Nextbit Robin in India gets regulatory approval: Shipping begins next week
[Representational Image] Nextbit Robin gets Android Nougat ROM via CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM [How to install] In Picture: Nextbit RobinNextbit Media Kit

Last month cloud-based phone-maker Nextbit announced partnership custom ROM developer community Paranoid Android to fast track the Nougat software development for its flagship smartphone Robin.

While the official beta testing is currently underway, popular mobile software developer community CyanogenMod has released Nougat-based CM 14.1 custom ROM series to the Nextbit Robin.

In addition to Nougat features, it offers exclusive wallpapers, themes, Microsoft apps including Cortana digital voice-assistant, performance tweaks, extend battery life and numerous more value-added features.

Also read: Android 7.0 Nougat released: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)

  • This new Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM has to be installed on Nextbit Robin (aka ether) only, if tried on other devices, it might brick them [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; the company 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 ahead with custom ROM installation.
  • Installation of custom ROM requires clearing memory in the phone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
  • Make sure USB driver is installed on the PC or else your device (Nextbit Robin) will not be recognised by the computer.
  • Make sure your device has more than 80% 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 being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India 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 for Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM on Nextbit Robin via TWRP-

Step 1: DownloadAndroid v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM and Google Apps on to your PC.

[Note: downloadable file links are provided at the bottom]

Step 2: Connect Nextbit Robin to the computer

Step 3: Place the CyanogenMod Android 7.1 Nougat into the phone's storage memory.

[Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in the storage root folder, not in any other folder.]

Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC

Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons

Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset

Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC

Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'

Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.

Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation

Downloadable files:

Android 7.1 Nougat-based CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 custom ROM for Nextbit Robin: HERE

CyanogenMod Recovery: HERE

Google Apps:HERE

USB Driver: HERE

[Credits: CyanogenMod.org]