Software update to 4.3

[Prasadm1]

Sometime ago, Sony declared that Android 4.3 will be available for Xperia Tablet Z.  But now that Google has released 4.4, do you have any idea when 4.3 will be available ? Sony has not managed to clear all the bugs with 4.2.2, so was wondering if there any chance of going to 4.4 or even 4.3 any time soon ?

The sony blog is also silent on this..

[Uliwooly]

Sony Xperia News @SonyMobileNews 

re. #Android @kitkat, we’re excited – next week our news on: 4.3, 4.4; products & more...#SonyXperia

[Teven]

Any updte? So far don't get any news about 4.3 & 4.4

[Prasadm1]

http://blogs.sonymobile.com/2013/11/07/on-jelly-bean-4-3-kit-kat-4-4/#more-9963
4.3 rollout should start next month....
But when it will actually happen is anybody's guess..

[takrzem]

Yes, it is just ridiculous. Statement like that ('We will start rolling out...') is just promising but very meaningless. If you release something, state the certain date and just stick to it, for God's sake!

XPERIA Z phone at least seem to be getting regular interim updates - also including SONY apps. Alas! The latest one I got (10.3.1.A.2.67) has been released back in September according to the official website:

 http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/software/phones/xperia-z/

But it's been eventually deployed on my handset only last week. That's still 6 weeks difference!

Tablet Z still seems to be stuck with 10.3.1.C.0.136 from the end of August (that's been deployed on my device around the same time admittedly). SONY apps do not get updated on my device at all though, some of them are missing completely (as per my other thread). SONY support can only suggest device reset - great advice, thanks very much, I do not have time for such games.

Argument that release dates are down to individual network operators is incorrect and not true. With regards to my phone: I purchased my handset directly and prior to fitting SIM got an immediate update. So it's not network-dependent at all.

It's even simpler - or should be - with tablet: I have WiFi-only version.

There are few hardware varieties of these devices in circulation - it should not be a big problem to issue new software version nearly immediately to all markets at the same time. If others can do it, why SONY cannot?

So the feeling is that SONY - being primarily hardware manufacturer - does seem to be interested merely in selling hardware only (or: shifting the boxes...) and once it's done, is leaving the users to their own misery and perhaps to allow them to write long ranting posts on their own public forums...

[Prasadm1]

With all the problems reported by Samsung galaxy 4.3 updates, I just hope Sony will test it sufficiently before release of 4.3..Otherwise given Sony's track record in update timelines,..... I say no more..

[taarzan]

Will get back the original UI?

This phone UI is bad development.

The centered HOME and navi buttons is unusable, my finger is not enough long, to push them...
And the centered dropped down statusbar (on the top), like my Z1. It is not a tablet... It was too expensive for the worst GUI in the tblet market.

[greenparakeet]

I totally endorse your omments, krzemien.  I purchased my Tablet Z WiFi version outright from O2 and am still without the latest update.  Nearly 3 months have elapsed since the roll out allegedly began.  By now, either Sony or O2 should have released the update.

Doesn't anyone from Sony monitor and read this forum?  I'm very unimpressed with the lack of customer care.

[takrzem]

Hello SONY - in the view of the above and planned 4.3 roll-out: where do we stand with the release dates?

My XPERIA Z phone receives minor updates (apps: Walkman etc.) regularly - tablet does not at all. What seems to be an issue?

[HP909]

Looks like Sony does not give a hoot for Tablets anymore. They seem to have lost it completely.

My experience with Sony Tablet Z so far is pathetic for the following reasons:

a) Screen comes with a scratcable plastic protector - ASF.

b) Sony will not sell Accidental Protection for their product even when the items was not even shipped. Due to a glitch in their system the option to buy protection was not available on 12/2.

c) Updates are not available - no clear indication on when they will be available either.

d) Sony's much advertised and touted product Miracast for Sony TVs does not seem to work with 4.2.2 - No Wifi connection available if connected to Miracast TV dongle. Based on XDA developers it looks like stock 4.3 fixes the problem but I would rather wait for Sony to release 4.3 officially.

e) Sony's $220 deal - is pathetic - I could only download one movie Elysium in SD content not HD. Will not play directly, had to download it to my tablet. When connected to Unlimited video account from my TV, PS3, BD Player and/or Home Theater (all Sony products), the library is empty movie purchased on the tablet is not visible.

f) Tried returning the tablet back costs me shipping and handling - the product to me is defective because of the following reasons:

 1) Miracast will not work along with Wifi as advertised.

  2) Sony refuses to sell me Accidental protection plan despite them having put plastic (non scratch proof) on glass (scratch proof) - only "brilliant' Sony engineers can think of putting plastic sheet on glass. Removal of plastic voids warranty. Alternative is to put another plastic sheet on top of Sony's plastic.

I guess you get an idea of what I think of Sony and its much needed update which they are unable or unwilling to provide to their customers. BTW-  Sr. managment at Sony does not care - I wrote to them also.