Sony Xperia Z2 with Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update and Schedule

Sony has been working on delivering Android  updates as fast as it can. According to the latest information, the Android 4.4.4 KitKat update has been certified with users expected to see the download available soon. The release may follow a similar pattern as with other Android updates with the roll out done in stages. Some users can get access to the device sooner while others delayed. 

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Reuters
Android mascots are lined up in the demonstration area at the Google I/O Developers Conference in the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, May 10, 2011. REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach

SONY promised users that the Android 4.4.4 KitKat Over the Air or OTA release to Xperia Z2 will be coming soon. The company did not provide any particular dates but it should be soon as the company moves to the final stages according to Hallels. Reports also projected the release date to be around November. 

There have been concerns among Xperia Z2 users as some older Sony handsets have received the update with the unit seemingly "ignored." Other devices that got certification included Xperia Z2 Tablet SGP521, Xperia Z2 L50w, Xperia Z2 D6503, Sony Xperia Z2 D6502 and Xperia Z2 Tablet SGP541. 

According to Android Headlines, Sony Xperia Z2 will receive a revamp on its design similar to the Xperia Z3. Once users update to the software, they can expect a similar launcher to the Z3. Other improvements to expect include power menu giving people the option to begin a screen recording, reboot and screenshot. Likewise, people can expect the update to allow the Z2 to last longer with limited usability. More importantly, people will also see a pairing option with Dualshock 4 PlayStation controller. This should be great news for those who are fans of Sony.  

Android Headlines also noted that it strikes as odd to see the firmware build older compared to the the one certified just recently. There are Android 4.4.4 KitKat custom ROMs available for those who cannot wait for the official firmware. Users are advised to take caution when dealing with these ROMs as they can result to bricked phones and warranty loss.

Google's new Motorola smartphones

Google's new Motorola smartphones "very, very impressive": Schmidt

Surbhi Chawla, April 17, 2013

In the past few months, there have been no dearth of rumours regarding Google's Motorola building the 'X Phone'. Now Google Executive Chairman has added a dash of excitement to these rumours by stating that he has seen the smartphones coming up at Motorola and they are "very, very impressive."

Schmidt made this remark while talking at the AllThingsD Dive Into Mobile conference. He further went to add,"They have a new set of products, which are phenomenal." He also mentioned that these smartphones should not be termed as just phones but "Think of it as phones-plus." We're not sure if that's a reference to the size of the phones, or their quality, but Schmidt has definitely added a new sense of anticipation towards the devices.

One reason to believe it is not a reference to the size of the phones are the comments made by Jim Wicks, Design Chief at Motorola. While talking to PC Magazine, Wicks said that the company will be launching stock Android devices. He further exclaimed, "if you like smaller form-factor devices or stock Android, you're going to be excited."

The current trend for smartphones is to have a larger screen size but looks like Motorola will not be looking at having "mega" screen and be more focussed on the Android experience for its forthcoming smartphones.

It is noteworthy, that Google completed its acquisition of Motorola in May 2012. Under the new management, Motorola had launched a line of RAZR smartphones, but Google executives maintain that these smartphones were built under the supervision of old management and they had negligible influence on what was churned out. Google even went out to state that Motorola smartphones lacked the "wow factor".

However, the company now plans to change the same. The company had earlier in the year roped in former Apple evangelist Guy Kawasaki. Kawasaki is reportedly focussing on product design, user interface, marketing and social media at Google and is expected to fuse in some enthusiasm in the Motorola brand.

Commenting about Android, Schmidt predicted at the Dive Into Mobile conference that in the coming six to nine months, there will be more than a billion devices running Android.

Schmidt also remarked that the search engine giant was "phenomenally happy" with the Facebook's Home app, which replaces the home screen on Android phones and said Google has no plans to block it.