Earlier this month, Motorola announced the list of devices eligible for Android's latest v6.0 Marshmallow, but the new Moto E (3rd Gen) was ominously missing in the list, leaving many patrons miffed.
Moto E (3rd Gen) owners have now raised questions on why their device, despite being a 2015 series model, has been deprived of experiencing Google's new sugar treat flavoured mobile OS. They have taken to social media platforms to vent their anger on Motorola, but the company is yet to respond.
However, there is good news for tech savvy Moto E (2015) owners, who are impatient to wait for Motorola's reply.
A senior member of XDA Developer forum, squid2, has created a CyanogenMod based Marshmallow update CM13 series to Moto E (3rd Gen) aka Otus. Interested readers can try this custom ROM to explore the new features of Android v6.0 on their device.
Also read: Google Android 6.0 Marshmallow: 7 key features you need to know
We also like remind our readers that this new CyanogenMod CM13 is an experimental version, so there are some bugs in the firmware. Users are advised to exercise caution before going ahead with the installation.
Here are some bugs, which are yet to be fixed:
- Camera
- FM radio
- Others are yet to be found
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)
- This CyanogenMod CM13 Android v6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM can be installed only on Moto E 3rd Gen aka Otus (XT1505, XT1506 & XT1511) models; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
- 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 (Bootloader unlocked) 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.
- Make sure that the USB driver is installed on the PC, or else your device (Moto E) 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. IBTimes India 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 CM13 Android v6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM on Motorola Moto E (Gen 3) aka Condor-
Step 1: Download CyanogenMod CM13 Android v6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE/HERE/HERE) in to your PC.
[Note: CM13 build date: 20 October]
Step 2: Connect Motorola Moto E (Gen 1) 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 CM13 Android v6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM zip file and Google Apps .zip file into the phone's SD card's root folder memory.
[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 (Down)' and 'Power' buttons.
[Note: If the user is flashing the custom ROM for the first time, then continue with Step 6 or else if the device being upgraded from previous nightly version or stable milestone version, then skip Step 6]
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 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 E 1st 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 CM13 Android v6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM.
[Note: If you face any other issues, please drop-in your concerns, HERE]
[Credits: XDA Developer Forum, CyanogenMod, squid2]
