Sony Xperia series smartphone
Sony XperiaReuters

A new CyanogenMod CM11 M12 milestone series Android v4.4.4 KitKat custom ROM has been made available to Sony's 2013 mid-range smartphone- Xperia ZL.

The new CM11 M12 series firmwareis is based on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) v4.4.4 KitKat OS and not the recently-released Android 5.0 Lollipop. The company is still working on the new Android OS and has promised something special for the fans to welcome the upcoming holidays and the New Year.

Like previous updates, CM11 M12 too brings in enhanced features customisations options, performance tweaks and, it also fixes a critical bug - POODLE - found in SSL (Secure Socket Layer) v3 protocol of most Internet browsers.

This loophole helped the network attackers to cause connection failures and trigger the use of SSL 3.0. They exploited this vulnerability to steal sensitive data from Android devices. [More information on POODLE vulnerability, HERE].

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)

  • This new CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M12 firmware has to be installed on the Sony Xperia ZL (aka Odin) model only; 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 the future. [Users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
  • 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 the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation.
  • Users make sure they have installed USB drivers (aka PC companion suite) on your computer, or else your device (Sony Xperia ZL) will not be recognised by the system.
  • Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is 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 made 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].

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation guide of CyanogenMod Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M12 Custom ROM for Sony Xperia ZL-

Step 1: Download CyanogenMod Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M12 Custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) into your PC.

Step 2: Connect Sony Xperia ZL to PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed the USB driver software, if not, click HERE for Windows PC Companion suite/ HERE for Mac PC Bridge suite, to download the firmware].

Step 3: Then place Android v4.4.4 KitK at CM11 M12 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, 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 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 the user 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 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 ZL) 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 v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M12 custom ROM.

[Credits: CyanogenMod.org]

Also Read