The Sony Xperia Z2 smartphone and Z2 tablet are both receiving a new Android 4.4.4 KitKat OTA update, namely 23.0.1.A.0.167 starting today. Be on the lookout for a system notification coming in alerting you of its arrival.
We told you about a new PTCRB certified build last month and today we are proud to announce that the same 23.0.1.A.0.167 build number is rolling out over the air to selected Sony Xperia Z2 smartphones. The innovative iteration is arriving to notification panels across the Middle East, South East Asia, Indonesia, Latin America and some places in Europe including Russia.
Those of you interested in the camera will be pleased to learn that the software update includes Sound Photo, Face in, Multi-camera and AR fun from inside the Sony Smart Social application.
The aforementioned build number updates the Sony Xperia Z2 to Android 4.4.4 KitKat and comes with some neat features including additional headphone settings, quick-settings edit, ultra STAMINA mode, high-resolution audio playback, PlayStation 4 remote play and new DSEE HX Walkman app technology. The standout feature here is the STAMINA mode that shuts down unwanted phone functions for saving the battery. We’ve seen Samsung successfully deploy a battery saving mode and HTC also have a feature in place.
Gamer’s will love the PS4 Remote Play that allows users to connect wireless and use the devices as the gaming screen. The Z2 tablet marks the first tablet in Xperia history to have this feature. Additionally, you have access to the DUAL SHOCK control that gives all the rumbles.
We know the final stage of the KitKat software as coming with a different phone dialer UI, OPEN SSL security patch and other bug fixes. However, each manufacturer has their own set of native applications and minor tweaks they like to make in addition to the base Android adjustments.
Remember that all firmware releases roll out to devices in phases. Therefore, wait patiently until it arrives for you. It can take days or even weeks in some instances for firmware upgrades to reach everybody depending on the popularity of the device. Make sure it isn’t available already by navigating to Settings > About Phone > Software Updates > System Updates and ping the results back manually. It isn’t out via the Sony PC Companion yet according to the official Sony Mobile blog post.
Today’s release could be the last we see of the chocolate variety. Next up would mean Android 5.0 Lollipop coming early in the New Year. We already have confirmation from Sony that the whole Z series is getting the candy.