Android 4.4.2 (10.5.A.0.227) KitKat Firmware Leaked for Xperia Z

Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware for Sony's last year flagship smartphone, Xperia Z has been leaked online.

Sony has recently changed the software update status for Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and tablet Z with the next version of update as Android 4.4.2. The software page suggests Android KitKat update will arrive next month, with no word on the particular date of availability.

Now renowned XDA developer, DooMLoRD has shared a few screenshots, which suggests Android 4.4.2 with build number 10.5.A.0.227 has been leaked for Xperia Z bearing model number C6603 (LTE variant).

The screenshots looks similar to the Xperia Z1 with full-screen transparency which Android KitKat update brings. Besides, the screenshots also show the new Notification/Quick settings drop-down bar and an updated camera app, notes XperiaBlog. But there is no double-tap-to-wake feature in this update.

Following the screenshots leak, the developer has shared the leaked Android 4.4.2 10.5.A.0.227 firmware for Xperia Z (both models C6602 and C6603). This firmware was meant for the developer (brown) devices and has been ported successfully on the production models. This leaked versions works on devices with unlocked bootloaders only.

Note that the leaked version is an internal testing firmware and the final version might have the same features. Although, this test build is laggy, the final version is expected to be much better and smoother.

Android 4.4.2 10.5.A.0.227 ROM features

Easy to flash update.zip via recovery

Prerooted and busybox installed

Working CWM recovery is included in kernel

[ To enter recovery keep pressing VOLUME UP button AFTER u see the "PINK" LED at bootup (Sony logo) ]

USB debugging enabled

Additionally, the developer has shared an easy guide to install 10.5.A.0.227 KitKat build on Xperia Z.

Interested users, who wish to install Android 4.4.2 10.5.A.0.227 firmware, may follow our step-by-step guide below.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Also, note that as this is a leaked firmware, a few features might not work properly.

Pre-requisites

1) The Xperia Z should have unlocked bootloader.

2) This firmware works with previously on stock .101 JB (4.3) ROM or, ROMs based on that [since some components of this ROM contain files from those firmwares].

3) Supplied ROM

4) Any existing kernel with recovery or, just extract the boot.img (contains inbuilt recovery) from the ROM that is uploaded and flash it using fastboot.

5) The 10.5.A.0.227 Android 4.4.2 ROM works with Sony Xperia Z C6602/C6603. Please do not try this on any incorrect variant, as this could brick the device. Therefore, verify the model number of Xperia Z by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

6) As this procedure is likely to wipe all data, make a backup of the data, including internal SDcard before flashing the ROM.

How to install Android 4.4.2 (10.5.A.0.227) KitKat on Xperia Z

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.2 10.5.A.0.227 KitKat on the computer

Download links-1 /2 / 3

Step-2: Connect the Xperia Z to the computer using USB cable and copy the downloaded ROM zip file to the SD card of the phone

Step-3: Disconnect the phone from the computer

Step-4: Reboot the phone into recovery mode. Switch off the phone and wait for about 4-5 seconds until the lights completely go off. Restart the device and wait until the LED light on the device turns pink then press Volume Up button repeatedly until the device enters the recovery mode

Step-5: Perform data wiping task. Select Wipe data/Factory reset then select Wipe Cache Partition and confirm the process

Step-6: Select install zip then select choose zip from sdcard and browse to the location where Android 4.4.2 ROM is saved. Select it and confirm installation. This process is likely to take some time

Step-7: Once the installation process is completed, reboot the phone by selecting reboot system now from recovery menu

Step-8: At first boot device the NFC firmware will get updated, wait until the process is completed. After a few reboots the ROM should stabilise

Android 4.4.2 10.5.A.0.277 leaked ROM should now be installed on the Xperia Z. Head over to Settings>> About phone to verify the new software version.

How to reduce Lag

Navigate to Developer Options in the Settings menu [If this option is not visible go to About phone and keep tapping the seven times on the Build Number, this will unlock Developer Options]. Disable all animations and select Force GPU render then restart the phone. The interface will become smoother.

[Source: XDA]

Below are the screenshots showing Android 4.4.2 10.5.A.0.227 KitKat running Xperia Z C6603.