Today Sony Mobile has confirmed that they have started rolling Android 4.4.2 KitKat 14.3.A.0.681 firmware update for Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1 Compact. Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update for Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z and Xperia ZR will be coming in mid Q2 and Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia M2 and Xperia E1 will also be getting Android 4.4.2 KitKat update but no specific date mentioned for them yet by Sony.
Sony has updated the Android 4.4.2 KitKat 14.3.A.0.681 firmware build for Xperia Z1 on it’s software product page. 14.3.A.0.681 firmware update will come soon on Xperia Z1 now worldwide. As we can see currently 14.3.A.0.681 firmware update is seeding. 4.3.A.0.681 firmware is confirmed in France, Vodafone Ireland, Canada on Xperia Z1 C6906, Malaysia, Australia, Germany, Hungary, India.
[ UPDATE – 22 March ] How to Root Xperia Z1 14.3.A.0.681 firmware Android 4.4.2 KitKat [ UPDATE – 20 March ] Download Voice balloon photo app from Sony – Smart Social Camera app for KitKat devices [ UPDATE – 19 March ] Xperia Z1 Compact 14.3.A.0.681 firmware KitKat Android 4.4.2 update rolling [ UPDATE – 19 March ] Xperia Z Ultra 14.3.A.0.681 firmware KitKat Android 4.4.2 update rollingXperia Z1 14.3.A.0.681 firmware KitKat Update
Look for a PC Companion update notification as shown below and proceed as per onscreen instructions.
You can also SUS to update Z1, update size is 1021 MB.
After updating you will see around 165 applications will be optimized under “android upgrading process”. You will also see NFC firmware getting updated.
Xperia Z1 14.3.A.0.681 firmware KitKat Screenshots
About Phone screenshot below.
Xperia Z1 14.3.A.0.681 firmware Software info below
Software Version – 1272-6084_14.3.A.0.681
Customization Version – 1277-2364_R4C
Download Xperia Z1 14.3.A.0.681 firmware ftf
For Z1 C6902 India / Global
Download C6902_14.3.A.0.681_Customized_IN.ftf – NEW LINK
[ via XDA user Ayush Singh ]
For Z1 C6903
Generic France
Download C6903_14.3.A.0.681_Generic Fr.ftf
[ via XDA user auras76 ]
Singapore SingTel carrier
Download C6903_14.3.A.0.681_1276-7941_R4C SingTel SG.ftf
[ via XDA user chunlianghere ]
For Vodafone UK carrier
Download C6903_14.3.A.0.681_1276-0815_KitKat4.4.2_Vodafone-UK_By_Conan206.rar
[ via XDA user conan206 ]
Generic MEA Saudi Arabia KSA
Download C6903_14.3.A.0.681_BY_Conan206_Generic MEA_1277-2882.rar
[ via XDA user conan206 ]
Generic Nordic
Download C6903_14.3.A.0.681_Generic Nordic.ftf
[ via XDA user cklow01 ]
For Z1 C6906
Download C6906_14.3.A.0.681_Canada.rar
[ via XDA user PherChe ]
For Z1 C6493
Download C6943_14.3.A.0.681_Generic_BR_1276-7099_R4C.ftf
[ via XDA user RHBH ]
To install Xperia Z1 14.3.A.0.681 firmware ftf, download Xperia Flash Tool from below and you can also refer to ours manually flashing guide.
Download flashtool-0.9.15.0-windows.exe
How to flash manually Android 4.4.2 14.3.A.0.681 firmware ftf on Xperia Z1 ?
Download concerned ftfs from above links.
Note :- No Root Needed. Warranty not void, safe. Works on both Locked/Unlocked bootloaders. Below mentioned guide is for Xperia Z1
Kindly un-check the options “Wipe Data, cache, logs” if you want to protect your phone’s data after flashing.
Guide :- How to flash Android 4.4.2 Xperia Z1 14.3.A.0.681 firmware ftf using Flashtool manually ?
Xperia Z 14.3.A.0.681 firmware KitKat Update Official Changelog as per Sony.
- Camera app update to improve overall camera performance.
- Stock email app is updated.
- Stability, performance and battery improvements.
- New Xperia KitKat UI as per Google’s android 4.4.2 KitKat OS.
- Tweaked status bar and quick settings options. 2 Tabs notification panel included.
- New UI for Sony Playstation 4. New animation and live wallpapers for lockscreen and homescreen.
- New Sony Media apps including Walkman, Album, Movies.
- Sony’s native stock apps updated like Message app, Call app, TrackID, TackID TV, MyXperia, SmartConnect and small apps.
