UK Sony Xperia Z1 Kit Kat updates for unbranded phones?

[Rocklett]

I have a UK generic unbranded Sony Xperia Z1 (i.e. I purchased my phone outright, not through a carrier) and am experiencing distorted audio and dropouts with Bluetooth when connected and playing music to some devices.  My phone is running Android 4.3 Sony update 14.2.A.0.290. 

I read Sony have fixed the Bluetooth dropout and distortion issue with a later firmware 14.2.A.1.136 but Sony PC Companion and Sony Update Service will not upgrade my device beyond firmware release .290 (I've completed a 'repair' using both PC Companion and Sony Update Service and the phone is still on 14.2.A.0.290).

Has Sony not produced a later firmware update for the non branded UK phones since 14.2.A.0.290?  I see the branded phones have got Android 4.4.2 Kit Kat in the form of update14.3.A.0.681, how long will it be before this version is available to UK users who bought their phones outright?

[Thommo]

As a UK resident myself I can tell you that not every country had the .136 firmware released - the latest is .681 KK but for Generic handsets to receive it then all networks have to approve it - You could if you wish to manually flash the KK firmware if you can't wait

[AlanT]

Don't put high hope on this, I am been asking all the time but trust me you wont get an answer over here!!!! I am pretty sure the answer will be operator releasing issue, which only SONY have this problem....not any other phones...remember ONLY SONY and ONLY in UK !!! OK... Cheers for the coming Z2 owner... 

[HannibalSmith]

I'm from germany and I have unbranded Z1 (6903) as well. I can't update to kitkat. It seems all the unbranded phones have to wait very long for updates.

[elmoglis]

Having the same problem with my UK unbranded z1.

[HannibalSmith]

Google for xperia update checker. You can use it to check if the update is out for your region and phone.

[JonC1]

Hi

I'm currently having a conversation with Sony Xperia Contact Center (!) in regards to the Bluetooth issue with the .290 update, and why Bluetooth worked fine with the previous Android 4.2 update.  I've pointed out to them that techincally the phone is not fit for purpose (legal term) in its current state.  Awaiting their response 

[AlanT]

JonC, I emailed them as well, but then no reply, I have issue that the loadspeaker activated automatically when I receive calls.... and my proximity sensor doesn't work sometimes....I have to restart the phone the get it right...

[HannibalSmith]

I just checked with xperia update checker and I have to say that nearly all EU countries have the new update (unbranded/generic phones)! Only germany and UK and 2 or three other countries are still on 4.3 (14.2.A.....).

Have a look at the picture:

Edit: For bigger picture, click here

[SwitchTrix]

Surely the point of having an unbranded phone is so you can get updates quicker than branded phones? I am in the UK (well Guernsey) unbranded bracket, tis rather frustrating.