The PTCRB website is issuing certification for a further Android 4.4.4 KitKat firmware update namely the 14.4.A.0.155 build. Just since it is certified doesn’t mean that Sony are rolling it out yet or at all. However, since we know there are bugs in the system for the original Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra, there’s a high percentage shot at this one sticking for an eventual roll out.
You should understand that these incremental updates roll out to devices in phases so no two people see them at the same time. If it is given the ‘all-clear’ for the go ahead you can expect to find a notification coming in OTA alerting you of its arrival.
After installing the new build, users will have bug fixes for known bugs existing in the previous 14.4.A.0.108 build. In addition to that, we may have some Google security patches, although the latter is not confirmed. We don’t expect to find any new features, but you can’t rule out Sony updating some of their own unique applications.
You should understand that the Sony officially confirmed Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Xperia Z series that will arrive next year. The Japanese phone maker didn’t provide us with an exact date, but we expect the OTA arriving for owners somewhere between Q1 and Q2 of 2015.
Apart from a revamped phone dialer, 4.4.4 traditionally doesn’t provide many features anyway. The other main reason for the build was the security hole found in OpenSSL that comes with a patch. Each phone manufacture faces their own unique problems with bugs, though, so they are the key focal point to find relief for owners.
Android 5.0 Lollipop is coming for the Xperia ZR, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Google Play Edition Xperia Z Ultra and the aforementioned device names existing here. Furthermore, we know it is coming for the innovative “2” and “3” series from different years.
Are you facing any issues with the software that you hope is fixed during this build? Let us know in the comments what you think. We’ll keep you up-to-date better when more news breaks and the official build is out.