Purple Sony Xperia Z Ultra unit with support for the X-Reality engine and a new UI spotted in China

posted by Chris P.

Aug 23, 2013, 9:41 AM

Purple Sony Xperia Z Ultra unit with support for the X-Reality engine and a new UI spotted in China

A purple-colored version Sony XperiaZ Ultra of as of yet unknown origin has apparently gone on salesomewhere in China, and it holds a little surprise for Sony fans.Those of you who identify themselves as such probably know this, butSony's touted X-Reality Engine for mobile, along with thepromised UI refresh are nowhere to be found on Z Ultras incirculation, our review unit included. This seems to have changed, asa user on the Chinese GFan forum boards has shared snaps of his newpurple Sony Xperia Z Ultra showcasing a new software version,14.1.B.1.493 (our review unit had 14.1.B.1.491), along with supportfor the X-Reality engine, the successor

-->to the mobileBravia Engine 2. Alsoshown are the somewhat reworked keyboard and an extra side menu inthe app drawer thatwe've seen running on the Sony Honami software.

Though werated the Sony Xperia Z Ultra highly in ourin-depth review, there's no denying that the omission of theotherwise marketed X-Reality engine, and to a lesser extent – thenew UI, left us wanting. To that end, we're definitely glad to seethe first of the new firmware, and hopefully it won't be long until ZUltra owners get an update prompt. Last we heard, the new software isexpected to start rolling out the week commencing September 9.Whether that turns out to be the case remains to be seen.