Custom firmware for android 4.4 2 download. A more detailed description of AOKP. Additional PAC ROM features

The moment when the user learns that any Android  the device can be put custom firmware, often becomes a turning point, because before that he was always bound by factory restrictions. With the advent of custom ROM "a  freedom comes. Including freedom of choice, and the choice is sometimes painful, but we will try to facilitate this difficult task. Next you will find an overview of the best Android  firmware: MIUI, Paranoid Android  and AOKP. Universal installation guide can be found. For each specific device you need to look in this.

Platform Android  It is rich in interesting features and is considered one of the most flexible mobile operating systems. However, not all of its versions are equally multifunctional. So, users of versions with vanilla core in their core or smartphone owners Samsung  with standard user interface Touchwiz  Often complain about the very significant limited functionality of the system.

One important advantage of the open platform Androidis that if you as a user do not like the primary licensed version of the OS, you can install on your device one of the optimized versions, popularly called custom firmware  or ROMs. New firmware Android  can provide you with the opportunity to use the latest version of the OS even before the official release by the manufacturer. Also, the new version of the system after installation will automatically replace the factory one, after which your device will literally transform and provide you with many modified system settings and applications, significantly optimizing its performance.

If you are familiar with the OS Linux, it will be useful for you to know that the installation process is custom ROMno different from installing any other distribution Linux. Each version of the system has different goals, so they are always different from each other in various parameters. The choice of the necessary version of custom firmware will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and the purposes for which the device will be used in the future. The procedure for installing custom firmware usually consists of the following steps:

1) Unlocking the system loader. This process is usually included by default in the functionality of the utilities used for getting root rights, so instead of unlocking the bootloader and manually backing up, you can save time and use one of the routers (for example, Kingo Android Root). Getting superuser rights, among other things, will guarantee a more stable operation of the installed custom firmware.

2) Backup system.After getting root rights  or unlocking the system loader you can use one of custom tools  to perform a full backup of the initial data Android. This will allow you to roll back and restore the original system in case of unsuccessful installation of custom firmware. Among the popular tools can be identified Titanium backupwhich, however, requires root access for its work.

3) Actually downloading and installing your chosen custom firmware.In the process of finding the most profitable firmware for you, it is useful to use comparative charts and tables compiled by developers and experienced users of custom firmware and are widely available on the xda-developers.com custom software development forums. You can download the firmware either directly from your device or using a computer with the subsequent transfer of archive data via USB. Usually the firmware file is very large. zip archivewhich ultimately must be saved to the download folder on the memory card. The firmware is installed in recovery mode, which you can enter immediately after the device is rebooted.

4) Download and install Google apps.Many official apps from Googleincluding Gmail  and YouTube, initially cannot interact with custom versions Android. Therefore, you should look for specialized customized versions of these applications and install them in the same way as described above to install the custom firmware itself. To simplify the task, developers from the XDA community have created a utility Gapps managerwhich provides the user with all major products Googlecustomized version.

There are many custom firmware. The most popular of them are subject to constant comparison for the subsequent identification of undisputed leaders among a wide variety of optimized versions. Android. We offer you to compare the seven most proven and reliable firmware, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of each, based on a comparative analysis conducted by experienced users and developers of custom software. Below will be considered:

• Pacman rom
• Omnirom

This is the most popular custom ROM. It is not only reliable, but also extremely multifunctional, cleared of all rubbish and will soon get a public installation tool (as long as it exists in the beta version), so that in the future users will not have to resort to complicated procedures. You will not find as many customization options as in other firmware, but by and large they are not needed there. In total is enough. Firmware can be called upgraded version vanilla Android  without any unnecessary trash. If you are tired of user interfaces, useless pre-installed applications and ubiquitous restrictions, it will be an excellent solution to the problem. Besides ROM  optimizes the work of your device, thereby improving its performance.

Key features:

• Clean and affordable interface
• Supports various themes
• There is an equalizer
• You can customize Quick Settings

Official site

A more detailed description of C yanogenMod

One of the most popular custom firmwares at the moment is, the key feature of which is that its interface style surprisingly corresponds to the stock version. Android. The ROMwith each update, everything is getting closer to the fact that the process of installing it on the device becomes much easier and more convenient.

The latest firmware version has significantly improved the animation, which now includes CRT animation. Special options and rich customization also have a lock screen, on which you can set wallpapers separate from the main screen, a large full-scale widget, display of battery charge, and much more. The developers have also added a branded widget to the lock screen. Chronus, which displays the main events of the day, the current date and time, and the weather. In addition, the firmware includes a built-in utility. Xposed Framework, allowing you to embed additional custom modules into the stitched system for more subtle modification of your device. The ability to customize the navigation bar allows you to assign each button (there are 5 available in this firmware), individual functions. Also, especially for viewing videos and during games, users can freely switch to full-screen mode, hiding the lower and upper toolbars.

Thanks to constant improvements and updates, the firmware provides your device with energy saving and much higher performance.

Other benefits and features:

• Original sound effects
• Simplified switching between different profiles
• Simplified sending of messages and making calls
• The presence of a variety of styles and themes (including the popular theme Holo)
• Original panel switching animation

MIUI

MIUI  - this custom firmwarewhich combines everything better from Android  and iOS. It is based on source codes. Android  and, but the user interface is very different from the original. And it's not only in design: many features MIUI  either still missing in stock Android, or appeared some time later, after their implementation in this custom ROM "e. A great example is the quick settings, which have long been an integral part MIUIand only with Android 4.2  steel element stock interface. At the same time, the firmware is devoid of all the garbage that is in Touchwiz  and Sense. We should also mention the fact that this firmware is installed on some smartphones by smartphone manufacturers as the main OS. MIUI -a great option for those users who want to get on their Android  device all the best from two competing platforms.

Official site

A more detailed description of MIUI

Custom firmware, the interface of which is the most successful hybrid Androidand iOS. At the same time, it undergoes continuous improvements both from the developers and from the prompting of users, who make their recommendations and suggestions in the course of using it on their device. Despite the visual similarity of this ROM’A like with Androidso with iOS, which formed the basis of the final version of MIUI, there are many completely new design and functional solutions, which allows us to speak of the so-called identity and originality.

