Update HTC One (M7) with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Custom ROM via PixelDroid [How to Install]

HTC One (M7) owners must be knowing that the company has permanently discontinued software service support to the 2013 flagship smartphone.

They need not get disheartened, because there is a slew of custom ROMs available on the Internet.

PixelDroid is one such firmware which can bring the latest features to the HTC One (M7). According to Team Android, PixelDroid custom ROM is stable with no hint of bugs and is based on the latest AOSP (Android Open Source Project) v5.1.1 Lollipop. It also boasts of Dirty Unicorn firmware features.

Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the CyanogenMod CM12 Nightly):

1. The new PixelDroid Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom firmware has to be installed on the HTC One M7 model only ; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number].
2. Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation.
3. Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
4. Make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (HTC One M7) will not be recognized by the computer.
5. Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is a chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted mid-way.

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation guide for PixelDroid Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Custom ROM on HTC One M7 (GSM) model:

Step 1: Download PixelDroid Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) on to your PC.

Step 2: Connect HTC One M7 to PC via USB cord.

[Before connecting your phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not, click HERE to download the firmware].

Step 3: Place Android 5.1.1 Lollipop zip file and Google Apps files into the phone's SD card memory. [Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder.]

[Before installing the custom software, the user should make sure that the device has been rooted and ClockworkMod Recovery tool installed.]

Step 4: Place boot.img file in to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory.

Step 5: Turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 6: Perform the regular Bootloader mode sortie by press-holding 'Volume (Down)' and 'Power' buttons.

Step 7: After entering the Bootloader mode (on the phone), go to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory (on the PC), open Command prompt, type 'fastboot flash boot boot.img' and press 'enter'. (to enter Command prompt: Shift + right-click >> open Command Prompt)

Step 8: Type 'fastboot reboot' and press 'enter'. Now follow the instructions displayed on the screen. Select BOOTLOADER option to enter Recovery Mode.

Step 9: Clear the phone memory by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset'

[Use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]

Step 10: Clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'.

Step 11: Go back to ClockworkMod recovery, select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache'

[This step is optional, but many recommend it so that the user doesn't face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation].

Step 12: Come back to the main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'

Step 13: Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure for Google Apps

[Use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options]

Step 14: Once the installation is done, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting for 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.

Your device (HTC One M7) will now take a few minutes (only for the first time) to complete the booting process.

Head to Settings >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of PixelDroid Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]

By: Abhishek On 04:07

Continue Reading

Update LG G2 with Official CM12 (Snapshot) Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Custom ROM via CyanogenMod [How to Install]

After months of delay, CyanogenMod team has finally released CM12 custom ROM snapshots to LG G2 and other select devices.

These snapshots are based on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. It is likely to be the last firmware in the CM12 series. The developer community has confirmed that they will now focus on building the new firmware based on the latest AOSP (Android Open Source Project) v5.1.1_r5 Lollipop that was released on Wednesday, 24 June.

"Nightlies and weeklies for 11 and 12.0 branches will be slowly phased out, most likely shut off come M's entry to nightlies. CM12.1 nightlies will continue as we prepare a release build for 5.1.1 as well (no ETA, sorry)," said CyanogenMod on the official blog.

CM12.0 brings new 'Material Design', colourful graphics, animation and it also boosts the device's performance.

Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the CyanogenMod CM12 snapshot):

1. Users are advised not to flash CM12 snapshot, if the device is already running on the CM12.1 Nightly version.
2. Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation
3. This new CyanogenMod CM12 Android 5.0.2 Lollipop firmware has to be installed on the LG G2 (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and International) models only ; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
4. Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
5. Users make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (LG G2) will not be recognized by the computer.
6. Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is a chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted mid-way.

[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. Itech2geeks.co.in cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

Downloadable files:

CM12 (Snapshot) Custom ROM for LG G2 (D800/AT&T): HERE

CM12 (Snapshot) Custom ROM for LG G2 (D801/T-Mobile): HERE

CM12 (Snapshot) Custom ROM for LG G3 (D802/International): HERE

CM12 (Nightly) Custom ROM for LG G3 (ls980/Sprint): HERE [Once, Snapshot is made available, we will update it]

Google Apps: HERE

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of CyanogenMod [official] Android 5.0.2 Lollipop CM12 custom ROM Snapshot on LG G2 devices-

Step 1: After downloading the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM and Google Apps files in to your PC; connect LG G2 to PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not click HERE to download the firmware]

Step 2: Then, place Android 5.0.2 Lollipop zip file and Google Apps .zip file into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder.]

