google nexus 7
Nexus 7 tablet during a Google event at Dogpatch Studio in San Francisco, California, 24 July 2013.Reuters

Popular mobile firmware developers, CyanogenMod team has rolled out the new Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M12 milestone series custom ROM to the Asus' 2013 flagship slate series - Google Nexus 7 (4G-LTE) and Wi-Fi models.

Besides the usual improved customisations options and performance tweaks, the new CM11 M12 firmware comes with a fix for a critical bug – 'POODLE' - vulnerability found in SSL (Secure Socket Layer) v3 protocol, which is used by most Internet browsers incorporated in Android devices.

This vulnerability gave a leeway for network attackers to cause connection failures and trigger the use of SSL 3.0. They exploit this issue to steal sensitive data. [More information, HERE].

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 the 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].
  • The new CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M11 milestone series has to be installed on Google Nexus 7 Wi-Fi and LTE models 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 you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your device (Google Nexus 7) will not be recognised by the computer.
  • Make sure your device has more than 80 percent 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 becoming 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 procedure of CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M12 Custom ROM on Google Nexus 7 2013 models:

Step 1: Download CyanogenMod Android v4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M12 Custom ROM for Wi-Fi model (HERE), 4G-LTE model (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) in to your PC.

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

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

Step 3: Place Android v4.4.4 KitKat Custom ROM zip file 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 has ClockworkMod Recovery installed].

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 the 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. 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 (Google Nexus 7 2013 4G and Wi-Fi model) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Head to Settings >> select About device to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod Android 4.4.4 KitKat CM11 M12 custom firmware.

[Credits: CyanogenMod.org and Team Android]