The screen lock has a special originality. MIUIIn the center of which is located the circular slider blocker, equipped with four main buttons: call log, messages, music player and camera. Thus, you can go to any of the suggested menus without performing the standard screen unlocking. Also, with loxrin, you can freely control the equalizer settings, switch between music tracks, adjust the speaker volume, etc. A very convenient feature of Lockscreen is the display of the device’s battery charge level.

Main interface MIUI  allows the user to create an unlimited number of desktops, each of which, for example, can contain shortcuts with applications and utilities for special purposes. In addition, the appearance of application icons was significantly changed, after which it became impossible to relate the design as well as Androidso with iOS.

The main settings in this firmware are divided into categories, which nevertheless gives us some reference to devices iOS. Navigate through the submenu by using the convenient slider. Also there is a quick access to another slider, which is responsible for the brightness of the screen.

Another important feature of the firmware is having your own store. Supermarket, the range of which includes the same applications as in Google play. At the same time, many applications that you could only purchase for a fee from the stock firmware are available here for free.

Other features MIUI:

• The presence of a large number of original themes with flexible settings for each individual component
• A variety of widgets: a widget for cleaning RAM, a search widget, a clock (digital and analog), weather, calendar, events, photo frame, player, etc.
• Original animation and smooth transitions between menus and desktops
• The lack of a traditional menu with a set of software; it has been replaced by comfortable customizable desktops located on the main screen

This custom firmware  stands out among other user interface designs - it is completely transparent. It also increases productivity and reduces energy consumption, optimizing all processes occurring at Android  device. Not without a lot of customization options. suitable for users who want to not only improve the performance of their Androidbut also get a unique user interface design.

XDA thread

A more detailed description of Illusion ROMS

The name of this ROM’A speaks for itself - the developers have created a truly stylish design, embodied in a specialized theme Key lime pie. This theme is represented by a pleasant color scheme, which is viewed through the panels and the menu of other settings and applications, creating an effect of unusual transparency.

Due to the fact that it is still in beta testing and is constantly being finalized, sometimes during use you may encounter some minor bugs. However, developers deliberately warn about this, prompting users to report detected system errors for further improvement. ROM'but.

Initially, this firmware was developed on the basis of a no less famous ROM'but Slim beamtherefore, quite often in the course of its use some similarities can be found with it. As with many recent firmwares, there is a feature here. Halo, which allows you to transfer notifications from all your applications to the main screen, after which you will be able to simultaneously view messages from each of them. Also, thanks to this feature, you can switch from one application to another without leaving the software interface used.

In addition, a convenient feature in this ROM’E is the ability to customize the accelerometer. So, you can reduce the angle of rotation of the screen from 90 ° to 80 °, which will significantly improve the process of using your device Android  It also offers a wide variety of profiles that allow you to adjust your device to any situation, from an important meeting to a long trip in transport. It is possible to turn off sound alerts and replace them with vibration, turn off the sound completely, redirect incoming calls and much more.

Other features

• A large number of custom wallpapers
• Extended Desktop
• Convenient switching between light and dark interface
• Adjusting the brightness and contrast of the screen
• Auto-closing status bar

it custom ROM  with unlimited customization capabilities, which has unique features that are inaccessible to the stock operating system.

Key Features

• The ability to change the scale for each individual application. For example, in Gmail  You can set a scale where the entire letter will be displayed on the screen, and the menu buttons and controls will be minimal, and you can do everything differently: the application controls will be large, and you will never accidentally press anything by wiping the entire system .
• Pie controls - a menu that allows you to remove the status bar and controls from the screen and transfer them to a pie chart that appears only when you call.
•   - pumped feature Chat heads  from facebook. In fact, it is a very convenient way to receive notifications and various messages in any application.
• Tablet interface on a smartphone: some interface elements on tablets not only look better, they are also much more convenient. With them you can get on any Android  a smartphone.

ParanoidAndroid - custom firmware  for those users who want to get reliability and performance, but with a large number of customization options and unique interface elements.

Google+

A more detailed description of ParanoidAndroid

Basic firmware to create Paranoid Android  became notorious from which this ROMborrowed traditional functionalism and high performance, bringing unique features and original visual design to its interface.

The main difference of this custom firmware is that it is focused mainly on tablet devices with respect to the interface, which, however, does not prevent users from turning the stuffing of their phone into a tablet without any functional losses.

It is worth noting the significantly increased amount of fine-tuning, which rests on the possibility of flexible configuration of the application interface by changing the virtual resolution, regardless of the original screen resolution of the device and the entire system. Since the initial number of applications available in the firmware is relatively small, the developers chose to give the right to choose to their users and download the necessary applications from the store available in the firmware Google play.

The actual performance optimization of your device can also be performed manually. So, the user can reduce the system load, stopping unnecessary tasks, freeing up clogged memory, limiting operating frequencies, changing font smoothing, etc.

In addition to the already known function Halo  at Paranoid Androidthere is also a kind of menu called PIE Controls, thanks to which you can transfer the main application shortcuts and other buttons from the main screen to a specific diagram that will be in hidden mode until your call.

Other useful properties Paranoid Android:

• Ability to switch to full screen mode
• Ability to take screenshots of the device screen
• Improved sound quality
• Initial access to superuser rights

AOKP  - this is the most customizable. ROM. With this firmware, you can do a lot, from creating your own patterns for vibrating alert and ending with setting up almost any interface elements.

Key features unique to AOKP:

• the ability to set your boot animation
• full customization of the navigation bar, the ability to add shortcuts there
• Ribbon - quick access to any applications on the device anywhere in the OS. Can completely replace the launcher.

The ROM  designed for those users who want to get a fully customizable interface. Have AOKPthere are no competitors in this business yet.

Official site

AOKP more detailed description

Another equally original and stylish ROMwith many unique features. The obvious difference between this firmware and others is the presence of a built-in interface. Ribonwhich divides all applications available on the device into categories (for example, system, entertainment, etc.) and places them in separate convenient tabs, which greatly simplifies access to any of the system's programs.

