Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade rolls out for Sony Xperia M2

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Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade rolls out for Sony Xperia M2

Sony has announced a new software upgrade for folks using the Xperia M2, as well as its dual-SIM variant. This upgrade is bringing us Android 4.4 KitKat, and Sony’s latest user experience is also in tow. Along with all the goodness KitKat brings (which you can get a crash course on right here), you’ll be treated to new quick settings options in the notification bar, a new PS4-inspired user interface, and the latest versions of all of Sony’s unique apps. Here’s the full list of changes as listed by Sony themselves:

• Google’s Android 4.4; KitKat as standard – bringing performance & UI optimisation…


• We’ve added our tweaked Status Bar and Quick Settings… now more intuitive and customisable (and pretty easy on the eye)… cleaned up to ensure you only get the notifications you really need


• If you’ve got a Sony PlayStation 4, you might recognize our new user interface – we’ve added the same sleek launch animation and live wallpaper across the lock and home screens


• Better storage choice – you now have the option to easily move applications from internal memory to SD card – we recognised the need to have more control over your content… as something particularly useful for devices with slightly less space


• We’re also uplifting Sony’s entire native app portfolio to the latest versions – bringing tweaked / improved / current experiences for (to name but a few): Messaging, Smart Connect, TrackID, What’s New, and Battery STAMINA Mode, Sony’s Media apps: WALKMAN, Album and Movies


• And proving pretty popular, now totalling over 2 million downloads (!) – our unique custom interface experience: “Xperia Themes”, with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select – skin up to 280 assets across your Xperia smartphone with a variety of styles…


• Compatibility with our SmartWear Experience; SmartBand SWR10 and Lifelog app – enabling you to record social, physical and entertainment activities and have them all visualised in a beautiful interface… reminisce at that past, make the best of the present and plan for the future

You can expect the upgrade to be made available for unlocked, unbranded handsets immediately, though you’re likely in for a bit of a wait if you do your bidding with a specific carrier. The upgrade is also subject to market availability, though Sony hasn’t yet detailed rollout plans. Be sure to check Settings > About Phone on your device to see if it’s available for pulling down. If not, be patient and we’re sure the goods will be on their way before you’re tempted to upgrade to a newer device.

[via Sony]

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Verizon reveals new $60 single line plan with 2GB of data, unlimited talk + text

Folks not interested in going the Share / MORE Everything route will be happy to know that a new affordable single line plan has been made available for Verizon. The carrier’s new plan brings you unlimited text messages and talk minutes, plus 2GB of data for $60 per month. That becomes $50 if you are using Verizon Edge, which makes it a pretty decent deal up against the competition. Overages are $15 for every 1GB you go over in case you were wondering.

The line is meant for folks who use just one smartphone device — no tablets allowed. Have multiple devices? The More Everything plan might be more your style. It might not still be the absolute best value you can get in mobile (T-Mobile makes it quite difficult these days), but for Verizon’s standards this is a pretty neat option if all you want is a no-frills plan that doesn’t come with many hooks or moving parts. You’ll be able to get the plan on an existing or new line by logging into My Verizon, heading into a retail store or giving them a ring.

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Best Buy product page reveals Moto 360 feature list, plus a $250 price tag

Motorola’s been really quiet about the Moto 360 up to this point despite it being one of the first Android Wear smart watches announced. The circular smart watch is believed to be launching alongside the Moto X+1 at a September 4th event the company has scheduled, but Best Buy has leaked many of the details we’re yearning for ahead of time.

The most important detail is price: their listing showed $250 for a brief moment (predictably, it has since been pulled down). We first heard of their $250 target point thanks to contest details that revealed the smart watch’s approximate retail value, so to see Motorola able to hit that target is quite a joy to see. It’s still more expensive than the other two Android Wear options on the market — LG G Watch at $230 and Samsung Gear Live at $200 — but Motorola’s betting that you’ll agree with their price when considering the quality and features packed inside.

Speaking of which, here’s a big list of what Best Buy considers the best that the Moto 360 has to offer:

• Compatible with most devices with an Android 4.3 or later operating system: For wide-ranging use.


• Bluetooth 4.0 technology: Enables wireless syncing to select devices for hassle-free connectivity.


• Voice activated: Allows you to use spoken commands to operate the smart watch via the built-in microphone.


• Vibration alert: Discreetly notifies you of important events.


• 1.5″ backlit LCD touch screen: With 320 x 290 resolution and 205 ppi makes it easy to navigate features and provides easy-to-read visuals. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 construction offers durability, and the adjustable brightness allows custom use.


• Built-in optical heart rate monitor (PPG): Helps you achieve or stay within your ideal heart rate range.


• Built-in pedometer: Measures the number of steps taken, so you can easily monitor your fitness progress throughout the day.


• Digital watch interface: Provides crisp, clear readouts of the time and date. Built-in alarm and calendar features help you stay on schedule.


• Waterproof up to 3.3′ for up to 30 minutes: So you can safely wear the watch while swimming or engaging in other aquatic activities.


• Stainless-steel case and plastic case back: Offer durability. The adjustable-length Horween leather band and metal buckle closure deliver a secure, comfortable fit.


• Built-in lithium-ion battery pack: Provides long-lasting operation. The battery-strength indicator lets you know when the battery needs to be powered via the included dock and charger.


• Texas Instruments processor: Helps ensure fast, efficient performance.

We already knew much of this through a combination of various leaks, early reviews and details by Motorola themselves, but we’re always appreciative of more concrete information. All that’s left is a release date announcement, though we have a hunch it’ll be made available shortly after Motorola’s event early next month. How does this price point sit with anyone who was still holding out on Android Wear in anticipation of the Moto 360?

[via Best Buy, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

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