Sony Xperia SP users are finally tasting the last Jelly Bean version for their smartphone, Android 4.3.
The update started in Australia with the build number 12.1.A.0.266. It should bring Android 4.3 on board along with new tweaks and UI changes. Probably the same with other Xperia smartphones with Android 4.3.
An updated lock screen and home screen, the new app tray, and a new camera interface should greet users once they received the update. Be reminded that Sony just started to seed the update. It will reach our shores maybe in a month.
After an influx of requests from users all over the world, Sony has finally give in and announced that they are preparing to roll out an Android 4.3 for the Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia TX and the LTE-enabled Xperia V.
Apart from a few bug fixes and performance improvements, the Android 4.3 update will bring a handful of new features to these low end and midrange Xperia smartphones. We can probably expect the same upgrades that we saw on the Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra when it received a firmware update.
The Android 4.3 update is expected to begin rolling out to the aforementioned handsets towards the end of January or early February.
Sony’s next flagship phone is launching on September 4, and we’ll be there in Malaysia and Berlin to cover all the details. For the meantime, here’s a round-up of all the details, rumors and leaks surrounding the Sony Xperia Z1 as it has been taking the tech limelight for quite sometime now.
Now to start, we’d like to say that Sony had already teased the device several times, so we’re really sure everything mentioned here will be close to the real thing (although there might still be changes).
Same Design Formula
All the leaked images are showing off one consistent design, and it’s one looking a lot like the Xperia Z & the Z Ultra – probably because Sony is creating an identity for its devices. The phone will also be called the Xperia Z1.
“About to make a splash.”
The phone will have an aluminum chassis wrapped around the signature glass construction (don’t forget that power button too), and it will be available in white, black & purple colors. The Xperia Z1 will also be waterproof.
#BestOfSony
Under the hood, the Xperia Z1 is expected to become the first ‘One Sony’ device. What this means is that all the departments will be working together to put all the best elements in one device; audio will probably be from Walkman, BIONZ image processing & the improved sensor from their Cybershot section and the Trilumionous screen from their display department.
Now, we’re not expecting a big jump on specs here. The phone will still probably have the same display from the Xperia Z Ultra, only smaller at 5-inches. The CPU is also expected to be a Snapdragon 800 CPU too, partnered with an Adreno 330 & 2GB RAM.
20 megapixel camera and 4K video
One of the real stories here is the camera really. A lot of speculations have been surrounding the sensor already, and various details have been confirmed by leaks that it will be 20 megapixels and will be packing Sony’s G lens. We’ll just wait for the images to speak for themselves, but one thing to note here is that the sensor size won’t be going near the Nokia Lumia 1020; it’s going to be at 1/2.3″.
Acer just outed the Liquid S2 with 4K UHD video, and that just makes this next detail more believable. The Xperia Z1 is expected to shoot 4K video too! That sounds crazy, but it’s entirely possible as a set of leaked slides indicate it.
Stay tuned on September 4!
We’ll be covering Sony’s event on the Xperia Z1 this week so stay tuned. By then, we’ll confirm and add all the details, from availability & pricing to other jewels like the rumored ‘mini’ version of the said phone. So far, so good eh?
