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With every release of Android, users of non-Nexus devices have always been left to wonder if their device of choice will be receiving said upgrade.  Google has improved this process over the years, and made some significant changes to how they deliver the code when Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.  Instead of waiting until all of the code was final for the newest version of Android, Google now makes the code available early so that manufacturers can get a head start on updating their flagship devices.  Enter Android 4.4 KitKat, which is the first version of Android to utilize this system, and it's amazingly obvious to see the difference in available updates for devices.  Motorola even got the KitKat update out for the Moto X before Google could for all the Nexus devices this time, which says quite a bit given the state of Android updates in the past.  We've seen that Sony is skipping the Android 4.3 update for the Xperia Z1 in favor of going straight to Android 4.4 KitKat in January, and now we have the full list of devices that are confirmed to get KitKat, and ones that Sony might update too.

The confirmed list of Sony devices that will be receiving an Android 4.4 KitKat update in the future are the Xperia Z, ZL, Z Ultra, Z1 and SP.  All of these phones launched on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and while some have already been updated to Android 4.2, all of them are scheduled to receive the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update before the KitKat one.  The only exception is the Xperia Z1, which is course is Sony's newest phone, and will be skipping Android 4.3 altogether in favor of Android 4.4 KitKat in January.

Now for Sony's older line, almost all of which launched with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.  This list includes the Xperia ZR, T, TX and V.  These devices have received a variety of updates, but all of them are being updated to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean by the end of 2013.  All of them are listed as having an Android 4.4 KitKat update "under investigation" rather than a confirmed yes for a future update.  At the very least Sony has supported these phones much more than almost any other manufacturer out there, giving them at least 2 major OS updates per device.  Considering that some flagship devices never see an OS update, or might only get one major update, that's an incredible feat.  A KitKat update would spell 3 major OS updates for these devices, and put them in a class of their own.  As always you can check out Sony's product support page to see if your device is on the list for any new Android update, and of course we'll keep you up to speed when these updates get official release dates and actually roll out to customers.

Home » Sony Talks Android 4.4 KitKat Updates; Xperia Z, Z Ultra, ZL and Z1 Confirmed

Category: Android Phone News