Sony Xperia
Sony has announced via their SonyMobile Blog that they have begun the rollout of Android 4.4 to the Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 Compact, but as usual it’s only to unlocked devices.

There’s quite a bit that’s new in the update including some new PS4 UI stylings which is interesting, but not unexpected as Sony is still interested in the ‘One Sony’ branding across their product range. There’s updates to Apps and the Sony Xperia Themes look interesting as well. The complete changelog :

  • 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…

    • The Xperia Z Ultra was sold in a host of retailers, including Harvey Norman, Dick Smith and of course the Sony stores, so these handsets should see the update shortly.

    But, this update is only rolling out to unlocked devices, if you purchased your Xperia Z1 or Z1 Ultra on contract the news is as usual, you will have to wait. Optus carried both the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra, the update status for Android 4.4 is listed on the Optus Software Update page as :

    Next version: 4.4 Kit Kat
    Updated 17/03/2014: We’re testing this version
    Expected public release: Late March / Early April

    Telstra who carries the Xperia Z1 Compact has only just begun to sell the phone in their stores from yesterday, so the phone was not included in their most recent Handset Software update post on the Crowd Support forum on the 6th of March, but I’m sure Craig and the team over at Telstra will be updating with more information shortly.

    Lastly, Sony signed off their announcement post by advising that the next batch of handsets to receive Kit Kat will be the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z – and Xperia ZR – with the update to begin rolling out from mid-Quarter 2.

    Have you got an Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 or Z1 Compact? Have you received the update?

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    enrico

    Kit Kat is now available on my Vodafone Htc One via OTA!!

    Jamie Tan

    I suggest checking via Sony PC Companion – for me the update is available through this now; whereas checking OTA via the phone is not.

    Andrew

    Well Telstra cancelled the 4.3 update for the Z1, so hopefully the 4.4 update comes quick.

    Supposedly it’ll come out 7th of April, but I’m not holding my breath.

    Nicholas Hubert

    Looks like my update is coming down.

    Gopi

    hurray, got the update on Xperia Z Ultra

    ZU

    Hi. GOPI which Network? I purchased mine – Z U, from Optus outright $829, but no update yet 29 March 2014.

    gopi

    Which u bought is optus branded, need to wait until optus release the update. I bought unbranded from David Jones.