Just a few days ago, PTCRB, a North American Cellular Operators forum had certified Android KitKat software for Sony smartphones, now the same council has passed the new firmware to same devices.
The new Android KitKat firmware (build version: 10.5.A.0.230) is said to be a software patch to fix the flaws found in the earlier version '10.5.A.0.227' which was sent to certifications at PTCRB, reported XperiaBlog.
According to the PTCRB database screen shots available with the technology blog, Xperia Z's three variants - C6603, C6606 and C6616; Xperia ZL- C6506, Xperia and the 2013 flagship Sony slate - Xperia Tablet Z- SGP321 are expected to get the update, probably by May end. Besides these devices, Xperia ZR models are also said to receive same update this month as well.
This episode brings back the memory of Sony rolling out the stability update to fix audio bug and some minor flaws affecting Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra in April, after they received the KitKat update in mid-March.
Now, it seems like Sony has learned lessons to take precaution and fully scrutinize the firmware update before releasing them to the devices, thereby avoiding blemishes to company's name in the future.
As reported earlier, 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 the peoples' contacts to which users talk.
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 increase in battery.
(Ed:AJ)
