14 DAY TRIAL // Sony Mobile is getting ready for the launch of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean to the owners of Xperia Z and Xperia ZL devices out there, though specific info on when it will start releasing it hasn’t been provided as of now.
However, owners of any of the two smartphones interested in getting a taste of the new OS iteration before it is officially pushed to them can now do so, courtesy of a leaked build that emerged over at XDA-Developers as firmware version 10.4.B.0.569.
Unfortunately, there’s no telling at the moment whether this is the final flavor of the platform upgrade or only a test build, as XperiaBlog notes.
The leaked software is tagged as “Commercial&Journalists,” which means that it is mainly aimed at testing for various issues, yet it might be the very firmware variant to start rolling out to users in the near future.
As part of this update, Xperia Z and Xperia ZL users out there should enjoy a modified interface, along with a new camera application, and updated apps such as Xperia home, Album app, and Movies app.
Furthermore, the new OS iteration is expected to pack a new set of themes and wallpapers, a new keyboard, and various performance enhancements and bug fixes, a recent article on XperiaGuide reads.
Those who would like to take it for a spin should head over to the XDA-Developers for that, on this thread for Xperia Z and on this page for Xperia ZL.
However, given the fact that this is only a leaked build, we advise users to proceed with caution when downloading and installing it.
They should also keep in mind that they will be the only ones held responsible in the event that their handsets are damaged when installing / using unofficial software.
As usual, it would be better to wait for the official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean upgrade to arrive from Sony themselves. Chances are that it will be released in a matter of weeks, but don’t hold your breath until a formal announcement is made.