Xperia Z2 gets an update – Android 4.4.4, Remote Play, Camera app updates, and more

Just a week ago, Sony finally released the Remote Play app for the Xperia Z3 family of devices, but also promised that the feature will soon also be enabled for the Z2 and Z2 Tablet – something that has long been rumored. Well, today Sony honored its promise and released an update, which brings a lot more to the Z2, than just game streaming.

Acknowledging that the device is still far from obsolete, this newest update brings the Z2's Android version up to 4.4.4 (from 4.4.2) and ports over most of the Z3's exclusive features, so owners of the 6-month old flagship don't feel left out of the party.

So, Remote Play is first in the list, as it has become a hot topic among gamers and techies lately. It is an app, which allows one to play their PlayStation 4 games remotely – you can be in the other room, or in the cafe across the street, bust out your Xperia phone or tablet and stream some of your favorite PS4 games directly from your home console. Yes, theoretically – it's possible to play this over the Internet, though, most of the times the app will either not let you (due to slow speeds), or your experience will just not be satisfying. Remote Play is advertised as a home-usage app, as linking your mobile device with your PS4 over Wi-Fi will give you much better speeds and network stability.

Secondly, the Z2 gets some of the newer flagship's audio perks – Hi-Res audio playback as well as Sony’s DSEE HX technology, which should help restore the audio quality of over-compressed files. It also gets optimized settings profiles for various Sony headsets.

The camera app also gets some Z3 love – Sound Photo, AR Fun, Multi Camera, and Face In modes will now be available on Z2 handsets and tablets, too.

Smart Screen Rotation – a feature, which lets the phone determine whether you are lying on the sofa / bed and prevent the screen to rotate to landscape mode, allowing for uninterrupted reading and browsing. The Record Screen feature is also thrown in – it allows one to effortlessly record videos of whatever they are doing on their Xperia – helps for easy tutorial making or gaming skill bragging.

The Battery Stamina Mode also gets updated to the latest version, but, more importantly, the Z3's Ultra Stamina Mode will now be available on the Z2 as well.

Lastly, Sony also ported over the Z3's ability to unlock itself when a recognized Bluetooth accessory is within proximity. To say it another way – one can unlock their phone by just bringing it close to their SmartBand, SmartWatch, or even a bluetooth headset – as long as it has been previously authorized by the user.

Well, it's good to see Sony not abandoning the last generation of Xperia flagships. Basically, if a Z2 owner does not insist on their handset to be in copper, their current Xperia should still feel fresh and adequate.


source: Sony via Phone Scoop