Main management AOKP  represented by seven main buttons, where you can change the function, location and method of the call at your discretion. You can also adjust their color and degree of illumination when pressed.

The settings of widgets, which can be installed both on desktops and on the lock screen, also have great capabilities, while the number of widgets on one screen can be unlimited. The need for their use in this case is due to the presence of a very original transition animation, similar to the rotation of the faces of the cube.

Unlike the main screen in AOKPit looks more neat due to the more compact placement of labels and their labels. At the same time, desktop icons can be further customized and improved.

Another interesting feature of the firmware is the ability to automatically change the device profile depending on its position in space. Being associated with the work of the accelerometer, this function allows you to significantly save time on switching your smartphone from one mode to another. So, you can configure the device so that when you put it face down, it will automatically go into sleep mode and activate all the necessary options for this.

Other features AOKP:

• Ability to customize the animation of the device boot process
• Ability to set a special action to hold one or another button of the main panel
• The ability to change the background of the curtain notifications
• The ability to manually configure the processor
• Full customization of the status bar and navigation bar
• Ability to install custom templates for vibrating alert

Still can not decide on custom firmware? Then you should try PAC ROM - custom ROM, which includes a number of features, AOKP  and The firmware has very little of its own, but the best features of the above ROM's  more than compensate for this. The only truly unique feature is the settings. They were specially created in order to maximize the availability and convenience of presenting combined capabilities to the user.

Official site

A more detailed description of Pacman ROM

This firmware can be called universal, because it has absorbed the best properties of more well-known analogues, including AOKP  and Paranoid Android. In fact, the user has the opportunity to work in one of the three different interfaces inherent in these firmware, to your taste.

Pacman rom  It is considered a relatively new custom firmware, but despite this it is more stable work and competitive performance. Initially, the firmware was developed for the smartphone Sony xperia rayand later began to be ported to other devices Android.

WITH Pacman romthe main screen of a smartphone or tablet can be conveniently switched to one of the preset modes: stock, recommended and tablet. The main control buttons as always available for upgrading and changing functions. It is possible to change the transparency of the notification panel and add a background image to it. As well as in other famous firmware, in Pacman romthere are custom interfaces Halo, Ribon  and PIE Controlsas well as the ability to control the settings of the kernel and monitor its state frequencies.

Other properties Pacman rom:

• CRT animation support
• The ability to control the device through gestures
• Rich selection of topics
• Availability of settings to improve the security of the device
• Advanced lock screen settings

Last listed ROMis still under development, but at this stage it is safe to predict that a very powerful custom firmware should come out as the developers suggest users choose the functions they need to supply the future system by voting on their official website . In addition, there is also free access to the source code of the firmware, which may be of interest to advanced users who want to contribute to the optimization ROM'but. It is planned that the number of devices supported by the firmware will initially be limited, but its more massive porting is just a matter of time. More information on this firmware can be found in the main post (link in the title).

Official site

You can also use this table to select the firmware.

What firmware should be preferred? Share views in the comments.

What should I do when the developer stopped supporting the software update for your device? The only option to transform the operating system and the functionality of the phone is to install custom (user) firmware. They are created by simple users and downloaded to the network, and therefore before installing them you will need to root your phone. Consider what are the custom firmware Android, as well as how to install or remove them from your smartphone.

Buying a new smartphone in the store, you get on it the official, stock, OS version. It is designed and installed specifically for a particular phone model, given its functional features. In the future, through a special item in the main settings menu, you can get the official update by installing it via Wi-Fi or through a computer.

Desktop cyanogenmod firmware

Application menu

With the release of new models of phones, there are new versions of the OS, with new features and features. Unfortunately, they are not available for all old smartphones and tablets, and therefore there are more and more craftsmen who create their own firmware. Advantages of custom firmware on Android can be considered:

• Pre-installed software. Developers of custom firmware often enrich them with a variety of utilities and applications that become available immediately after reinstalling the OS.
• Wide customization settings. With administrator privileges, you can edit the desktop, application menu, delete and move system files in the phone’s memory.
• The ability to have the function of new OS versions on your old smartphone.

The creation of such firmware is the work of advanced users, but even this does not guarantee its 100% performance on your smartphone. It is also worth remembering that installing software from unreliable sources leads to a loss of official warranty.

Before proceeding to the methods of installing and removing user OS on Android, we recommend watching the video review of what is custom firmware.

Installation

Before you put the user OS on the phone, carefully read the instructions for the archive with the firmware. Your model should be in the list of supported devices, otherwise the installation may end up turning the mobile phone into a “brick” state. To download the best firmware for Android, we recommend using proven and well-proven forums and services, for example w3bsit3-dns.com. Before installation, you will also definitely need to rut your phone in order to obtain administrator rights.

Getting Root rights to Android

Conventionally, the methods of obtaining administrator rights on a mobile phone can be divided into two categories:

• Through the utility on the computer.
• Using applications on the phone.

Rooting a mobile phone using apk applications looks like the easiest solution. The best of them that can be downloaded online: iRoot, Kingoapp, Framaroot, Universal Androot, etc. Before installing them, you must go to the system settings menu and allow the installation of applications from unverified sources. After a successful download to the phone, just run any of the programs and follow the instructions on the screen.

Rooting through the program Kingo Root

Successful Root Message

When you rotate a mobile phone through a computer, you need to install the appropriate drivers on your PC and enable USB debugging on your phone. You should also take care of the battery charge, the level of which before the process should exceed 50%. Among the entire list of utilities available for use, we recommend using the Kingo Root program. As in the mobile application, running the program on the computer, she will determine the brand of your smartphone and will issue further recommendations for setting up. Similarly, you can remove root rights from your phone using the utility Kingo Root.

For more information on how to make root access, see the training video below.