- New Xperia downloadable themes included.
As per the changelog provided by Sony it is clear that there is No 4K cam app, No TimeShift Video app, No Smart Call Handling app, No Smart Backlight Control, No Glove Mode, No Tap to Wake up feature which is spotted in Xperia Z2 KitKat firmware.
Above mentioned Xperia Z2 features can’t be given by Sony until Xperia Z2 comes in market for purchase.
Xperia Z1 KitKat changelog as per users
- New Homescreen and locksreen wallpapers.
- Transparent navigation bar and status bar.
- New Battery icon.
- No touch to wake up feature.
- New start up screen.
- New KitKat Boot animation.
- Screenshot option in Power menu.
- Calendar app updated.
- Answering machine option in call app.
- Manage notification settings for particular app.
- Default SMS app settings.
- Background Defocus app added in camera.
Rooting method for Xperia Z1 14.3.A.0.681 firmware will be posted soon.
If any Xperia Z1 user has got 14.3.A.0.681 firmware update then let us know. Post your screenshots and changelog. Drop your comments below.
Must Read :
Xperia Z1 Compact 14.3.A.0.681 firmware KitKat Android 4.4.2 update rolling
KitKat 14.3.A.0.681 firmware certified for Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact – Android 4.4.2
Xperia Z Ultra 14.3.A.0.681 firmware Android 4.4.2 KitKat update coming soon ?
Xperia Z1 14.3.A.0.757 firmware update rolling – KitKat Bug Fixing
Android 4.4.2 KitKat Rolling for Xperia Z1, Z Ultra, Z1 Compact – Sony confirms
Xperia Z Ultra 14.3.A.0.681 firmware System Dump Leaked – 4.4.2 KitKat
Red Xperia Z1 Pics Were FAKE, published by SeCafe on Facebook page for FUN Only.
Xperia Z1 14.5.A.0.283 firmware update rolling on carrier handsets
Lollipop Call Recording MOD for Xperia Z3, Z2 & Z1
Xperia Z1 14.5.A.0.270 firmware update rolling
View GizmoBolt Tech Blog
You are doing a great job Anurag… Keep it up bro !!!
We are waiting for ftf file… 🙂
yes will upload it soon as we get hands on it.
Hi anurag what is answering machine ?
what do you think an answering machine do in phone lol ? 😛
man i have no idea about this sorry…
you can record a greeting message so that some one can hear if you didn’t take up call or can record anyone’s message.
Thats cool man.. thanks for clarifying me 🙂
Countdown begins!!! Hurrah
Not yet in India
When can I download ftf file for flash?
FTF file pls
My phone is C6903… Can I flash it using C6906 ftf file?
Nothing in hong kong yet
C902 Live India via PC Companion
I keep getting “Cannot open bundle” in flashtool and I used the guide you guys posted /:
Hope it won’t take too much time to arrive to Libya! Cheers for the great news.
ftf file for c6902 not working..
flashtool shows error in unpacking bundle
You need the latest flashtool, the previous one did not work for me either.
Hi anurag Walkman enhancements pretty improved… my Sony MDRXB90EX/BCIN booming with this update… effects are awesome…
I got my C6903 updated with 14.3.A.0.681 firmware. See link below for the screen shot:
on.fb.me/1qYyZdP
I’ve a mistake again 🙁
I have flashes wrong ftf file (Z1 Compact) into my Z1
Now my Z1 can not boot and if I connect to PC Companion it detected as Z1 Compact but my phone screen is completely black
I am trying to re flash but I can not enable USB Debug mode because I can not go to the screen
How do I solve this ….????
HELP HELP HELP….
Use SUS or download ftf for z1 and flash via latest flashtool
I have a few issues with the kitkat update.
1. It seems that the phone is heating up faster.
2. with 4.3 i could recharge the phone and now on 4.4 the phone said that the power supply is to low.
The phone does seem more snappy, great update.
I agree with u frank… charging time is pretty high.. discharges very quickly in this update..
Yes I agree with my phone is heating a lot, that’s why now I am doing a full wipe re-installation again.
Already factory reset my phone via sony update service.. the problem still continues..
ftf file for C6903 is not working. Flashtool show error in unpacking bundle.
Use this one as stated on the page above.
Download flashtool-0.9.15.0-windows.exe
C6902 download link has error.plz repair it.thank u:-)
Fixed 🙂
I dont have Background defocus in camera… What about you guys?
i have 🙂
i didnt get it too… i installed by my backup
No Background Defocus app in Camera. C6902. Reinstalled again this time wiped data & internal storage. Using PC Companion. How to get it.
