Sony Xperia Z1 during it's world premier at the IFA consumer electronics fair, 2013
Sony Corp's President and Chief Executive Officer Kazuo Hirai presents a new Sony Xperia Z1 smartphone during it's world premier at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin, September 4, 2013.Reuters

Prolific custom ROM developers, CyanogenMod have released the new Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 firmware to Sony's 2013 flagship phone Xperia Z1 model.

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):

  • Rooting enables users to install custom ROMs or third party apps of their choice and also perform tweaks in the settings to improve the device's performance. Though users get more control over the smartphone this way, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide future updates [warranty can be restored by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
  • This custom firmware (CM11 M8) should be installed only on the Sony Xperia Z1, 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 your smartphone.
  • Users make sure they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (Sony Xperia Z1) 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 CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM for Sony Xperia Z1:

Step 1: Download CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM (here) and Google Apps (here) into your PC.

Step 2: Connect Sony Xperia Z1 to PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, make sure you have installed USB driver software, if not, click here to download the firmware].

Step 3: Then, place CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM zip file and Google Apps .zip file into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip files in the SD card root, not in any other folder].

[Note: Before users begin installing the custom software, make sure the device is 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].

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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 4.4.4 ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure to install 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 Z1) will take at least five minutes (only for the first time) to complete the booting process.

Users then head to device's 'Settings' option>> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M8 Custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]