Comparing with wm1a the operating systems both models using is quite similar. So I think the new models since wm1a will have the same os might be with slightly customizing

As other Sony products I don't think there are much more firmware updates Sony will release.

After two days using since updated to 1.10, I'd say the battery life is much better especially on standby mode.

Well it seems like there is quite potential to extend battery life if Sony optimizes the firmware

Just standby. by the way all the tracks are flac format. I think maybe it's the weather leading to the battery life is much shorter than Sony reported

I updated my A35 to v1.10, the touch screen response is much better. And the sounds is a little slightly clear? I'm not sure. And haven't checked the battery life , it was only 20 hours playback before. I hope Sony improves battery life in this version