I have it just rechecked after installing firmware again and restoring backup 🙂
Will upload app soon…
same here same here! how to get it?
Flashtool not working!!!
Device getting heated too. Slow charging rate. Poor battery backup. Why this happens everytime. What’s. Sony up to. Can’t they release a single bugless update.
I installed it on 4.3 C6903 (root)
Today I Rooted 4.4 C6903 and I installed it… but after taking picture in defocus mode, the background defocus just close…!
Whats about Xperia SP? It still under investigation :S
Anurag which is better to buy nexus 5 or LG G2?
I installed kit kat witout checking unknown sources n usb debugging. But it ws installed perfectly. Am I gonna face any problems? Help
I don’t have the Background Defocus app with my update, what am I missing? C6902 Z1
Hi .. I also didn’t get Background Defocus app with my update
Mine also dont have background defocus
I just updated my phone to 4.4.2..there are two apps running in my background processes…media server&media they almost used 80% of my battery…when in idle…battery is draining too fast and getting over heated even when I m not using the phone…please help me….I want to revert back to 4.3…please help me how to go back to 4.3
Just curious, what happens if I try and flash a C6903 ftf on my C6902 Z1? I was anyways thinking of re-installing coz this upgrade seems to be buggy on my device, installed using PC Companion and:
1) ringtones and notifications don’t sound smooth. Some sort of cracking noise at the beginning of the tone.
2) Camera was flickering when i go to settings and no Background Defocus App.
Any suggestions?
fix for 4.4.2 phone over heating and battery drain::
formating the external sdcard will do the job…it worked for me..phone is not over heating and battery is not draining fast..i dont know how wiping the sdcard worked out but trust me… it will defnitely work out
I don’t know how it can work or has any concern with battery drain and heating but if you are saying let me try it 🙂
P.S. after re installing firmware with factory rest, Battery drain has become slow and heating too, after 16-20 hours….I suggest let the new firmware settle down first then we concentrate on bugs 🙂
After I performed a factory reset and then re-installed the firmware, things are looking a lot snappier. (y)
can i root this version?
After Kitkat,access to external card is almost gone. Can’t delete, copy,move,etc. Please help. Is there any way to sort it out.
Google has disabled access to SD card on KitKat so nothing can be done using nay third party SD cards on OEM devices. You need to use File Commander in your Z1 for doing any SD card stuff now ownwards.
Hi I just update to Kitkat 4.4.2 but I’m missing the background defocus camera app in camera mode, is it common issue?
Dear anurag see battery usage… The phone always is awake!
which specific stats you want me to see, I can’t see on my Z1… Phone Idle ?
I mean history details in battery usage In power management in settings…
The awake line is blue… Means the cpu is always awake when your screen is on!
No such wakelock here….my battery is stable after fresh installation of factory reset after SUS.
To anyone who is experiencing device over heating, lag or battery drain after the update; give it an hour, it’s just that the device is still adjusting.. Mine is working smooth now after an hour of usage..
yes same here mate, that’s what I am saying Let the firmware settle down it is good now here 🙂
Sounds good!! But everybody talk battery draining on xda
I flashed by ftf file… Anyway Can I update it via SUS?
yes switch off your phone and start SUS. Connect usb to PC and then press volume down + power button and insert cable in Phone, let SUS detect your phone and then download full firmware fresh and re-install again,,,it will be a factory reset, backup your data.
Thanks dude I’m gonna try it right now
How to Root Xperia on Z1 14.3.A.0.681 firmware Android 4.4.2 KitKat guide available now.
Check here – https://www.gizmobolt.com/2014/03/22/root-xperia-z1-14-3-0-681-firmware-android-4-4-2-kitkat/
My suggest is to use flashtools to install CWM on your device easily using fastboot mode and then you can root your devices 😉
Kindly do and let us know, how it goes…will adapt any short method 😉
I was surfing in flashtools and I tried this way and it works well 🙂
1- you have to turn the USB Debugging and check unknown applications in Security
2- install flashtools and of course the fastboot drivers
3- connect your device and while tjhe phone is on
4- click on the flash botton then choose fastboot mode
5- click on reboot into fastboot mode (via ADB)
the notification light will be blue…. means you are in fastboot
6- then click on select kernel to flash
7- change the format from *.sin to *.img and then choose your cwm
after that you need to install the Super-SU.zip from recovery
DONE
have you tired the way you said ?
