When Sony updated the original Xperia Z to Android 4.4.4 above the Xperia Z2, itself a considerably newer device, some Xperia Z2 users were more than a little annoyed. Of course, we all know that these things work very differently to how we might think they do when it comes to device updates. Now though, it looks like an update to Android 4.4.4, from Android 4.4.2, is just around the corner for the Sony Xperia Z2 and there’s whispers of incoming features from the Xperia Z3. A new firmware for both the Xperia Z2 and the Xperia Z2 Tablet has been certified over at the PTCRB, which is normally a good sign that a rollout of said update is just around the corner.
What’s interesting here is that the version number takes a significant jump from what’s already running on the Z2 series. My D6503 Xperia Z2 beside me is running software version 17.1.2.A.0.314, with the newly certified version being 23.0.1.A.0.167 for the D6502 and D6503 versions of the Xperia Z2 and the SGP521 and SGP541 versions of the Z2 Tablet. As there’s such a large bump in firmware numbers, there’s reason to believe that the Xperia Z2 line is about to get some minor updates to bring it in line with the Xperia Z3. While this sounds pretty exciting, the Xperia Z3 doesn’t carry many big changes when it comes to the UI, but a fresh coat of paint here and there would be a nice little treat for us Xperia Z2 users.
Still, this isn’t what happened when the Xperia Z got Android 4.4.4, with its UI and software staying much the same as it always had been. Nevertheless, a firmware with many of the bugs from Android 4.4.2 fixed and some general tightening of bolts is nothing to complain about. Often, the time between certification of a firmware and its rollout isn’t too long, but with such a large update apparently on its way, and with so many Xperia Z2s out there, it might be a sizable wait before you get the new 23. software release. When the update does appear, we’ll be sure to let you all know.