Action algorithm

After preliminary preparations, creating a backup copy of the data and the rutting of the mobile phone, you can proceed to reflash it. This can be done either via a computer or using the Recover menu on Android. We will consider the second option. This will require several consecutive steps:

1. Install custom recovery menu (Recovery). For this company store Google Playmarket you need to download the ROM Manager application. After its launch, click the “Recovery Setup” button, as a result of which the required ClockworkMod will be installed.
2. Download the desired archive file with firmware and place it on the mobile phone memory card. You can use one of the most universal versions - CyanogenMod, supporting functions that are missing in the stock firmware.
3. Go to the recovery mode. To do this, you need to turn off the mobile phone and hold down one of several combinations of buttons. In most cases, the volume up / down + power / lock keys are suitable.
4. To navigate in the recovery menu, you must use the volume buttons, and confirm the choice - the power button. It is necessary to proceed to clearing the internal memory and cache by selecting and confirming the points data / facts recset and wipe cachе partition.
5. Click on the instal zip line, after which the system prompts you to select the choosе zip from sdcаrd item. You need to find the desired file with the firmware in the form of an archive (zip format) on the memory card and select it by tapping the name.
6. Wait until the mobile device is flashed and exit recovery mode by restarting the device. To do this, go back to the main Recovery menu and select the reboot system now.

In order to avoid any errors, we recommend watching the training video on how to restore menu.

Deletion

If you installed custom firmware and your smartphone began to work worse, or even turned into a "brick", then you need to remove it. As in the case of installation, this can be done through the Recovery menu. Before you remove an incorrectly running OS, download to the memory card an archive with a working version of the firmware, which will serve as its replacement.

Once in the recovery menu of a mobile phone using the keyboard shortcut mentioned in the previous section, you need to go through the familiar steps. Namely, go to the wipe dаta / fаktor recset and wipe cache paragraph settings to completely reset the settings and delete the partition with the cache. After this, we try to install a new OS through the line install zip frоm sdcаrd. We are waiting for the installation to finish and restart the mobile.

Firmware reset

In the case when the smartphone is loaded and you can enter its settings, we recommend resetting it to the factory settings. Thus, you will return the operating system of your device to its original state and remove the incorrectly working firmware. This will require:

• Go to the main settings menu Android.
• Find and select the item: “restore and reset”.
• Click on the line "Reset to factory settings" and follow the instructions on the screen.

Settings menu

Tab reset to factory settings

Note also that when performing this operation all user files and applications will be deleted from the phone. Therefore, it is better to back up the data before starting it.

When a user understands that by installing an unofficial firmware on his device, he gets a lot of additional features for personalizing and customizing a smartphone or tablet, this becomes a significant moment. With installation on an Android device custom firmwarethere is complete freedom of action, and with it, doubts about which one is better. customROM  choose. According to many users and experts, the best firmware for the system Android  following: PAC ROM, Illusion ROMs, Paranoid Android, AOKP, MIUI, OmniROM and CyanogenMod.This article will help you to understand which firmware is better suited to your work requirements and the uniqueness of your device on the system. Android.

It is known that Android  - This is one of the most convenient, multifunctional and flexible systems designed for electronic gadgets. However, some versions of this operating system are not so multifunctional. For example, owners of gadgets based on the original Linux kernel, as well as owners of devices Samsungwhere interface standard is used Touchwizmay feel the limitations and low functionality of the platform Android.

Excellent feature of the system Android  can be called its openness . This is expressed in the fact that if the user doesn’t like the functionality of his device, then he can easily deliver an unofficial or custom firmware  On the gadget, such firmware can still be called ROMs Such firmware, after installation on a mobile device, greatly expand the functionality. The user is given the opportunity to use the latest operating system updates before their official release. It also opens up the endless possibilities of customizing the gadget and personalizing it to your liking, not constrained by the factory limitations, and the device significantly improves its performance.

For a person who knows the operating system Linux, there will be nothing new in the installation of any custom ROM, because its installation on the device is no different from the installation distributions of the system Linux. But it is worth remembering that different versions of the system differ among themselves by various parameters, setting different tasks. Based on this, it is necessary to choose the correct firmware that would meet the user's requirements for the functionality and performance of the device. The ROM installation sequence consists of the following items, which must be performed in strict order one after the other:

• First, you need to implement bootloader unlocking. This is done for obtaining superuser rightswhich, no doubt, will be able to ensure a more stable and confident operation of the unofficial firmware on the Android gadget. Manually unlock bootloader and get root rights  rather tedious and long, so it would be better to use special programs for this purpose. One of these programs is called Kingo Android Root.
• Secondly, you need to do data backup.After receiving the full root rightsyou should make a copy of the original system data. You can again use the special custom utilityone of the most popular is called Titanium backup. Backup is necessary so that if the firmware fails or the device works with a lot of errors, you can easily restore the previous settings and return the system to its original state.
• Third, should be directly download and install the selected custom firmware. During the choice of firmware, you should carefully study the reviews of users and professionals, look at various comparative articles, find information about which firmware will be most optimal for your device. Download custom ROM’s  can be done either directly on the device or on a computer, and then copied zip-archive on the gadget in the download folder. After restarting the Android device, it will pass into the so-called recovery mode. It is in this mode that the firmware should be installed.
• Fourth, you need to do   download and install applicationsGoogle. Most company applications Google, unfortunately, does not function on custom firmware among them and Gmail, youtube  other. Many users immediately rush to search for custom versions of applications that fit the new firmware on the Internet. In fact, it does not necessarily do. There is a special service. Gapps managerwhich will provide the user with all applications already adapted for custom Androidplatform.

Today, there are many informal ROMs  for Android devices. Firmware is constantly compared and tested by professionals. Among all the unofficial ROMs, seven of the most well-known firmware stand out, which have gained popularity among experienced users and specialists, thanks to the excellent level of reliability and high quality of performance. The names of these firmware are as follows:

CyanogenMod firmware review

The most famous and popular among users custom ROM  - this . It is very similar to vanillaAndroidbut there is nothing superfluous and unnecessary in it. The firmware is distinguished by the highest reliability and stability of work, and other custom ones can envy a lot of functionality. ROMsIn addition, in the near future it is planned to make a special tool for installing the firmware on the device, a beta version of such an application is being developed. Thanks to this user-friendly application, a user who has never encountered the installation of custom   ROM,  Easy to put the firmware on your gadget and he does not have to use different sets of utilities and perform complex installation steps. Thus, if the user is tired of the constant factory restrictions and standard interfaces, then this firmware will make the operation of its device optimal, remove all restrictions and increase the performance of the device. Also, this firmware should be chosen if the experience in the custom settings ROMsvery little, since its installation on the device is much easier compared to other systems.

