Xperia ZR Android 4.2.2 Update Release Date: US Upgrade Available OTA

The Xperia ZR will be getting the upgrade to Android 4.2.2 like many of the other devices in Sony's Xperia lineup, bringing many new features to the device. The International Business Times is reporting that both the LTE and HSPA+ models of the phone will get the upgrade, as long as they are mode numbers C5503 and C5502. The upgrade will be available over the air for Xperia ZR owners, and is available for manual download for those who have a PC Companion/Sony Bridge.

One of the biggest features added to the Xperia ZR with the Android 4.2.2 upgrade is the new keyboard with gesture typing that will replace the old keyboard. This is allow users the ability to swipe the first few letters of the word they want to type in one motion, which will try to select the world without having to spell out the whole thing. Another big improvement comes to the lock screen, which will now allow for widget support as well as the ability to switch to the phone's camera with one swipe without having to unlock the phone.  Other big changes include notification power control in the quick settings, along with support for the wireless display. The overall access of the device gets revamped, as now a user can triple-tap the screen to magnify the whole screen. Users will also be able to pan and zoom on the screen with just two fingers. Blind users also get a boost as voice output and gesture mode navigation will be included in the upgrade to Android 4.2.2.

A big change to the notification bar comes with more apps getting extended notifications and actionable notifications. These new notifications will allow users to handle some actions for the app within the notification bar, without having to open up the app. A new clock comes with the upgrade, with a world clock being built into the Xperia ZR. A stopwatch and timer come with the clock as well. Other minor updates that come with Android 4.2.2 include group messaging, always-on VPN, and premium SMS confirmation.

The Xperia ZR is the latest in the Xperia line to get Android 4.2.2. Sony has rolled out the upgrade the the Xperia Z and ZL, along with the Xperia Tablet Z as well as to the Xperia ZR. Now a large portion of Xperia owners are up to date, and can look forward to the release of Android 4.3 sometime in the future.