A new series of CM12.1 custom ROM has been released to Sony's 2013 flagship phablet Xperia Z Ultra models.
This new version is based on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) 5.1 series Lollipop. It comes with a lot of bug fixes and also brings new applications including refurbished email app powered by Boxer, which brings multiple account support, exchange support and canned responses for quick replies.
Other customisation options include sound alerts (bells or whistles), option to select different LED colour display for email notifications and many more.
We also like to remind that this is a 'Nightlies' version and is a bit unstable. It has got some untested bugs (nothing major of sort), which are yet to be fixed. Readers are advised to go through the whole tutorial before going ahead with the installation.
Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the CyanogenMod CM12 Nightly):
- This new CyanogenMod CM12.1 Android 5.1 Lollipop firmware has to be installed on the Sony Xperia Z Ultra (aka Togari) and Xperia Z Ultra GPE (Google Play Edition) aka Togari_gpe 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.
- Users make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphones (Xperia Z Ultra models) will not be recognised by the computer.
- 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. 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.]
Downloadable Android 5.1 Lollippop series based CyanogenMod [Official] CM12.1 custom ROMs for Sony Xperia Z Ultra models:
CM12.1 Custom ROM for Sony Xperia Z Ultra aka togari: HERE
CM12.1 Custom ROM for Sony Xperia Z Ultra (GPE: Google Play Edition) aka togari_gpe: HERE
Google Apps: HERE
Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of CyanogenMod [Official] Android 5.1 Lollipop series CM12.1 custom ROM on Sony Xperia Z Ultra models-
Step 1: After downloading the Android 5.1 series Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM and Google Apps files in to your PC; connect Sony Xperia Z Ultra models 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 download the firmware]
Step 2: Then, place CyanogenMod Android 5.1 Lollipop 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 3: Now, turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.
Step 4: Then perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'Volume (up)', 'Home' and 'Power' buttons.
Step 5: 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 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 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 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 (Sony Xperia Z Ultra models) 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 5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM.
[Credits: Cyanogenmod.org]
