Mobile arm of the consumer electronics giant, Sony has reportedly begun rolling out 4.4.2 KitKat update to Xperia M2 in select regions.
Sony community website, Xperia Blog, has claimed the 4.4.2 KitKat firmware (build number: 18.3.C.0.37) has been released to Xperia M2 (D2303), a LTE variant in France, Ireland, Israel, Russia, Singapore and Thailand.
The news comes just days after the company confirmed (via official blog) to roll out the new software to Xperia M soon. As of now, the update is only seeding to LTE variant. Since the roll out process is carried out in phases, it will take some time for other models - D2305 and D2306 as well as the dual-SIM variants (D2302 & S50h) to get the update.
[Update: Sony has officially released the new v4.4 KitKat to Xperia M2- both single and dual-SIM models]
Users can now check for OTA (Over-The-Air) updates on their smartphone by going to:
Settings >> About phone >> Build number / version
[Note: Users are advised to download the new firmware via Wi-Fi for smooth installation]
The new OS update brings in tweaked Status Bar, visually appealing Quick Settings options, standard performance and UI optimizations, updated Camera application, improved email apps, Sony PlayStation 4 launch animation, live-wallpapers, fully re-furbished Sony native apps, entertainment apps – WALKMAN, Album and Movies, new custom UI – 'Xperia Themes' (close to 280 palates).
Description of 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 new 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 emotion icons.
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 and 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 into 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, the new KitKat enhances smartphone's performance as well as efficient RAM management, leading to increase in battery life.