Features of CyanogenMod

• Convenient interface that is easy for any user to master.
• It is possible to install a variety of topics to personalize the device.
• Having a good equalizer for fine-tuning sound.
• Excellent ability to customize various settings, including quick ones.

A thorough analysis of the firmware CyanogenMod

This firmware is by far the most popular among users. This is due to its almost complete compliance with the platform. Android  factory version. constantly updated by developers. And each next update makes   ROMmore convenient to use and greatly simplifies the installation process.

The latest firmware versions feature unlimited possibilities in the field of device personalization. So, you can set a completely different wallpaper from the main theme on the lock screen. There are also opportunities to install interesting widgets that display the battery charge. The animation is very well developed, which now enables the use of CRT animation. The creators improved the blocking screen with a unique widget ChronusWhich contains useful information - weather forecast, current date and time. In addition, it is equipped with a utility.   Xposed Framework, which will help the user to put on the updated platform other custom applications for even more extensive settings of the device. In this ROM'ethere is a great opportunity to customize the navigation bar and configure its own functions for each button (in this firmware 5). Previously, during the game, it was impossible to watch the video on the full screen, with the installation of this feature has become available. Also, the firmware has a very high performance and economical energy consumption.

A set of additional features of the firmware:

• Variety of sound effects.
• Switching between profiles with installation is much easier.
• Sending SMS, MMS and making calls is greatly simplified.
• Many different styles and themes (including the theme Holo).
• Switching panels is accompanied by interesting animation effects.

  MIUI firmware review

Custom ROM MIUI  - This is a successful experiment to combine all the best from platforms Android  and iOS. In the development of this firmware used codes as a system Android, so and . But the interface MIUI  different from the original design and the various possibilities that are in the original Android  either is still not available, or appeared some time after they were implemented in this firmware. Among such features, for example, the possibility of quick settings, which were originally in custom ROM'eMIUI, and in the stock platform Android  were implemented only with the release of version 4.2. In addition, the firmware interface is deprived of all unnecessary and unnecessary than abound Touchwiz  and Sense.Also important is the fact that the firmware MIUI manufacturers of some smartphones installed as the main version of the operating system. So this custom ROMideal for users who would like to combine in their device all the best from the eternal competitors Android  and iOSand optimize performance and improve device performance parameters.

More detailed analysis of MIUI

Despite the similarity of the interface of this firmware to the original platform   Android  and iOS, it has its own capabilities, chips and design solutions that make it distinctive and unique. Besides, ROM  subjected to continuous improvement by the creators. And millions of users contribute to the improvement of the system, thanks to feedback and suggestions for optimizing the work that they post on the official website of developers.

Looks very original locking screen system. It is equipped with a round element in the middle, on which the main buttons are located (there are four of them) - this is the camera button, call log, messages, music player. This feature is certainly very convenient, since you can use these features of the gadget without unlocking the main screen. In addition to this, listening to music, it is possible to go from track to track, adjust the equalizer, raise and lower the volume. Also on lokskrine visible battery power.

Excellent opportunity to MIUI  can be called the fact that the number of desktops is unlimited. On each work screen, you can place applications by distributing them by function and purpose. Icon design in a custom platform is significantly different from Android  and iOS -this is another indisputable difference MIUI  from these systems.

A similar feature with the platform iOScan be called the fact that the main settings are divided into different categories. Very convenient slider, with which you can navigate through the menu. You can also adjust the screen brightness of the device.

One of the main bonuses of this firmware is its own application store, which is called Supermarket.  You can download absolutely all applications available in Google play. Moreover, many programs for which previously had to pay, you can install it for free.

Additional features of MIUI

• A huge number of themes with fine-tuning, which will allow you to create a unique design for the gadget.
• A large assortment of widgets, including weather widgets, widgets for cleaning the device’s memory, a variety of clocks and photo frames, a calendar, reminders of important events, and many others.
• Beautiful animation effects and the original transition between the working screens.
• In the firmware there is no usual menu with a set of utilities, instead there are many working screens.

  Illusion ROMs firmware review

The main difference of this custom ROM’s  from others lies in a stylish design solution - the absolute transparency of the user interface. Still Illusion ROMS  It has high performance parameters and quite low energy costs. This is achieved by the fact that the firmware thoroughly optimizes the work of the gadget. Also Illusion ROMS  allows you to make various settings. The ROM  It will be interesting to the user who is interested in the optimal operation of the device and obtaining a unique original interface.

Detailed analysis of the firmware

Even in the name of the firmware, it is guessed that this platform differs from others by an unusual interface, which has an original transparency and a pleasant color scheme. In this case, you can choose two styles of design - in dark and light colors.

ROMis in constant revision, so far it is available only in the non-final beta version. Due to this, the firmware is distinguished by some errors in use, which, however, are not so significant. Creators Illusion ROMS  Immediately warn users about possible bugs. And users, in turn, can report on unstable work, so that developers eliminate errors and make the firmware even better.

This firmware was created on the source code. ROM’s Slim Beam.Therefore, it can be compared with this custom firmware, but for the most part it is already a new self-sufficient product. The system has a great feature. Halowhich is now used in many informal ROM’ah.It allows you to see all messages and notifications from applications on the main desktop and allows them to be viewed simultaneously. Another advantage of this function is that you can switch between applications without leaving the interface that is used.

The firmware has a lot of chips that allow you to fine-tune the work of the gadget. For example, in Illusion ROMS  You can adjust the screen rotation angle to 80 degrees. Also pleased with the variety of profiles that optimize the operation of the device on a trip or in a business meeting, turning off or reducing the volume of sounds, setting a vibrating alert or performing call forwarding.

Additional Features of Illusion ROMS

• Extended desktop.
• Huge selection of a variety of custom wallpapers.
• Ability to adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen colors.
• Convenient switching between different designs of the system.
• Hiding the status bar in an automatic way.

  Paranoid Android firmware review

This firmware has a truly limitless possibilities in the field of custom settings, which, of course, will never be available in the original versions of Android. And allows the user to give their device a unique style and originality.

