 and Z2 Smart Social Camera with its own list of in-camera apps (get them on your Xperia device before the update thanks to an APK). Finally, Battery STAMINA mode is being brought to theses device as well, so you can get more out of your battery.

 © Sony

Users will get more out of Sony’s Media apps too, and be able to use more downloadable Xperia Themes. Last but not least, these devices will also become compatible with Sony’s wearable, the SmartBand SWR10, including the Lifelog app to monitor and measure your athletic and fitness performance (SmartBand release information).

Older Xperia devices now support the Sony Smartband! © AndroidPIT

Did you get the update yet? As for now we don't exactly know which countries will be first, so let us know if the update has arrived to your smartphone!