We’ve been keeping an eye on software updates around here, hints of KitKat and beyond, but there are still rounds of 4.3 rolling out too.
Some hints (here and here) have been coming out about an update to the already released 4.3 uplift, and users here and over at Xperia Care have been crying out for fixes to a few bugs. Some of the downsides of the 4.3 uplift seem to include a drag on performance, some freezing and some models can’t install the new Xperia themes – despite being a feature we were told to expect.
The latest post from Vodafone Australia gives plenty of detail of what to expect, but there is still some ambiguity. Read on for the details.
Update – Sony Xperia M Update 15.4.A.1.9 Coming Globally in June.
Three models are getting 4.3 updates with Vodafone Australia, the SP, TX and the M. The update is due to roll out from May 8th. Xperia Z and Z2 owners have updates coming too, but both are still being tested for 4.4 KitKat; “Awaiting software for testing. ETA late April/early May 2014. “.
Xperia SP, TX
Starting with the SP and TX, owners can expect “4.3 Quality Release 3”. What will come with that?
Vodafone mentions these changes:
- Fix for incorrect network name displayed in manual network search with some Vodafone SIM cards
- Audio bug fixes
- Email and messaging bug fixes
- Camera stability improvements
- General stability and quality improvements
Perhaps a similar update will come to other models? Vodafone as a network/carrier and also the in one region won’t sell every Sony Xperia device, so other models in other regions will likely be updated too. Usually very small bug fix updates are locked to one region only.
Xperia M
The next update is for the Xperia M, but as we’ve seen during the past few months, these updates spread across multiple models e.g. L, V, Z, E1 etc.
Vodafone lists the following changes:
- Integration of Morpho feature/library for improved camera function including Burst Mode and Superior Auto
- Updated camera interface
- New version of Battery STAMINA Mode for longer battery life
- Updated applications from Sony featuring including Walkman, Album and Movies
- Connectivity stability improvements
- Change from BlueZ to BlueDroid design
- Stability and general improvements
Positive signs: “4.3 Feature Release 2”, the name that tells us it is an update to the original release, in this case, the 4.3 update. The M also has two different updates listed, one is “Awaiting software for testing. ETA late April/early May 2014” and the other due in just a few days time.
Confusing signs: Vodafone lists the build number 15.4.A.0.23 on the page. That build number is already available however, users on Vodafone Australia mention 4.3 as currently available. Perhaps it’s a placeholder? If there’s an update coming, it can’t be for the same build number.
You can read the original post for each device, the SP here, the TX here, the M here and the schedule of updates for every device here. In the meantime, we’ll keep you posted.
Discuss:
Are you happy with the 4.3 software?