Google Nexus device displayed at an event at San Francisco, 2013.
The new Nexus 7 (2013 Edition) tablet at a Google event at Dogpatch Studio in San Francisco, California, July 24, 2013.Reuters

A new OrionLP custom ROM update has been made available to the Asus-Google 2012 flagship tablet Nexus 7.

This firmware is based on the latest ASOP (Android Open Source Project) v5.1.1 Lollipop OS.

Key features of OrionLP Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM:

  • Quick settings customisations
  • Network speed monitor
  • Soft reboot options
  • Lockscreen weather
  • RRO Layers 2.1 support
  • Built with UBER tool chain
  • Recent panel personalisation option
  • Master heads-up switch

Things to remember before installing Custom ROM:

  • Though installing custom ROM improves the device's performance and UI experience, it makes the company warranty void and it 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 for custom ROM installation.
  • This new OrionLP Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom series has to be installed on Google Nexus 7 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.
  • Make sure you have installed USB drivers in the PC, or else your device (Google Nexus 7) will not be be recognised.
  • Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is a chance of it 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. 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.]

Step-by-step installation procedure of OrionLP Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Custom ROM on Google Nexus 7 (2012) model:

Step 1: Download OrionLP Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) 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 v5.1.1 Lollipop Custom ROM zip file in 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 beginning installation, make sure the device is already rooted and installed with ClockworkMod Recovery.]

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

Step 5: Perform the regular 'Bootloader Mode' sortie by 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: Clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'

Step 8: Go back to ClockworkMod recovery, 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 the custom ROM installation]

Step 9: Come back to the main recovery screen and tap 'install zip from SD card'

Step 10: 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 2012) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Head to 'Settings' >> select 'About device' to confirm the installation of OrionLP Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom firmware.

[Credits: Team Android]