New Sony software upgrade, including Android 4.4; KitKat, rolls for Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 Compact

The next Sony software rollout for Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 Compact starts right about now*…

We’ve been working to build new Sony experiences on Google’s KitKat release to create some neat / sweet features (if we say so ourselves) – in addition to a few performance tweaks here & there, some of the functionality you can look forward to includes:

• Google’s Android 4.4; KitKat as standard – bringing performance & UI optimisation…

• We’ve added our tweaked Status Bar and Quick Settings… now more intuitive and customisable (and pretty easy on the eye)… cleaned up to ensure you only get the notifications you really need

• If you’ve got a Sony PlayStation 4, you might recognize our new user interface – we’ve added the same sleek launch animation and livewallpaper across the lock and home screens

• We’re also uplifting Sony’s entire native app portfolio to the latest versions – bringing tweaked / improved / current experiences for (to name but a few): Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, TrackID TV, Sony Select, Smart Social Camera and…

• Sony’s Media apps: WALKMAN, Album and Movies, with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration* – a more converged and full Sony entertainment experience – Sony Entertainment Network & PlayMemories integration with a more intuitive UI, better download speeds, and more!

• Our unique custom interface experience: “Xperia Themes”, with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select – skin up to 280 assets across your Xperia smartphone with a variety of styles, and more to follow soon…

Next up, we’ll start rolling Android 4.4 KitKat for Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z – and Xperia ZR – from mid-Q2.

And… we’re also excited to tell you that we’ll make Android 4.4; KitKat available for Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia E1 and Xperia M2 – we’ll be back with more details; bespoke feature sets and timings as things progress.

*As usual, timing & availability may vary by market & carrier