Our latest Sony software upgrade brings PS4™ Remote Play, Hi-Res audio, new Smart Social camera apps & more for Xperia™ Z2 and Xperia™ Z2 Tablet

Fredrik Ekstrand, Head of Software Portfolio Planning, Sony Mobile 

Our latest Sony User Experience upgrade (based on Android 4.4.4; KitKat) for Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet* rolls out from today – it’s something we’ve been working on for a while, so we’re all pretty excited to finally tell you about it.

It’s part of our goal to bring premium hardware, but also the best Sony experiences, native apps and content packages to as many of our users as possible – here’s why we’ve renewed that focus and what’s included:

• Since its first unveiling at IFA, the reception around PS4™ Remote Play** on Xperia Z3 series has been fevered, far exceeding our expectations. Our initial intention was to wait until early in the New Year to extend the experience for Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet users, but both demand and excitement meant we just couldn’t wait. With the PS4™ Remote Play launch for Xperia Z3 series here, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet will now also be “PS4™ Remote Play ready” with full DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller compatibility… ready to act as a remote screen to connect and control your games on PlayStation® 4. PS4™ Remote Play is also available for PlayStation® Vita and PlayStation® TV, which is rolling out in Europe starting November 14, but Xperia is – and will remain – the only smartphone and tablet range where you’ll find the full and official PS4™ Remote Play experience.

• Music sounds better both a) turned up and b) in Hi-Res. It just does. Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet will now support built in (via 3.5mm audio jack) Hi-Res Audio playback from both PCM and DSD files, in addition to the USB Hi-Res playback. The WALKMAN app also adds Sony’s DSEE HX technology, enhancing the sound of your MP3, AAC or Music Unlimited tunes, restoring the experience sometimes lost in compression by these formats. And, because different headphones sound slightly different acoustically, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet now give you the option to specifically select optimized settings for different Sony headsets.

• We’ve invested heavily in building our Smart Social Camera portfolio over the past year, in terms of creating the richest ecosystem with a range of useful / professional / fun experiences both from in-house and our creative partners – this update means Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet users can enjoy our latest and greatest Xperia Camera apps; Sound Photo, AR fun, Multi camera and Face in.

• Xperia stands for the most premium, fun and entertaining mobile experiences – experiences which, of course, create demand for more juice. This update includes the latest version of our acclaimed and popular Battery STAMINA Mode; and brings Ultra STAMINA Mode (to Xperia Z2, limiting a number of phone functions), giving you even more prolonged usage – based on a full charge, we estimate Xperia Z2 to last more than a week in standby when in Ultra STAMINA Mode.

• This update also brings some of our best proprietary smart features. Quick settings that allow you to personalise faster than ever – Smart screen rotation automatically determines when the screen should be rotated according to the way you hold the device. So, it prevents unwanted rotation, such as when you lie down on the sofa to browse the web… and “Record Screen” lets you record a video of what you’re doing on-screen. You start it in the same way you’d normally grab a screenshot –  give the power button a long press, select “Record  Screen” and the phone will start recording whatever you might be doing. Perfect for showing off a certain feature, capturing a top score, or even PS4™ Remote Play gameplay..?!

• Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet are compatible with all our smartwear apparel and Lifelog, but they will now unlock when smartband, smartband Talk or smartwatch 3 is in close proximity thanks to Bluetooth Unlock. And, not only that, this will also work with all and any of our Bluetooth accessories and headsets… simply set up in “Settings – Security”, then press the power key, and all will be unlocked when the accessory is nearby… useful!

* Timing and availability may vary by market and carrier

**Functionality available on Sony Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet starting from November 2014. PlayStation®4 System, DUALSHOCK®4, Sony Entertainment Network account and high speed internet connection required. Some games may not support this feature