In March, Sony while announcing the availability of the Android KitKat update to Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra, had promised to release the chocolate wafer flavor OS to few more devices in Q2.
Now, Sony is about to fulfill its promise to its loyal fans and the new KitKat software (build number: 10.5.A.0.227) for Sony devices Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z has passed the North American Cellular Operators forum, PTCRB certification, reported XperiaBlog.
According to PTCRB database screen shot posted by the website, Xperia Z's four models - C6602, C6603, C6606 and C6616; Xperia ZL- C6502, C6503 and C6506, Xperia ZR- C5502 and C5503, and the 2013 flagship Sony slate - Xperia Tablet Z- SGP321, SGP341 and SGP351 are expected to get the update.
Since the firmware has been certified, it won't be long for Sony to roll out the KitKat for Xperia models. It only took few days for the company to release the update to Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra after getting PTCRB certification in March.
The new software is expected to bring in additional Xperia Themes (more than 280 styles), enhancements in white status bar, entertainment apps- Sony WALKMAN, Album, Movies, PlayStation 4 compatibility and the native apps like messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, Smart Social camera are said to get facelift and many more new features.
Description of Key Features of Android v4.4 KitKat OS Update:
Location Menu: This integrated location menu enable users to 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 or rename Google Docs and files.
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.
Priority Contacts: The new OS empowers the phone to automatically prioritize contact list for easy access, based on the frequency of calls made to a number.
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.
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.
Emoji Characters: Initially users had to install third party app to use colorful 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.
Multi-tasking: With efficient memory management, users can multi-task by opening multiple applications; Listen to music while you can browse through the Internet.
Performance: Like all software updates, the new KitKat enhances smartphone's performance as well as efficient RAM management, leading to an increase in battery.
[ED:VS]
