Sony has started rolling out Android 4.4 (KitKat) across its Xperia line.
The company on Wednesday announced that the Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1, and Xperia Z1 Compact are getting KitKat updates starting on Wednesday, with timing and availability varying by market and carrier. According to Sony, its KitKat upgrade includes the standard interface improvements baked into the mobile OS, but includes the company's "tweaked" Status Bar and Quick Settings features. Sony's KitKat installation also includes PlayStation 4-like user interface elements.
Like most mobile vendors, Sony uses the standard Google Android version and tweaks it to make it unique to the company's line of devices. Sony says that its KitKat installation also includes the company's native app portfolio, including Messaging, TrackID, Sony Select, and other programs. Sony Entertainment Network is also integrated into the software.
Looking ahead, Sony plans to broaden its KitKat flavor to other devices, including the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, and Xperia Tablet Z. That rollout will start in the middle of the second quarter.
