Android 9

[Lukalumen]

I'm so happy with my purchase, the XZ3 is brilliant.

There's one thing that disappointed me though... I was expecting to have a new experience with the Android 9, but it looks and feels exactly like Android 8 on my XZ Premium. There is apparently no reason to upgrade since there are no new gesture controls, wellbeing and all the other snazzy new Android 9 functions.

When will the phone be actually and fully upgraded to Android 9?

Thanks

[sgiesen78]

yes, indeed it's a fully fledged version of Android 9. Sony decided not to implement the gestures functions (yet). Go to system, about my phone and check yourself. Latest kernel, latest security updates (October 2018). Nevertheless it would be great to see another evolution of the Sony Xperia Home Launcher (come on Sony: You just renewed the camera app, the Home App needs a new painting as well)

[Lukalumen]

I know it's technically Android 9, but you can't see the kernel or the security updates...

The OS looks dated and exactly like my one year old Android 8 Xperia XZ Premium and it's so disappointing since the hardware on the XZ3 is beautiful.

Is there a Sony rep that can confirm when we will have the Android 9 experience like on the ugly new Pixel? 

[sgiesen78]

[Lukalumen]

Sgiesen78, what is this? 

[sgiesen78]

about phone screen on my XZ3

[Lukalumen]

I don't see the screenshot for some reason, it only shows some triangle.

The XZ3 came shipped with Android 9, so I can't imagine it saying anything else in your about screen... There are no functions from Android 9 included though. If you don't know what Android 9 looks like, search youtube for videos with the Pixel3. The XZ3 on the other hand feels exactly like Android 8. Or even 7 or 6...

[najodleglejszy]

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@Lukalumen wrote:

There are no functions from Android 9 included though.

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that's not true. you receive pretty much all Android Pie features except for those that are currently exclusive to the Pixel line (like Digital Wellbeing). you still get the new adaptive brightness and adaptive battery for example, as well as the UI tweaks that landed on Pie. the lack of gestures is probably caused by Xperia Home not being compatible with them, but Sony has already stated a while ago that they're rewriting the Home app.

just because the new UI isn't drastically different from the one in previous OS version doesn't mean you're not getting any new features. and keep in mind that most people tend to get used to the workflow and the user interface, so getting a completely new UI after an update is a disadvantage for them. think about teaching your mom or your grandma about using their phone and then having to start all over again because everything looks different and they need to learn the new way of navigating the UI.

[Lukalumen]

You're right, the problem seems to be Google making their best software advances exclusive to Pixels. This is Apple behaviour and I hope they won't end up alienating other brands using Android.

Some of these we'll be able to sideload I guess and hope. For now I found a cool app on Play store that replaces the old and tired navigation buttons with gesture controls. It's called "Navigation Gestures" by the reputable XDA...

As far as people getting used to things, sure, but then you offer a switch that lets you try both and with time people get used to the new ways.

[JennaP]

Hi, I just got the update on my XZ2c and am a little disappointed too. I read about the remake of the home app and really also hope they bring back tap to wake (and sleep). Still missing that so much from my Z2c... Keep tapping my new one constantly :'D