[Note: Before installing the custom software, be sure that the device must have been rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery tool.]

Step 3: Now, turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 4: Then perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'Volume (Down)' and 'Power' buttons.

Step 5: After entering the RECOVERY mode, clear the phone memory, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset' option.

[Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]

Step 6: Now, clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'

Step 7: Then to go back to ClockworkMod recovery, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that user will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]

Step 8: Again come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'

Step 9: Then tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure to install Google Apps [Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options]

Step 10: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.

Now, your device (LG G2) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Users then head to Settings >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod [official] Android v5.0.2 Lollipop CM12 custom ROM snapshot.

[Credits: CyanogenMod.org]

By: Abhishek On 03:54

Continue Reading

Motorola Moto G (Gen 1) Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Update: How to Install CyanogenMod [Unofficial] CM12 Custom ROM [Tutorial]

A new Android 5.0.1 Lollipop CM12 series custom ROM is available on Motorola's popular 2013 mid-range smartphone Moto G.

Add caption

This new  custom ROM is based on the recently released AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Android 5.0 OS. It is developed by senior XDA Developers forum members going by monikers - bharat_goku, pico hackr, deeplyyoung and  == vj==. It is said to bring customisation options to boost device performance, new visual interface, easy access to key apps and loads of personalisation options.

This is a experimental version, so some issues are yet to be fixed. We advise our readers to go through the whole tutorial article first before going ahead with the installation.

Features of CyanogenMod [Unofficial] Android 5.0.1 Lollipop CM12 custom ROM which are said to be functional on Motorola Moto G (Gen 1)-

• Calls
• SMS
• Audio
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• Mobile Data
• GPS/Geolocation
• FM Radio
• Display
• USB Tethering
• MTP [Media Transfer Protocol]
• Camera

 Features that are needed to be fixed include:

• Wi-Fi Hotspot features
• Other issues are yet to be ascertained

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)

• Though installing custom ROM improves the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
• Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation.
• This CyanogenMod [Unofficial] Android 5.0 Lollipop custom ROM can be installed on multiple Moto G (Gen 1) models [More information, HERE]; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
• Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
• Users make sure they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your device (Moto G) will not be recognized by the computer.
• Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted in the mid-way.

[Disclaimer:This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. International Business Times, India Edition cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of CyanogenMod [Unofficial] Android 5.0 Lollipop CM12 custom ROM on Motorola Moto G (Gen 1)-

Step 1: Download CyanogenMod [Unofficial] Android 5.0.1 Lollipop CM12 custom ROM (HERE/HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) in to your PC.

Step 2: Connect Motorola Moto G (1^st generation) to PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not, click HERE to download the firmware]

Step 3: Then, place CyanogenMod CM12 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Custom ROM zip file into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder.]

[Note: Before users' begin installing the custom software, be sure that the device has been rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP tool.]

Step 4: Now, turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 5: Then perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by pressing and holding 'Volume (Down)' and 'Power' buttons.

Step 6: After entering the RECOVERY mode, clear the phone memory, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset'

[Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]

Step 7: Now, clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'

Step 8: Then go back to Recovery mode, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that user will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]

Step 9: Again come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'

Step 10: Then tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure again to install the Google Apps. [Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options]

Step 11: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.

Now, your device (Moto G 1^st Gen) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod [Un-official] Android 5.0.1 Lollipop custom ROM.

[Credits: XDA Developers Forum members- bharat_goku, pico hackr, ==vj== & deeplyyoung)

[Note: If faced with any issues using this custom ROM, leave your feedback, HERE]

By: Abhishek On 06:47

Continue Reading

Nexus 5, Nexus 7: Root for Lollipop Update Android 5.0

If you’re a Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 owner, there’s a chance you’ve already installed the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop developer preview on your device. The next step now would be to root your device since most owners are quite used to having their device rooted, especially as Nexus devices are one of the easiest devices to root and mod, and come with unlocked bootloaders.

Before Android 5.0 Lollipop came out, there were strong rumors that Google would be blocking system-write access with the version, making root almost impossible to achieve. But that doesn’t look to be the case as senior-recognized XDA contributor and one of the most famous developers out there, Chainfire, managed to get root working on Nexus 5 and Nexus 7.

How to root Lollipop update on Google Nexus 5 and Nexus 7

To achieve root on Nexus 5 and Nexus 7, or pretty much all other devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop, the SuperSU app that’s used to gain root access needs some minor changes in order to work as expected. To fix the SuperSU manually, it’s required that you copy /system/etc/install-recovery.sh to /system/bin/install-recovery.sh from recovery.

