Sony begins rollout of Android 4.3 to more Xperia devices

Last week, Sony began rolling out the Android 4.3 update to the Sony Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra, but today it’s the turn of the other 2013 Xperia ‘Z’ devices, namely the Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Xperia Tablet Z.

The update includes all the goodness that was rolled out to the Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra including the ‘Project Butter performance & UI optimisation and a smoother graphical experience’.

In terms of Apps, all these devices will receive the Smart Social Camera experience that launched on the Xperia Z1 as well as updates to Apps such as Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID and Sony Select. There are updates to the media experience as well with WALKMAN, Album and Movies all receiving an overhaul to improve access to local and cloud media content and Sony have also introduced some theming options with ‘Xperia Themes’, which will offer downloadable UI packs from Sony Select.

All the devices will receive an update to the Battery STAMINA Mode, offering a refreshed UI and more options for users to attempt to prolong their battery life.

Additionally for the only Tablet amongst the devices listed – the Xperia Tablet Z will receive a tablet specific update in the form of Restricted Profiles. Fully introduced with Android 4.3, the new update offers users the option to create isolated profiles for people to use their tablet without fear of their personal data being compromised – great for kids.

If you purchased your phone or tablet outright, then you should expect the update soon, you should be able to check through the Sony PC Companion software. The only phone in the list available through an Australian carrier, is the Xperia Z and at this stage, availability of the update is mixed – Fortunately for Vodafone users, the news is great, with Vodafone advising the testing of the update is complete and ready to rollout. For Telstra and Optus owners however, the news is not so good, with neither Optus or Telstra listing the update on their respective software updates pages, we will of course update as soon as this changes.

Let us know if you begin seeing the Android 4.3 update on your Sony Xperia device and what you think of it.