Sony has confirmed that Xperia Z2 will get the new Android Marshmallow update, but there is no word on when the roll-out process will commence.
The company has not even released the update to current flagship models Xperia Z5 and Z4 series. If history is to be any indication Sony is likely to take at least two or more months to deploy the firmware to Z2 series.
If patience is not your strongest suit, then users can explore the new Marshmallow features on their Xperia Z2 by installing custom ROM developed by rcstar6696, senior member of the world renowned XDA developer forum.
It is based on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Marshmallow OS. It brings the Doze battery saving feature, new security boot feature and other value-added features enhance performance and user-experience on Xperia Z2.
We like to remind our readers that this firmware a experimental version. So, there are some bugs in it. Users are advised to exercise caution before going ahead with the installation.
Also read: Google Android 6.0 Marshmallow: 7 key features you need to know
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)
- This new AOSP Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM on Xperia Z2 (aka Sirius) model only, if tried on other devices, they 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; the company 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 ahead with custom ROM installation.
- Installation of custom ROM requires clearing memory in the phone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
- Make sure USB driver is installed on the PC or else your device (Xperia Z2) will not be recognised by the computer.
- Make sure your device has more than 80% battery, or else there is a chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.
[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 AOSP Marshmallow custom ROM on Sony Xperia Z2-
Step 1: After Downloading AOSP Marshmallow custom ROM and Google Apps in to your PC, connect Sony Xperia Z2 to PC via USB cord.
Step 3: Place AOSP Marshmallow 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: Turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.
Step 5: 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]
Step 7: Clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'
Step 8: 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: Come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'
Step 10: 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 (Sony Xperia Z2) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.
Users then head to Settings >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of AOSP Marshmallow custom ROM.
Downloadable files:
AOSP Marshmallow custom ROM: HERE
Google Apps: HERE
USB driver: HERE (for Windows PC) and (for Mac) HERE
[Credits: XDA Developer Forum, rcstar6696]
