We told our readers about the 14.4.B.0.56 firmware build passing through the PTCRB roughly three weeks ago now and today it’s finally come to fruition. The aforementioned build number is rolling out for the Sony Xperia Z1s. The new software update is available for T-Mobile subscribers in the United States. The same build number will not become available for any other phone carrier network.
We know that the 14.4.B.0.56 comes with several bug fixes and not much else. Some users were reporting problems with headphones and sound and this iteration addresses those issues. The file size is just over 4 MB so we know it doesn’t carry much weight. Expect to find relief from your past bug problems. We have no information on any native services from Sony receiving additional features or upgrades. There is no change-log for this release.
Make sure you backup the smartphone before installing the official OTA release. You want to make copies of the phone contacts, market apps, pictures, music files and videos. Use applications such as Helium available from the Google Play Store to help sync the contacts and backup the apps.
The new build takes over from the previous 14.4.B.0.37 firmware. It remains on the final stage of Android 4.4.4 KitKat. We expect this to be one of the last software releases under the KitKat name before we start witnessing Android 5.0 Lollipop coming out. We know 4.4.4 traditionally doesn’t offer much apart from a revamped phone dialer with a new blue color and font. Furthermore, it comes with Google security patches and a slightly smoother and faster UI.
You should know that all over the air updates come out in stages. Therefore, it rolls at different times for everybody. You can navigate to the Settings > About Phone > Software Updates and check for updates that way or just wait for the system notification to arrive to the notifications panel. Moreover, try installing the firmware using a stable WiFi connection to avoid mobile data traffic from other users who are installing the same update over the network as you.