If you have a phone Sony Xperia Z, there is good news for you. We say this because this model is already beginning to receive Android version 4.4.4 in its operating system through an update that will be received via OTA (Over The Air). Therefore, they are put to the same level as Xperia Z3, For example.
The first country in which the new version of the firmware is being received is France, but it has been confirmed that the global rollout will be a reality in a matter of days, at the most. In this way, makes the leap from Android version 4.4.2 to the most current one on the market and the efforts by the Japanese manufacturer to launch constant updates even on models that are not the most current are confirmed.
Obviously, all the corrections that are from the game in the versions subsequent to the one that users already enjoyed with a Sony Xperia Z are included, which is good news since these go from the section of the performance, with the Motorola Moto G 4G We found that 4.4.4 allows better operation, and also with regard to the security,, something Google is working hard on lately.
By the way, and as usual, the update to Android 4.4.4 reaches the terminal directly (via OTA), which is very comfortable and does not give problems. Of course, we recommend being connected to a WiFi network since the amount of "megabytes" that this occupies is not exactly small and, thus, problems with the data rate that is contracted are avoided.
The following models that will receive the Android 4.4.4 update, once the Sony Xperia Z has already started to receive it, are the following: Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z. Therefore, it can be said that the vast majority of the high-end models that have Sony's OmniBalance design, will work with the latest version of Google's mobility-oriented operating system (waiting for Android L to arrive this same autumn). Will it be the latest Sony Xperia Z update?
Key new features of Android 4.4.4 on the Xperia Z
In addition to the generic Google improvements, Sony confirms a broad package of fixes and optimizations highly anticipated by Z family users:
- Better battery management with apps in the background, reducing processes that generate constant consumption.
- Greater system stability and noticeable performance improvements over Android 4.4.2, with faster app launch times and fewer stutters.
- Adjustments and improvements in WiFi (more stable connections), mail client (more fluid), and in system apps like Contacts, Calendar and Messaging (MMS).
- Implementation of the security patches latest KitKat releases, including mitigations for known vulnerabilities in that branch of the system.
- Start of camera more agile and more stable behavior in complex or low-light scenes.
Sony's interface and apps: visual adjustments and unified ecosystem
The company takes advantage of the jump to 4.4.4 to polish its layer: they integrate animations inspired by PlayStation 4 that provide aesthetic coherence to the ecosystem, in addition to quick settings and clearer status bar. Also coming is support for Xperia Themes, Sony's theme manager for customizing your device with icon and color packs that can be downloaded from its store.
Major proprietary apps receive review for unify interface and improve performance, with a special focus on multimedia and connectivity: WALKMAN, Album and Movies, together with Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small Apps, TrackID and TrackID TV, Sony Select and Smart Social CameraIn photography, the mode is incorporated Creative Effect to apply effects in real time.
Compatible models and build number
The rollout of Android 4.4.4 covers the first generation Xperia Z series: Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z. The firmware is identified, depending on the market, with the compilation 10.5.1.A.0.283The pace of arrival is staggered by regions and variants (unlocked or carrier), so it may take a few days for the notification to appear on all devices.
How to Update: OTA and Sony Tools
The most comfortable way is the OTA update, which downloads and installs the package directly to your phone or tablet. If it doesn't appear or you prefer to do it from a computer, it is available through PC Companion (Windows) or equivalent Sony utilities. Keep these recommendations in mind:
- Connect to WiFi and make sure you have enough battery (ideally above 50%).
- Give the system a few minutes after updating to I finished optimizing apps and reindex content.
- If you are coming from a version with problems, consider doing a Backup and a factory reset after installation to clean up any remnants of the previous installation.
- Operator devices may require additional approval and receive the OTA later than the free ones.
Troubleshooting common issues after the jump
Some 4.4.2 users detected punctual lag, high consumption of Google services o heatingWith 4.4.4, most of these cases have improved significantly. If you notice unusual behavior:
- Restart your device after the first optimization and check the apps that consume the most battery power in Settings > Battery.
- In case of micro-stops, delete the Cache of heavy apps (browser, social networks) and check for updates WALKMAN/Album/Movies.
- If the notification LED, camera or GPS do not respond as you expect, check permissions and reset app settings in Settings > Applications.
- Root access using tools like Towelroot may not be supported on this build; if you rely on root, please confirm. compatible methods before updating.
User experience: what changes on a daily basis
Beyond the patches, 4.4.4 makes the Xperia Z and its siblings feel more agile in launcher transitions, when opening multitasking, and when launching the camera. The system maintains a more contained temperature in web browsing and multimedia playback, and connectivity WiFi shows fewer reconnections. Integration with SmartBand SWR10 and Lifelog allows you to close the loop of health, activity and entertainment in the Sony ecosystem.
Vía: GSMArena.
The jump to Android 4.4.4 on the Xperia Z range is a significant overhaul: it adds stability, real battery optimizations, and a more polished Sony app ecosystem, without changing the essence of the device. If the notification has already knocked on your door, to update It is one of the best decisions you can make to continue getting the most out of your Xperia Z.