Google Nexus tablets
Google Nexus tablets on display (Credit: Reuters)Reuters

A new Android v4.4.4 KitKat AOSB custom ROM has been made available to the Asus' flagship tablet Google Nexus 7 (2013) model.

According to Team Android, the new AOSB custom firmware is based on Android v4.4.4 KitKat and brings in with loads of customisation options such as:

  • Custom Smooth Progress Bar (exclusive only to AOSB custom ROM)
  • ListView animations
  • AOKP custom Navigation Ring and Bar
  • ChameleonOS-based gesture anywhere, screen recording features (with add option to record audio via mic)
  • ChameleonOS Active display (similar to S-view feature in Galaxy Note series devices)
  • TeleRadio (Connection Manager)
  • Omni Audio Themes settings
  • OmniSwitch app (and many more features)
  • AOSPAL LockScreen notifications features
  • Slim IME, DarkUI (system wide in black), IME options, CRT animation
  • Quicktile row option
  • HALO (with MODS)
  • App sidebar
  • Advanced Battery Bar
  • Performance tweaks and a lot more improvements to enhance the user-experience

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)

  • 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 future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
  • Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation. [Also read: Root Google Nexus 7 (2013 Edition) with Android 4.4.3 KitKat KTU84L]
  • This new  Android 4.4.4 KitKat AOSB custom firmware has to be installed on the Google Nexus 7 (2013) model only; 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 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 they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your tablet (Google Nexus 7 2013) will not be recognised by the computer.
  • Make sure your device has more than 80% battery, or else there is 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. 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 4.4.4 KitKat AOSB Custom ROM on the Asus-Google Nexus 7 2013:

Step 1: Download Android 4.4.4 KitKat AOSB custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) in to the PC.

Step 2: Connect Google Nexus 7 2013 to PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the tablet to the computer, be sure you have installed USB driver software, if not, click HERE to download the firmware]

Step 3: Place Android v4.4.4 KitKat Custom ROM zip file and into the device's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip files in SD card root, not in any other folder.]

[Note: Before users begin installing the custom software, make sure the device is already rooted and must have installed ClockworkMod Recovery.]

Step 4: Now turn-off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 5: Then perform the regular 'Bootloader Mode' sortie by press holding 'Volume (up)', 'Volume (down)' and 'Power' buttons.

Step 6: After entering the 'Bootloader mode', go to ClockworkMod Recovery mode, then clear the device 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 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 9: 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. [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 (Google Nexus 7 2013) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Head to Settings >> select About device to confirm the installation of 4.4.4 KitKat AOSB custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]