Key Features:

• Ability to change the scale in the applications. For example, in the mail service, you can configure everything in such a way that the letter will be displayed in full, and the remaining buttons will be small. And in such an important application as Titanium backupyou can make all the buttons very large so that you do not carelessly press the button and do not return the system to the old settings. Such a function, no doubt, will appeal to most users.
• The system has a special menu. Pie controlswhich will help remove all applications from the screen and the status bar on the pie chart. Moreover, the diagram will appear only when the user calls it.
• Convenient Halo feature that allows you to receive all notifications and messages, while in any one application.
• The possibility of obtaining tablet interface elements on the smartphone. This is a great opportunity, because the tablet interface is often not only more beautiful, but also more convenient than the interface of a smartphone.

This firmware will be an ideal choice for users who value stability and reliable performance, but want to have more different custom settings and interface elements.

Detailed analysis of the firmware

Source for Paranoid Android  There was an excellent well-known custom firmware, it was from there that high performance indicators and reliability of work   ROMBut, Paranoid Android  it has a wider range of customization options and a unique design.

This firmware is more adaptable for tablets, but this does not interfere with the success of using it on Android smartphones without any loss in the functionality of the gadget.

AT Paranoid Android  shop available Google Play, where you can download all the applications that the user deems necessary. But we must bear in mind that on this platform the work of some applications will not be optimal.

In this custom ROM'e  There is such a very important setting, as the function of changing the screen resolution in each particular application, while the resolution settings in general on the device do not change.

The user can control the system load itself, ensuring maximum optimization of the gadget's operation. You can stop any applications that are not necessary at a given time, clear the device’s memory of unnecessary information, change the font smoothing and much more, thanks to which the device starts working much faster and the device’s excellent performance is achieved.

also in Paranoid Android  There are such excellent and well-known features like   Pie controls(allows you to clear the screen of icons and shortcuts and send them to a round diagram, which is displayed on the desktop only after a call by the user) and   Halo  (allows you to see all the alerts and messages on the main screen and view them simultaneously, without leaving the application used) .

Additional Paranoid Android Features

• The ability to quickly switch to full screen mode.
• The ability to take screenshots of the screen at any time of the device.
• Significantly improved sound effect quality.
• Access to superuser rights.

  AOKP firmware review

Firmware AOKP  provides the greatest opportunity for the finest device personalization settings. It is very easy to set up shakes patterns or customize any user interface elements.

Main features of AOKP

• Unique ability to install your own   boot animations
• The function of the full setting of the navigation menu with the ability to add various labels there.
• Ribbon - allows you to quickly transition to different applications from anywhere in the operating system.

This firmware is for the user who wants to get truly unlimited possibilities for personalizing his device. In this case AOKP  out of competition.

Detailed analysis of the firmware

The firmware is distinguished by originality and originality. A great addition to the functionality AOKP  interface serves   Ribbon. It makes it possible to divide all existing utilities into several categories and place them on special tabs, which greatly simplifies user access to various applications. .

The main control of the device is carried out using seven buttons. The purpose, type, degree of illumination, color design and the location of the buttons can be changed by the user.

In the custom platform there are great opportunities for working with widgets. They can be installed on desktops, as well as on the lock screen. The number of widgets on one screen is limited only by the desire of the user. AT ROM'ea unique animation of transitions between working screens is used - it is presented in the form of rotation of the cube faces.

The main screen is neatly executed and concise, thanks to the small icons and the compact placement of labels labels. This is a very advantageous difference from the firmware, which cannot boast of compact icons. Application icons in AOKP  also have ample opportunities to customize their appearance.

A unique feature of the system can be called the fact that it automatically changes profiles, with a change in the position of the gadget in space. For example, if the user puts the smartphone face down, the device immediately goes into sleep mode and all the necessary functions for this mode are activated automatically. You can customize each of the profiles and give it functions at the discretion of the user.

Additional features of AOKP

• Ability to customize the device boot process.
• An excellent feature is the fact that even to hold the buttons on the main screen, you can assign a specific action.
• Ability to change the background of the curtain display notifications.
• The firmware allows you to manually configure the processor of the device.
• The ability to completely change to your taste the status bar and navigation bar.
• Ability to put your templates shakes.

  PAC ROM Firmware Overview

Custom firmware is a very successful symbiosis of various functions and the best features. AOKP, Paranoid Android  and. And it successfully compensates for a small set of unique features. ROMA truly bright eigenfunction can be called the settings with which the user is presented with the joint capabilities of the firmware, as mentioned above.

Detailed analysis of the firmware

The uniqueness of the firmware is that the user is given a great opportunity to work in one of the three interfaces of custom   ROMs AOKP, Paranoid Android  or . All their best features are skillfully combined in

This firmware is considered to be quite new, the developers did it for a smartphone Sony xperia ray. However, later it was successfully adapted to all devices on Android. It has a good stable performance and excellent performance parameters of the device.

On this platform, it is possible to switch the main screen in one of three modes - tablet, recommended or original stock mode. The main buttons have ample user custom settings. There is a great opportunity to add a custom background to the notification panel, and you can also change its transparency. In addition, the firmware is equipped with popular interfaces. Ribbon, Pie Controlsand   Halo. About their properties and convenience mentioned above. Among the possibilities ROMthere are functions for managing the core and tracking the state of its frequencies.

Additional PAC ROM features

• Very ample opportunity to personalize the unlock screen.
• A wide range of diverse topics.
• Options for the security settings of the gadget, which allow to increase its resistance to external influences.
• The ability to control android device using hand gestures.
• The device with the installed system also supports CRT-animation.

  OmniROM firmware review

In conclusion, it is worth considering the custom firmware. It is still being developed by experts, but now we can talk about the uniqueness and power of this system. The fact is that developers offer users to choose the most useful and diverse functionality. ROM, which will allow the firmware to become the best among competitors. The selection of the necessary functions is carried out by voting on the official web resource of the creators of the firmware. And the source code is laid out in free access, in order to interest users who are knowledgeable in programming, so that they contribute to the improvement of the firmware. The developers say that initially this custom ROMit will be supported only on certain devices, but in the future it is planned to adapt the firmware for all android gadgets. Much more interesting information about can be found on the website of the developers of the firmware.