Before starting the rooting process, make sure you have at least 50% charge left on your battery. Also have a backup of all your data ready as there’s a chance you might lose all your data if anything goes wrong. If you’re an advanced user, we recommend you take a Nandroid backup of your device.

1. The first step involves installing the latest CWM or TWRP recovery available for your device. As the SuperSU root manager app is required to be flashed to your device using a custom recovery, either of these two recoveries will need to be installed to proceed. You can download the CWM or TWRP recovery for the Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 from the links below. Nexus 5 CWM, Nexus 5 TWRP, Nexus 7 CWM, Nexus 7 TWRP. Once you’ve installed a custom recovery, you can move to the next step of the installation process.
2. In the next step, you will need to connect your Nexus device to your computer. Once the device is connected, download the SuperSU file and the Boot file for Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 to your computer, then transfer it to the root of your device’s internal memory. You could also choose any other location you might prefer, but be sure to remember exactly where you transfer the file to as you need to choose these two files in the next step.
   .
3. The next step involves flashing the files you downloaded in the above step to the device to gain root access. Since some of you might be using CWM recovery and others might be using TWRP, we will describe the process for CWM and TWRP separately.

For CWM users

• The first step is to boot into recovery by pressing the volume down + power button of your device together. You will then need to press volume down twice to get to the recovery option. Then press the volume up key to enter recovery mode.

• The second step involves creating a Nandroid backup from recovery. You might skip this step if you already have a backup.

• Now choose the SuperSU file you transferred to your device’s internal memory and install it. Once done, browse the Boot file and install it the same way.

• Go back to the main menu under CWM recovery and choose reboot system now. Once your device reboots, it will be rooted.

For TWRP users

The installation process is almost the same as CWM, except you don’t have to navigate using the volume and power buttons, but simply tap on the option you need to use as TWRP is a touch-based recovery solution. As with CWM, browse the SuperSU and Boot files from the location you stored them in and flash them. After you’re done flashing, simply reboot your device and enjoy your root access on Android 5.0 Lollipop.

As you can see, the entire process of rooting on 5.0 is as easy as on previous Android versions and doesn’t really take much time at all. There aren’t any issues either except that some apps like the Titanium backup and Helium backup app aren’t working reportedly. The issue should be fixed soon, so if you use these apps and simply can’t manage without them, it’s probably not a good idea to root Lollipop just yet.

By: Abhishek On 02:41

Continue Reading

Install Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM for Sony Xperia Z [Tutorial]

A new Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM has been made available to Sony's 2013 flagship smartphone - Xperia Z.

The new (BlackXZ) custom firmware is zip-aligned, deodexed for future APK Modding and is based on the v4.4.2 KitKat OS (build number: 10.5.A.0.230). It brings in new features such as latest SuperSU, support for system tweaks, latest XZ Dual recovery option, build, prop (edited for Z2 ported apps), black theme (full), SD card fix, tweaked system UI, latest Xposed Module Integrated to settings for easy use, advanced power menu and lot more performance enhancing tweaks.

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM in to the device):

• Rooting enables users to install custom ROMs or third party apps of their choice and also perform tweaks in the settings to improve the device's performance. Though users get more control over the smartphone this way, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide future updates [warranty can be restored by flashing the device with stock-ROM].

• This custom firmware (BlackXZ) has to be installed only on the Sony Xperia Z, if tried on any other devices, it might get bricked. [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
• Rooting of the devices leads to a complete data wipeout, so make sure of backing up all data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone to save the data.
• Users make sure they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (Sony Xperia Z) will not be recognized by the computer.
• Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted.
• [Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable.TechGEEks cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]
  Step-by-step installation procedure of Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM for Sony Xperia Z :
  Step 1: Download Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM (here) into your PC.
  Step 2: Connect Sony Xperia Z to PC via USB chord.
  [Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, make sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not, click here to download firmware]
  Step 3: Then, place Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM zip file into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder].
  [Note: Before users' begin installing the custom software, make sure that the device must have rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery tool].
  Step 4: Now, turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.
  Step 5: Then perform the regular 'Recovery Mode' sortie by press holding 'volume (up)', 'home' and 'power' buttons.
  Step 6: After entering the RECOVERY mode, perform full data wipe, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset.'
  [Note: Use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]
  Step 7: Now, clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition.'
  Step 8: Then go back to ClockworkMod recovery, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that users will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation].
  Step 9: Again come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card.'
  Step 10: Then tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 4.4.2 ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. [Note: Use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options].
  Step 11: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.
  Now, your device (Sony Xperia Z) will take at least five minutes (only for the first time) to complete the booting process.
  Users then head to the device's 'Settings' option>> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM.
  [Credits: Team Android]

By: Abhishek On 02:56

Continue Reading

Update Sony Xperia Z1 with CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM [How to Install]

Sony Corp's President and Chief Executive Officer Kazuo Hirai presents a new Sony Xperia Z1 smartphone during it's world premier at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin, September 4, 2013.Reuters

Prolific custom ROM developers, CyanogenMod have released the new Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 firmware to Sony's 2013 flagship phone Xperia Z1 model.

