El Sony Xperia Z has hit the market, becoming the best device we can buy right now. It's no wonder, therefore, that it's receiving good support from the community developers. Specifically, it's the FreeXperiaTeam, responsible for porting CyanogenMod versions to Xperia, that's releasing the latest versions with 4.2.1 Android Jelly Bean for the Sony Xperia Z. A fully functional version could be ready soon. In the meantime, we already have a preview.
It was the version FXP208 the first available to him Sony Xperia Z, although, as always, it was not stable enough to be used as a daily ROM. However, the situation changes with the version FXP209, in which the problem with the WiFi connection has been solved, as it is now fully functional, in addition to supporting the proximity sensor. However, the main problem is the camera, just like it has been in the rest of the versions for other Sony devices, and it doesn't work, although the LED flash does. We can expect the new version to be fully functional in a matter of weeks, so you can install it. CyanogenMod 10.1, which is based on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, and getting all the advantages of this version.
As always, you have to have great care. To install CyanogenMod 10.1 it is necessary to have the bootloader unlocked, and the version we install may not be fully functional, so you will always have to keep that in mind.
CyanogenMod 10.1 enhancements to Sony Xperia Z There are several, since it offers us a version with few layers that responds very quickly, thus avoiding opting for the Sony user interfaceIt also introduces performance and stability improvements, correcting some issues that appeared in the previous version of CyanogenMod for the smartphone.
CyanogenMod 10.1 for Sony Xperia Z.
Official support, nightlies, and build status
The community has confirmed official support in nightly builds de CM 10.1 for Xperia Z, as well as for its siblings Xperia ZL y Xperia V. These nightlies They collect daily changes and are the basis of the alphas, Betas, RC and final versions. There are also milestones such as M3 that function as an intermediate point between stable and nocturnal, offering a balance between new arrivals y reliability. In the case of the Xperia Z, the first FreeXperia packages (FXP) went from a alpha (FXP208) to a later build where WiFi y sensors began to operate, keeping the pending camera in the initial stages.
In parallel, CyanogenMod 10.1 reached state stable on numerous devicesWhile some Tegra 2 chips and certain Exynos were not included in the roadmap. This context explains why the pace of improvements in Xperia Z has been continuous and based on community input.
Essential prerequisites and warnings
Before flashing, it is key to verify the requirements usual: bootloader unlocked (essential on Xperia Z for CM 10.1), access root when the method requires it and presence of recovery personalized. Always make a Nandroid backup complete so you can go back if something doesn't work as you expect.
Remember to add the GApps after installing the ROM, since services like Google Play Store o gmail are not included in the license. The process involves risks (soft-brick, data loss, warranty) and it is advisable to safeguard the DRM keys Sony's own before unlocking, as recommended by developers of the Xperia ecosystem.
Basic installation and good practices
In general, the flow consists of copying the CM 10.1 ZIP to storage, start in recovery, perform wipe data / cache and flash the ROM followed by the GApps. Some packages require flashing the boot.img via fastboot: fastboot flash boot boot.img and then, fastboot rebootIn early development, the developers tested methods on specific Jelly Bean stock firmwares; if you're starting from a different base, it's recommended back to stock and update drivers/ADB before starting.
As a good practice, avoid restoring system data from another ROM, check the kernel compatibility and keep the stock package on hand in case you need it return to the official ROM with Flashtool.
Known issues and solutions
In addition to the modules that took time to mature (such as the camera in early builds), the community reported a forced shutdown of Trebuchet when applying certain themes. The suggested solution was:
- Factory Reset from recovery before applying conflicting topics.
- Download the theme but do not apply it immediately after the first start.
- Ir a Settings > Applications > Trebuchet y delete data.
- Apply the theme again and check stability.
In any anomalous behavior, validate the md5 from the ZIP, check the build of the device (Z, ZL or V) and confirms that the kernel corresponds to your model. For real-life camera testing, some users consulted reviews such as camera testing to compare results.
Other Xperia and development context
The CM 10.1 ecosystem also reached the Xperia ZL and the Xperia V, as well as the Tablet Xperia Z received test and candidate builds by sharing chipset with the Z, which made it easier to carry features and troubleshooting. Although this article focuses on the Xperia Z, it's worth remembering that the maturity of the project on sister devices improves the quality of builds for Yuga (Z). In this sense, the Xperia ZL It was one of the models that provided useful information during testing.
With all the above, CyanogenMod 10.1 on the Xperia Z offers a clean experience, fast and very controllable, with the support of an active community that documents advances, methods of root, recovery of soft-bricks and performance/battery optimizations.
