Sony Xperia series smartphone
Sony XperiaReuters

Prolific custom mobile software developers, CyanogenMod team has released the new CM11 M10 series Android v4.4.4 KitKat update to Sony's 2012 smartphone Xperia V.

Last month, Sony officially abandoned the software service to Xperia V, probably due to the end of 18-month life cycle, which concludes the company's contractual obligation to provide firmware update to the phone. [For more information, click HERE]

However, there are numerous custom ROMs on the Internet, which enables users to make sleek customization and performance enhancing tweaks on the phone. Among them, team CyanogenMod is one of the most popular custom mobile software developers.

The new CM11 M10 custom ROM is based on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) v4.4.4 KitKat OS and is said to bring customisation options to boost device performance, new visual interface, shortcut for easy access to key apps and loads of personalisation options such as-

  • Settings: Add soft reboot option
  • General bug fixes (many)
  • Privacy Guard: Control NFC permissions
  • ANT+ Support for various hardware
  • Theme Engine: Themes support for additional UI elements
  • Frameworks & Core Apps: CAF and other upstream updates
  • Settings: Add scramble pin feature
  • Frameworks: Long press recent apps to switch to last used app
  • Add smart cover support
  • Add glove mode support
  • Add bug reporter and crash log uploader
  • Multisim updates
  • Performance tweaks and many more improvements to enhance user-experience

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 new CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M10 firmware has to be installed on the Sony Xperia V model only; 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 (Sony Xperia V) 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.]

Step-by-step installation procedure of CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M10 Custom ROM on Sony Xperia V:

Step 1: Download CyanogenMod Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M10 Custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) in to your PC.

Step 2: Connect Sony Xperia V 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 for Windows PC and for Mac, HERE to download the firmware]

Step 3: Then, place Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M9 Custom ROM 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)', 'Home' 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]

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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 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 (Sony Xperia V) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M10 custom ROM.

[Credits: CyanogenMod.org]