I always try this way because this way is so fast
I can say more than 10 times! 😐
“The phone contains modified software can’t update” ERROR
Can I use PCC instead of SUS?
I don’t know if anyone has already noticed this but in Superior Auto you can.now choose between aspect ratios of 16:9 and 4:3.
Okay its been a frustrating start for me with KitKat – Xperia Z1 – C6902, the issue I have right now is relating to my ringtones and notifications playing on the “Ear speaker” rather than on the “Bottom Speaker” thereby causing it to be extremely low on volume. This also happens quite randomly and not consistently. I never experienced this on 4.3, does anybody else share this prob? Any fixes?
I have the exact same problem, and while playing music and a message comes in, the music suddenly comes from the ear speaker instead. Only had this after updating. Have you found a solution?
Also I never tried flashing the ftf file using a flashtool? Is the ftf a different/ customized/ optimized version than what comes via the PC companion? Anurag can you give me clarity on this coz I was thinking of flashing it manually but I don’t know if it’ll do me any good. What say?
As many India Z1 users are talking about samr issues faced by all even I am thinking to flash a HK ftf.
Flashing other region ftf means you will get next time update as per that region’s roll out date. It is all your choice for flashing any other ftfs like c6903 on c6902 etc.
I lost my DRM keys after unlocking bootloader…. But after flashing kitkat my X-Reality works!
Anurag could you extract background defocus file from system/apps and upload it, please?
let me know if it works – http://www.ambroosvaes.be/bgdefocus-noroot-signed.apk If it works then ok, otherwise I will take it out from my dump.
INFO – Start Flashing
INFO – Processing loader.sin
INFO – Checking header
ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
INFO – Ending flash session
ERROR –
ERROR – Error flashing. Aborted
INFO – Device connected in flash mode
I can’t understand the errors,please help me out….
download the newest version of flashtool please
i have used flashtool v0.9.15.0
finally got it,but i can’t restore my backup using “Backup & restore” app
How did You got around it? I have same problem. Also on latest flashtool
I’ve just updated my C6903 to 4.4.2 in Libya via PCC! Everything is great, except that I couldn’t find Background defocus!! Why?!!
Saleh, are your ringtones and notifications working fine? Are they playing from the speaker properly as they should?
@Nazmul
USB must be in MTP mode!
Vyshak, Yes! They are playing from the speaker…I didn’t even experience the overheating and battery draining as some users have said! The update is great.
I’ve just tested Background defocus in the link posted above! The app works great
Saleh that’s brilliant. It never worked fine for me and that’s the only reason i have downgraded for the moment to Jelly bean again. Hope Sony fixes it soon.
Anurag just asking you again – I know you said its a choice but could anything possibly go wrong if I flashed a C6903 ftf on my C6902? I really wanna give it a shot but not sure if I’ll screw my phone 😀
Nothing will go wrong, its good to flash 03 ftf if you want you will only get that regions apps and adittional lte settings which can’t be used
Thanks a ton! will try. 🙂
I faced all these problems (sound port, turn off dose not work and some over heating) , I did complete restore through SUS and I have no problems after using it for 24 hour.
So far has any particular region not reported bugs Anurag? Looks like the MEA ftfs are stable apart from the absence of the defocus app.
Anurag, are you not experiencing any of these bugs on your device? What ftf have you flashed on your Z1?
I have too many bugs on my z1.
😀 so we’re in the same boat and the boat isn’t looking pretty at the moment! 😀
exactly my Z1 heats like Oven 😛 I can fry anything on it 😛 Lol, dones everything flashed many regions ftf, done factory reset, done updating with SUS…I guess Let wait for bug fixing update…
Battery seems ok after firmware settles but this heating sucks.
Anyone suffering from low free ram issue? I flashed it frm xda link. C6902. Free ram sometimes goes as low as 200!!!
yes it seems firmware bugg I have low RAM too 400 MB free sometimes…
I need help
I want to install cyanogenmod 11 kitkat instead of this frimware to get free of the bugs!
What do yo suggest?
EVERYBODY BRACE YOURSELVES – GOOD NEWS!!! 🙂 Sony has released a statement saying that the company will release a software update to fix the sound bug on the Xperia Z1, Z Ultra, Z1 Compact seen on the KitKat update IN TWO WEEKS. 😀 So hold off until then…
I also experienced the sound bug. After I disable or uninstall those xperia link, smart connect, social, etc, sound bug is gone.
Higher the number of Cores in processor, more is the heating issues.
My brother has been facing high heating issue with device when it is connected on WiFi
will it fix my unlocked bootloader camera on c6903 after i update to 4.4?? plz help