Mobile arm of the consumer electronics giant, Sony has released the new Android KitKat update to the company's low-end smartphone Xperia E1 models.
The company confirmed the news via official blog that the new firmware (build number: 20.1.A.0.47) has been released to both the single and dual-SIM versions of Xperia E1 globally including India via OTA (Over-The-Air). It can also be downloaded manually from computer to the smartphone (via PC companion suite).
To check for the update on the smartphone - Go To
Settings >> About phone >> Build number / version
[Note: Since the roll out process is carried out in phases, it will take some time in remote regions to get the update. Users are advised to download the new firmware via Wi-Fi for smooth installation]
Xperia E1 made its global debut in January this year with Android v4.3 Jelly Bean, now the update will bring in tweaked Status Bar, visually appealing Quick Settings options, standard performance and UI optimisations, updated Camera application, improved email apps, Sony PlayStation 4 launch animation, live-wallpapers, fully refurbished Sony native apps, entertainment apps- WALKMAN, Album and Movies, new custom UI – 'Xperia Themes' (close to 280 palates),
Sony has also promised that the KitKat update will be rolled out soon to Xperia M2 (both single & dual-SIM), but the specific timeline of the firmware release is still under wraps.
Key features of Android v4.4 KitKat OS update:
Improved Caller-ID: If a user receives a call from unknown number, the phone will look for matches on the net with local listings via Google Maps.
Enhanced Message grouping: Google has brought in some improvements to the Hangouts app; now, users can find all their text SMSs and MMSs, audio and video call details all at one place. He/She can also share location and send animated GIFs.
Priority Contacts: The new OS empowers the phone to automatically prioritise contact list for easy access, based on the frequency of the peoples' contacts to which users talk.
Emoji Characters: Initially users had to install third party app to use colourful characters in their SMS. Now, with KitKat update, the keypad comes pre-loaded with native Japanese Emoji emoticons.
NFC and Wireless Printing: Google's new OS comes with a new Quickoffice app where-in people can create and store word documents in cloud storage as well as print files wirelessly on NFC-enabled HP printers.
Location Menu: This integrated location menu enables users easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously keeping a tab on the battery consumption by the location service-based apps.
Enhanced Google Mobile Service (GMS) apps: This application helps user to automatically back-up photos and video clips. He/she also can create, view, share rename Google Docs and files.
Immersive display: To enhance the entertainment factor, the new OS comes with immersive mode, where the status bar and navigation buttons disappear in to the background while you play music, games and read e-books. Users can just swipe the edge of the screen to bring back the utility buttons.
Multi-tasking: With efficient memory management, users can multi-task by opening multiple applications; Listen to music while you can browse through the net.
Performance: Like all software updates, KitKat enhances smartphone's performance as well as efficient RAM management, hence improving the battery performance.
