Sony has always been slow in updating their devices to the latest version of Android. While Motorola has already updated the Moto X to KitKat, OEMs like HTC and Samsung have promised to update their flagship devices to KitKat by January end. Sony, on the other hand, has only confirmed the devices that would be getting the KitKat update.

Lots of rumors have been bandied around over the past week or so, highlighting Sony’s upcoming Xperia Z1 variant, the Z1S, and yesterday a leaked image was published on a Chinese website revealing the much-anticipated device in all its glory.

Nova Launcher, one of the most popular third-party launchers for Android, has a new beta release out today, which includes a number of new features and tweaks for Android 4.4 KitKat. In addition to transparent status and navigations bars, the update adds KitKat’s new home screen page indicators and app drawer icon, its folders, its font, and lots more.

Sony has this week confirmed its Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade plans for Xperia smartphones and tablets. If you have a recent, high-end Xperia device, then you’ll be eligible for both updates — and you can expect the first to start rolling out “from next month.”

Sony is in the process of rolling out a couple of new over-the-air (OTA) updates for its flagship Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra handsets. Although neither bring the latest version of Android, 4.3 Jelly Bean, they are still quite significant maintenance updates that we would advise all users to download and install.