Sony Xperia Z1 and Z1 Compact Android KitKat update rollout begins


Android 4.4 KitKat has started rolling out to a range of Sony smartphones, including the Sony Xperia Z1 and Sony Xperia Z1 Compact.


Sony is updating the Sony Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 compact smartphones to Android 4.4 KitKat starting today.


Of course, as is the case with these updates, timing and availability of the Android KitKat update will depend on your market and network provider.


“We’ve been working to build new Sony experiences on Google’s KitKat release to create some neat/sweet features (if we say so ourselves) – in addition to a few performance tweaks here and there,” explained Sony in a blog post.


As well as the standard Android 4.4 KitKat features, Sony has made its Status Bar and Quick Settings more intuitive and customisable making it possible to streamline the notifications that bombard your device.


The launch animation and live wallpaper have also been updated to match the Sony Xperia Z2 and its PS4 influenced UI.


Sony’s native app portfolio will be updated across the board, “bringing tweaked, improved, current experiences for: Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, TrackID TV, Sony Select and Smart Social Camera.”


The Sony Media apps now have Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration and more intuitive UI.


Xperia Themes will also be added to the aforementioned smartphone line, offering downloadable UI packs from Sony Select.


Sony will also be bringing Android 4.4 KitKat to more smartphones in the coming months.


Read more: Sony Xperia Z2 vs Xperia Z1