The easiest way to seriously upgrade your gadget is to install custom firmware on it. With it, you can not only expand the number of controls on the system, but also try something new, get a lot of convenient features, or even a new version of Android. In this article I will talk about the ten most popular, interesting and functional firmware created on the basis of Android.

Paranoid Android

Combines

Temasek’s

MK (MoKee)

The interface is truly original. Absolutely all standard Android applications have been replaced by proprietary applications, and the rest are significantly improved. In the notification panel there are quick switches that appear above the notifications. The “Power Consumption” section has been renamed to “Power Management” and is much more convenient and informative; the “Network Modes” button allows you to enable the “Only 3G” and “Only 2G” modes.

There are no complaints about the speed of the graphic shell. Everything is very fast and smooth. It is worth saying that an interesting permission management mechanism is built into the firmware. It allows you to limit significantly more parameters than Android Marshmallow. The interface of settings and almost all system applications is completely Russified. But in all applications that work via the Internet, you will see only Chinese characters, but the method of scientific typing and knowledge of how such applications are arranged, completely allow them to be used.

In the Chinese version of the Play Store there are almost all popular (and not so) applications. But Google programs will refuse to work without Google Play services, and it’s not so easy to deliver these services. There is a solution to the problem on the Internet, but it does not always work, you will have to use either the built-in market, or various unofficial stores, and also come to terms with the fact that some applications will not start without Google Services.

Dropped out of dough

Bliss

Official site:  blissroms.com/
  48 (August 13, 2016)
The foundation:  Cyanogenmod
Android version: 6.0.1

The developers claim that Bliss is one of the most customizable tailoring. In fact, it is not. The firmware is really an assembly of interesting features from other firmwares, but it’s very far from RR, AICP or Temasek. Is that initially sewn and run through the settings Kernel Adiutor and SuperSU. The firmware settings themselves are not translated into Russian. The translation applies only to items that are in CyanogenMod.

crDroid

Official site:  ww2.crdroid.org
Number of officially supported devices:  29 (09/09/2016)
The foundation:  Cyanogenmod
Android version: 6.0.1

The purpose of creation, like all, is to add the best features from other firmware. On the welcome screen during initial setup, it is written that the firmware includes a lot of functions from OmniROM, Paranoid Android, Temasek and others. Unfortunately, there is the same story as with Bliss. The lack of exclusive features and a significant lag in capabilities from RR, AICP, Temasek. No interesting applications built in.

Outside the test

• NexSense 6.0 - an attempt to port HTC Sense 6.0 (Android 4.4.2) to Nexus 5. At first, only the firmware itself was launched, but over time, the enthusiasts were able to get Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and various sensors to work. But for a very long time, this could not be achieved from the camera and sound. Over time, the developers came to the conclusion that it was necessary to rewrite some libraries from scratch. Local craftsmen seemed to be trying to do it, but to no avail.
• ASUS ZENUI CM 13 (Nightly) Based  - A project to port applications from Asus ZenUI to CyanogenMod 13. Officially, development is carried out only for LG G2. According to the developers, about 90% of all applications have already been moved.
• MIUI  - firmware officially ported to 286 different devices. Developed by Xiaomi and is based on the source code of CyanogenMod and AOSP. A lot of chips migrated here from iOS, TouchWiz, UX (LG), HTC Sense, but there are also their own. There are so many useful functions that their description is a topic for a separate article.
• Maru OS  - a very original firmware that, when connected to a monitor, makes a full desktop out of it. Read the detailed review and interviews with the developer can.

How to install?

For most devices, the firmware from the drain looks like this:

1. Unlock the bootloader (for each device it is individual, so go ahead to Google).
2. Installing custom recovery (in rare cases, you can install custom without it, but this is not a good idea).
     2.1. Go to the official TWRP website, enter the name of your device there, download the latest version for it.
     2.2. We connect the smartphone via USB, install drivers for your device on your computer.
     2.3. Download and install the Android SDK.
     2.4. We launch the terminal and flash recovery with the fastboot flash recovery command_name_recovery.img (fastboot is located in the platform-tools folder inside the SDK).
3. After the firmware, we go to TWRP, select the Russian language (at the very bottom), put a tick on “Allow Changes” and swipe to the right.
4. Go to the "Cleaning" section and select "Format Data" there. This is necessary if the data section is encrypted.
5. We connect the smartphone to the computer and transfer the file with the new firmware to the memory card.
6. Select "Install", and then the firmware file. We agree to swipe right.
7. Click on “Reboot to OS” and wait for the download to finish (about ten minutes, including optimization of applications).
8. After the initial setup, we recommend that you again boot into the recovery and make backups. At a minimum - an EFS partition, in which IMEI, s / n and other important data are stitched.

If you do not want to lose the main firmware, you can install it with the second system by custom. This will help one of a kind MultiROM Manager. It allows you to install multiple firmware at once. Select the firmware from the installed device offers when you turn it on. Installation of the program is quite simple (just do not forget to make backup copies just in case):

1. Install MultiROM Manager from the Play Store and launch it.
2. Click the "Install" button.
3. We are waiting for the end of the installation, and then agree to a reboot.
4. After rebooting and installing some scripts, the firmware selection interface will open.

Installing the second firmware is done via MultiTWRP in the Advanced -\u003e MultiROM section or through the application itself.

