Popular custom ROM developers, CyanogenMod have released the new Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 firmware to Samsung's 2012 flagship smartphone Galaxy S3 (I9300).
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):
- Though installing custom ROM improve 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].
- This custom ROM (CM11 M8) has to be installed only on the Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 (international model), 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 the smartphone.
- Users make sure that they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your phone (Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300) 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. 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 Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM for Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300:
Step 1: Download Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM (here) and Google Apps (here) in to your PC.
Step 2: Connect Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 to PC via USB cord.
[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, make sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not, click here to download the firmware].
Step 3: Then, place Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 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 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, 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 the 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 the 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 (Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300) will take at least five minutes (only for the first time) to complete the booting process.
Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM.
[Credits: Team Android]
