Android 5.0 Lollipop Arrives for Xperia Z Ultra Via AOSP Build [How to Install]

It's now Sony's large screen, Xperia Z Ultra's turn to get some Android Lollipop dessert treatment. Recognised XDA contributor, Saatvik has shared an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) build for Xperia Z Ultra featuring the newest version of Android 5.0. Below are the working features and bugs in this AOSP build.

ROM info

• ROM OS Version: 5.0.x Lollipop
• ROM Kernel: Linux 3.4.x
• Status: Beta
• Created: 14 November

Working:

• Boots
• Audio
• Touch
• SMS
• Incoming Calls
• Mic from Headset (without headset mic wont work)
• Ambient light sensor
• Wifi
• Bluetooth
• RIL (partially)
• Gravity sensor (auto rotate)
• Outgoing calls
• Microphone
• Mobile Data

Bugs

• Video playback
• Camera
• Signal indicator is broken when connected to LTE
• GPS

If you are curious to try out the early AOSP build based on Android 5.0 on your Xperia Z Ultra, check out the installation guide below.

Points to remember

• As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup using custom recoveries such as ClockworkMod or, TWRP.
• Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigating to Settings>> Developer Options to enable USB debugging]
• The Xperia Z Ultra should have above 80% of battery charge to avoid unusual shut down due to lack of battery, which could damage the device.
• The phone should be rooted and have the latest version of recovery installed.
• The unofficial AOSP Android 5.0 works only with Xperia Z Ultra. As applying this to any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of the smartphone by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.
• The bootloader of Xperia Z Ultra should be unlocked.
• As the AOSP ROM is still in beta versions, bugs are highly likely with the installation of the ROM.
• IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device.

Download files

AOSP Android 5.0 [Alternate link]

Gapps

Fastboot and ADB files

How to install Android 5.0 Lollipop AOSP ROM on Sony Xperia Z Ultra

Step-1: Downloading the AOSP Android 5.0 Lollipop files, you should get the following files

• boot.img
• system.img
• userdata.img

Step-2: Extract the fastboot and adb files to a separate folder on the computer

Step-3: Move the aforementioned three files to the same folder

Step-4: Boot the Xperia Z Ultra into fastboot mode

• For this first switch off the phone
• Press and hold Volume Up button
• Connect the phone to the computer using USB cable while holding the Volume Down button
• Xperia Z Ultra should be in Fastboot mode and the device's LED light should turn purple

Step-5: Open the folder where all the fastboot and AOSP Rom files are saved. Open a command window inside the folder. Press Shift + Right Click somewhere inside an empty space in the folder and select Open command window from the drop down menu

Step-6: Execute the following commands orderly to install Android 5.0 on the phone

• fastboot flash boot boot.img
• fastboot flash system system.img
• fastboot flash userdata userdata.img

Note that flashing user data will wipe all data, including the internal sdcard.

Step-7: Once the installation is completed, reboot Xperia Z Ultra by typing in the following command

• fastboot reboot

How to flash Gapps on Xperia Z Ultra

Step-1: Reboot Z Ultra to Fastboot mode

Step-2: Flash any kernel that has recovery

Step-3: Reboot the phone into recovery

Step-4: Flash Gapps (You may update SuperSU if you want to)

Step-5: Reboot the phone after Gapps file is installed

Now you should be able to enjoy the Android 5.0 AOSP build on your Xperia Z Ultra.

[Source: XDA]