Dictionary

• Stock (stock, firmware)  - official firmware, pre-installed by the manufacturer by default. Also, stock images are often called not only absolutely pure images of stock firmware, but also images prepared for installation through unofficial recovery.
• AOSP (Android Open Source Project)  - the original Android source code from Google, available for download and modification to everyone. The term “AOSP-based firmware” (based on stock, based on AOSP) means that the firmware was compiled on the basis of these sources (and not the CyanogenMod sources, as sometimes happens). Most Xposed modifications work only in AOSP / CyanogenMod and firmware based on them.
• CAF (Code Aurora Forum)  - supported by the Linux Foundation project, forcing the promotion of open source mobile equipment. The main participant in the project is Qualcomm, which supports the Android for MSM repository, which contains Android sources with optimizations for Qualcomm chips. If the developers claim that their firmware is based on CAF, then it includes all of these optimizations. But it is worth bearing in mind that changes from Android for MSM often flow into AOSP.
• CyanogenMod Based (CM based, based on CynogenMod) - firmware based on CyanogenMod code. Immediately after the release of the new version of AOSP, the developers of CyanogenMod copy its sources into their own repository and begin to implement their add-ons and port it to new devices. And the devices in the list of supported CyanogenMod are such an impressive number that many developers of custom firmware choose it as the base, and not as the AOSP.
• Recovery (recovery mode, recovery)  - Android Recovery Console. It is intended to reset to factory settings or install a firmware zip file signed by the manufacturer's key. For many devices, there are third-party recovery with advanced features, such as ClockworkMod, TWRP, Philz. They allow you to make full backups of the entire system, as well as individual parts, install third-party firmware, format and resize partitions, install any add-ons and many other things useful.
• Bootloader (bootloader, bootloader)  - loaded first. It transfers to the kernel the partition table of the built-in NAND memory, loads it into memory and starts it. It is the bootloader that connects to the PC in fastboot mode and launches the recovery. Therefore, before installing a custom recovery and often third-party firmware, you have to unlock it. Almost always after unlocking the bootloader, all data is erased from the device’s memory.
• GApps (Google Apps)  - a set of services and applications from Google. GApps packages come in various sizes, from the smallest (less than 100 MB), which include only Google Play and services for its operation, to large ones that contain almost all existing Google applications (the size of such packages approaches 800 MB). Many firmware developers recommend installing Open GApps. The differences between the versions can be viewed in the Open GApps Wiki. It should be borne in mind that some GApps applications may replace system applications.
• Nightly ("nightie")  - nightly build firmware. For many devices, assemblies are done daily (nightly). In theory, they have low stability, but in practice unsuccessful assemblies are extremely rare, and emerging bugs are fixed very quickly.

F2FS file system

Almost all custom firmwares support the F2FS file system, which is designed specifically for working with flash memory and, in theory, uses it more efficiently and more carefully than ext4. You can switch to this file system in the following way:

1. Go to TWRP.
   2.0. Open the item “Cleaning -\u003e Custom Cleaning”.
     2.1. Mark the section Cache.
     2.2. Click “Restore or change file system -\u003e Change. file system -\u003e F2FS "and swipe to confirm.
     2.3. Press the "Home" button.
2. Repeat point 2 for data and system sections.

Notes:

• Not all firmware support F2FS. If there is no support, you'll catch an endless download.
• After changing the file system of the data section, not only the program data and firmware settings will be lost, but also the files saved on the internal memory card.
• In practice, the performance gain will be at best a few percent.

Conclusion

We have considered far from all existing firmware. However, even this will be enough to have an idea about modern firmware. On the interface, they are almost all similar, everything works very smoothly, and it is very difficult to notice any differences in the speed of work. But they have different functions. From myself I can add that if you sit for a long time, at least on MoKee or Resurrection Remix, even then you will not want to return even to a clean CyanogenMod. But to help Xposed probably have to turn. Fortunately, almost all existing custom firmware work with almost any Xposed modules.

There are many advantages that you can get by installing custom firmware on your Android device. In addition to changing the overall look of your phone or tablet, it can also improve device performance and battery life by adding new features that are not available in stock firmware, expanding the functionality of your phone, and also help you squeeze the very best out of your device.

If you are not satisfied with the performance and appearance of the stock OS, you can install one of the many custom firmwares to give your phone a completely new look. Below are five of the best custom firmware to customize your Android device.

CyanogenMod is the most popular aftermarket Android firmware today. It has more than one million registered users worldwide. This firmware is so popular because it is available on almost all Android devices, and it has a lot of great features that are not found in official firmware.

In particular, it has the ability to customize shortcuts on the home screen, an additional panel to adjust the sound, advanced launcher capabilities, an improved Camera application, separate themes (installed specifically for this firmware), setting the status bar, special lock screen shortcuts, and much more .

MIUI is one of the most popular custom Android firmware, second only to CyanogenMod. It has become popular due to its iOS-like interface and a ton of additional features, such as a flashlight, Notes application, Weather, and other fantastic applications and themes.

If you are a little bored with your current firmware, then MIUI is definitely worth a try.

Paranoid Android is another great custom firmware that you can use to configure your Android device. Build AOSP (Android Open Source Project), based on CyanogenMod, entered into its own right after moving to Jelly Bean 4.2.1. The uniqueness of this firmware is its hybrid mode, which allows you to switch between the user interface of a smartphone, tablet and phablet (a mixture of tablet and phone).

It comes with a hybrid engine that allows you to determine the resolution for each application. This means that you can use the app in phone mode, and at the same time use other apps in tablet mode. You can also set your own colors for the applications, notifications and application data menus will be colored in the same colors.

Another great feature of this firmware is the PIE and HALO controls. PIE is a radial menu where the choice depends on the direction. In a nutshell, PIE mode removes the navigation bar and status bar, and to access the controls, drag your finger from the bottom up to the screen.

Halo is a notification feature that works on the principle of Facebook Chat, but more reliably.

The firmware is available only for Nexus and OPPO Find 5 devices, and also has been migrated to several phones, such as Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 and others.

AOKP is one of the most popular Android firmware today. Just like Paranoid Android, the firmware allows you to customize the interface of your Android device.

It is great for Nexus devices, as it allows you to change the color of the keys on the screen. It also has the ability to make the status bar and navigation bar transparent, and LED notifications. Stability is also one of its main priorities. AOKP supports many devices such as Nexus devices, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note II, Motorola Droid 3, Droid 4, Droid Bionic and many others.

SlimBean is a very light and multifunctional firmware, while providing stability. It has its own core ??, which allows you to overclock the processor, maintain themes engines and much more. Along with better performance, the firmware core also makes possible better battery life.

The unique feature of SlimBean is Real Dark Slim. Thanks to it, you can invert the colors of your interface with a single click. The firmware supports many devices, including the Nexus, Galaxy S3 devices and all Galaxy Note variants.