A man checks a map as he walks past an advertising of the new Sony Xperia Z at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last week. (Credit: Reuters)
A man checks a map as he walks past an advertising of the new Sony Xperia Z at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last week. (Credit: Reuters)Reuters

A new Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM has been made available to Sony's 2013 flagship smartphone - Xperia Z.

The new (BlackXZ) custom firmware is zip-aligned, deodexed for future APK Modding and is based on the v4.4.2 KitKat OS (build number: 10.5.A.0.230). It brings in new features such as latest SuperSU, support for system tweaks, latest XZ Dual recovery option, build, prop (edited for Z2 ported apps), black theme (full), SD card fix, tweaked system UI, latest Xposed Module Integrated to settings for easy use, advanced power menu and lot more performance enhancing tweaks.

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 (BlackXZ) has to be installed only on the Sony Xperia Z, if tried on any other devices, it might get bricked. [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
  • Rooting of the devices leads to a complete data wipeout, so make sure of backing up all data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone to save the data.
  • Users make sure they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (Sony Xperia Z) 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.
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[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 Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM for Sony Xperia Z :

Step 1: Download Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM (here) into your PC.

Step 2: Connect Sony Xperia Z to PC via USB chord.

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

Step 3: Then, place Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ 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, make sure that the device must have rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery 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 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].

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 4.4.2 ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. [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 Z) will take at least five minutes (only for the first time) to complete the booting process.

Users then head to the device's 'Settings' option>> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of Android v4.4.2 KitKat BlackXZ Custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]