CyanogenMod CM11 M8 Custom ROM is based on the ASOP (Android Open Source Project) v4.4.4 KitKat OS and is said to bring customization options to boost device performance, new visual interface, easy access to key apps and lots of other user-experience enhancing features.

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM in to the device):

• Rooting enables users to install custom ROMs or third party apps of their choice and also perform tweaks in the settings to improve the device's performance. Though users get more control over the smartphone this way, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide future updates [warranty can be restored by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
• This custom firmware (CM11 M8) should be installed only on the Sony Xperia Z1, if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number].
• Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of whole data in the smartphone, so make sure to back up all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/TWRP in your smartphone.
• Users make sure they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (Sony Xperia Z1) will not be recognized by the computer.
• Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted.

[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. TecHGEEks cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

Step-by-step installation procedure of CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM for Sony Xperia Z1:

Step 1: Download CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM (here) and Google Apps (here) into your PC.

Step 2: Connect Sony Xperia Z1 to PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, make sure you have installed USB driver software, if not, click here to download the firmware].

Step 3: Then, place CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM zip file and Google Apps .zip file into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip files in the SD card root, not in any other folder].

[Note: Before users begin installing the custom software, make sure the device is rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP tool].

Step 4: Now, turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 5: Then, perform the regular 'Recovery Mode' sortie by press holding 'volume (up)', 'home' and 'power' buttons.

Step 6: After entering the RECOVERY mode, perform full data wipe, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset.'

[Note: Use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode].

Step 7: Now, clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition.'

Step 8: Then go back to the ClockworkMod recovery, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that users will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation].

Step 9: Again come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card.'

Step 10: Then, tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 4.4.4 ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure to install Google Apps [Note: Use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options].

Step 11: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.

Now, your device (Sony Xperia Z1) will take at least five minutes (only for the first time) to complete the booting process.

Users then head to device's 'Settings' option>> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]

By: Abhishek On 02:54

Continue Reading

NEXUS 4 ROOT & ROM

The newest version of Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 firmware comes to Google Nexus 4 from the CyanogenMod, the custom ROM developers.

Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM is based on the latest version 4.4.4 KitKat OS that enables users to have options to customize in order to boost the performance of the device. Apart from that, it will also have a newer visual interface that will allow users to have an easier access to some of the crucial apps and other uniquely helpful features.

Things to Remember before the Installation:

·     Rooting enables users to install custom ROMs or third party apps of their choice and also perform tweaks in the settings to improve the device's performance. Though users get more control over the smartphone this way, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide future updates [warranty can be restored by flashing the device with stock-ROM].

·     This Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM has to be installed only on Google-LG Nexus 4 model only [To check your model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number].

·     One of the main prerequisite before installing the custom ROM is that the phone must be rooted and must have the ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP tool installed.

·     Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of whole data in the smartphone, so make sure to back up them.

·     Users need to make sure that USB drivers have been installed on the PC to connect your Google-LG Nexus 4 and your smartphone must have more than 80 percent battery.

[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) of Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or may even lead to the device being permanently irreparable. International Business Times, India Edition cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if smartphones get bricked. Hence users are advised to proceed with caution].

A Step-by-step Installation Procedure of Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM for Google-LG Nexus 4:

Step 1: Download Android 4.4.4 CM11 M8 ROM (here) and Google Apps (here) for Nexus 4 on your PC.

Step 2: Connect Google-LG Nexus 4 to PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, make sure you have installed USB driver software, if not, click here to download the firmware].

Step 3:  Now copy/paste the downloaded Android 4.4.4 ROM zip and Google Apps zip files to your internal SD card. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder].

Step 4: Now turn off your phone and disconnect from the USB cable.

Step 5: Now perform the regular 'Bootloader Mode' sortie by press holding 'volume up', 'volume down' and 'power' buttons.

