American mobile software developer team Cyanogen has released official custom ROM firmware to the Google's Android One series smartphones.
"This release represents a few firsts for us. Not only are these the first Android One devices and first official release of CM for these devices, the Android One device is the first ever officially supported Mediatek device. Mediatek (MTK) devices have been notoriously difficult for the developer community to complete fully functional bring-ups, and this marks a milestone in that effort," said the company.
Cyanogen praised Indian origin recognised XDA developer Varun Chitre for his efforts in developing CM11 series custom ROM for Android One smartphones and has confirmed that stable Android 5.0 Lollipop-based CM12 milestone is on its way.
Until then, users can flash CM11 aka 'Sprout' custom firmware, which is based on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) 4.4.4 KitKat OS and is compatible with all Android One devices- Micromax Canvas A1, Karbonn V Sparkle, Spice Dream Uno and even the Symphony Roar A50 sold in Bangladesh.
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)
- This new CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat Sprout CM11 firmware has to be installed on Android One (Micromax Canvas A1, Karbonn V Sparkle, Spice Dream Uno and Symphony Roar A50) models only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
- Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation.
- 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.[Read More: How to root Android One devices]
- Users make sure they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone will not be recognised by the computer.
- Make sure your device has more than 80% battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.
- 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].
[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 Guide of CyanogenMod v4.4.4 KitKat Sprout CM11 Custom ROM on Android One smartphones-
Step 1: Download CyanogenMod Sprout 4.4.4 KitKat Custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) in to your PC.
Step 2: Connect Android One smartphone to PC via USB cord.
[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software, get respective model's software at Company's official software support page]
Step 3: Then, place Android 4.4.4 KitKat Sprout Custom ROM 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 users' begin installing the custom software, be sure that the device must have 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)', 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 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 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 KitKat 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 (Android One) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.
Users then head to Settings >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 Sprout custom ROM.
[Credits: CyanogenMod.org and Droid Views]
