With Android Jelly Bean now powering more than half (52.1%) of all Android-running mobile devices, Google’s hardware partners are now looking to update users to the latest versions of the world’s most popular mobile platform. Sony has revealed its Android update plans for its Xperia range of smartphones.

The Japanese company has announced that an update to Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) will start to roll out globally as of next month. This upgrade will become available for the Xperia Z (review), Xperia ZL, Xperia V (review), Xperia ZR, Xperia Tablet Z (quick review), Xperia SP, Xperia Z Ultra as well as for the Xperia Z1 (review). Some of the firm’s older devices will also make the leap to the final iteration of Jelly Bean including the Xperia T and Xperia TX.

With regards to the absolute latest version of Android, namely (4.4 KitKat), Sony said that the first Xperia smartphones for which KitKat will be available are the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra and of course the company’s current flagship device - the Xperia Z1. Unfortunately the company elaborated that it will only be revealing the additional features that KitKat will bring to its devices, as well as the timing of the update’s availability at a later stage.

Sony went on to say that these software rollouts will occur in a phased process, with timing and specific local availability varying by market and mobile operator. No specific local release info is available as yet.  

In other smartphone related news, Vodacom has announced that local smartphone buyers can now pre-order the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c on its site and also revealed its contract pricing for both devices.