Step 6: Select 'Bootloader mode' and then go to the ClockworkMod Recovery mode, then perform full data wipe, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset' [Note: Users must make use of the Volume keys to navigate and power button for selection of options, while operating under Recovery Mode].

Step 7: Now users must clear the cache memory by selecting "wipe cache partition."

Step 8: Though this is optional, it is recommended that users tap 'wipe dalvik cache.' Performing this will not allow them to get into boot loops or any other errors. So from ClockworkMod recovery, one has to go to 'advanced' and then select "wipe dalvik cache."

Step 9: Now get back to the main recovery screen and select "install zip from SD card."

Step 10: Now select "choose zip from sdcard" and head to Android 4.4.4 ROM zip file that is copied to the SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure for installing Google Apps. [Note: Use volume keys to navigate and power button to select options].

Step 11: Once the installation is completed, go to "+++++Go Back+++++" and reboot the phone by selecting "reboot system now" from the recovery menu.

After the completion of these procedures, the device will require atleast five minutes to finish the booting process.

Users must then go to Settings >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of Android 4.4.4 CM11 M8 KitKat Custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]

By: Abhishek On 02:41

Continue Reading

Nexus 7 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update: How To Root Google’s Original And 2013 Tablet On Latest OS And Install Custom ROMs [TUTORIAL]

Google’s Nexus 7, both the original and 2013 edition, running the latest Android 4.4.4 KitKat build KTU84P can now be rooted thanks to WugFresh’s toolkit. Once the Nexus 7 is rooted, there are many custom ROMs that can be installed to optimize the Android tablet’s performance. (Photo: Reuters)

Google's Nexus 7, both the original and 2013 edition, have recently received an updated to the latest Android 4.4.4 KitKat via the KTU84P firmware. The new update brings a host of security fixes such as the OpenSSL bug-fix for Android and improves the overall stability and performance of the tablet. Nexus 7 owners who have updated to the newest build might be looking for a way to root or re-root their device.

Rooting an Android has many benefits like the ability to install third party apps that require root access and install custom ROMs that can improve the performance of your device. However, rooting will void the warranty on your device and improper rooting could lead to a bricked device. iDigitalTimes assumes no liability for this root guide, so please process at your own risk.

Here's how to root the Google Nexus 7 running Android 4.4.4 KitKat build KTU84P with WugFresh's Nexus Root Toolkit and install custom ROMs:

Step One: Make sure your device has at least half battery life available. Enable USB debugging by going to Settings > Developer options and check USB debugging. If you don't see Develop options on your Nexus 7, go to Settings > About device and tap on Build number repeatedly until you see a pop up message saying you're now a developer.

Step Two: Download the latest version of the Nexus Root Toolkit, which can be used for rooting, flashing your Nexus 7 back to stock, un-root, backup and restore. Right-click the toolkit icon and select Run as administrator.

Step Three: Install and configure your Nexus 7 drivers so the toolkit can recognize your tablet. With the toolkit open, connect your device to your computer via USB cable. In toolkit, select the device and software build or click the Auto Detect Device + Build button.

Step Four: Back up all the data on your Nexus 7 that you want to keep either with the toolkit of another backup tool. To root your Nexus 7, the toolkit willunlock the tablet's bootloader, wiping all the data on your device.

Step Five: Click Unlock in the toolkit then OK. You'll see a prompt for you to boot your Nexus 7 into bootloader mode, which you can do manually by turning off your tablet then holding the Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. Or you can let the toolkit automatically boot your device for you by selecting Yes.

Step Six: Your Nexus 7 should restart automatically with the bootloaderunlocked. Check the Custom Recovery box underneath the Root button to apply TWRP custom recovery. A custom Android recovery is needed to install official and unofficial ROMs but you don't need to check that box if you'd prefer to flash another recovery.

Step Seven: Press the Root button in toolkit to begin the rooting process. If you've checked the Custom Recovery box, there will be a few additional steps that you'll need to complete on your Nexus 7 by following the prompts from the toolkit.

Step Eight: Once your tablet restarts, you will have successfully rooted your Nexus 7 running Android 4.4.4 KitKat build KTU84P.  To confirm that you have root access on your Nexus 7, download Root Checker from the Google Play Store.

Step Nine: Now that your Google Nexus 7 has been rooted, you can choose from a number of custom ROMS to install on your device. There are many custom ROMs out there that can help optimize certain features on your tablet. We recommend starting with the latest Paranoid Android ROM or the unicorn-powered AOKP ROM. Enjoy!

What ROMs would you suggest for the Google Nexus 7 tablet? Let us know in the comments!

By: Abhishek On 02:33

Continue Reading