Skip to main content

How to install Android 4.2.2 on your Nexus S

The Nexus S got its last official Android update (4.1.2) last October 2012. If you want to get to the latest version, you have to go for a custom ROM. The 4.2 Jellybean changelog lists down the new features that are available. There are only a couple of new features that are significant:

  1. Quick settings - If you are tired of doing Menu -> System Settings and scrolling, then this should be make things like disabling mobile data or switching to 2G/3G faster. Though one could argue you could get this using Power Toggles.
  2. Gesture keyboard - If you don't have Swype, then this should be handy. Though someone backported this feature to 4.0 and 4.1, so you still can get this. Jellybean 4.2 Keyboard
  3. New clock - I used to install Ultrachron for the stopwatch and timer. Now, it is built-in. The design is not as intuitive but you'll get used to it. It also looks so much better than Ultrachron.
  4. Font enhancement - There are slight tweaks to how text looks.
  5. Lock screen widgets - Frankly, I don't use this on the Nexus S. However, if you want to try the excellent DashClock lockscreen widget, you'll need 4.2. It is quite useful on the Nexus 7, where you have a larger screen.
If you really want the new features of 4.2, then the easiest way to upgrade will be to install Cyanogen 10.1. The Cyanogen wiki page has the best instructions IMHO. Read and reread that completely. The major steps to installing a custom ROM are the following:
  1. Unlock your bootloader - Download the Android SDK to be able to use the fastboot command to unlock the bootloader. This step wipes all data from your device so make sure you keep a backup of your photos and SMS messages.
  2. Install ClockworkMod recovery - Since your bootloader has already been unlocked, you can install software that will enable you to install a custom ROM. This is a small piece of software that you run by pressing Power Button and Volume Down at the same time when turning on your device.
  3. Install CyanogenMod - You'll be using ClockworkMod to install the custom ROM. Follow the instructions on wiping before installing the files. You'll need to install 2 files in sequence. The first file is about 150MB and will install Android 4.2. Choose the M1 if you want something stable. The nightly builds may have bugs and can randomly reboot but will have more advanced features like HDR. The second file provides Google Play and the Google apps.
  • cm-10.1-20130121-EXPERIMENTAL-crespo-M1.zip or one of the nightlies (Update 2013-03-04: cm-10.1-20130304-EXPERIMENTAL-crespo-M2.zip has been released). See the Get CM page for the latest list.
  • gapps-jb-20121212-signed.zip
Once you've done this, you'll be able to try out other alternative ROMs. Steps 1 and 2 no longer need to be done. Good luck on your journey in the land of custom ROMs!
Labels:

Comments

AAREN said…
Very informative post for android users.Thanks a lot for this good post.

android application development
2/25/2013 1:02 PM
Anonymous said…
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our
community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on.
You've done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

Visit my blog - what is a home equity loan line of credit
Also see my web site > sofortkredit schufafrei
3/10/2013 10:52 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

iReport Default Date Parameter

If you want to set a default date for a jasperreports parameter, you can enter the following in the default value expression of the parameter. new Date() However, if you wanted the default to be relative from today, for example, 3 days ago, you will need to do go outside of the standard java date libraries (Date, Calendar) because JR parameter does not allow you to have multiple statements. You can write your own utility package or you can use Joda , a replacement library for the JDK date and time library. To use Joda in iReports, you need to extract the jar file and add it to Options -> Classpath. You may also drop the jar file in iReports' lib directory. You will also need to add this library to your application or report server. For setting a default date 5 days prior from today, use this: new org.joda.time.DateTime().minusDays(5).toDate() or this if you want the time part set to the beginning of the day: new org.joda.time.LocalDate().toDateTimeAtStartOfDay().minusDays(5).to...
5 comments
Read more

Activating NDD on your Globe landline

NDD and IDD is not available by default on your new Globe landline to protect you from inadvertent charges due to calls to mobile phones and long distance numbers. Note that these instructions are for Metro Manila accounts. To activate NDD, you need call 730-1000. The problem is, an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) menu greets you at that number and there is no menu option to activate NDD. There is also no easy way to get to a human in the options. For credit card companies, I always use the "Report a lost card" option to reach an agent immediately. It appears there is no such shortcut with Globe's number. After several attempts at the menus, the way I got to an agent was to pretend to customize my plan and select the option that says the information is not helpful. Here's the guide: 730-1000 IVR Menu: 1 - English 1 - Globelines 1 - Customize your plan 1 - Customize your plan 2 - Not helpful 1- Talk to a customer agent It will take about 3 minutes for the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Your car key remote got wet, what now?

My car key fell into a street drain where it lay there for at least 5 minutes before somebody was able to fish it out. The first thing you need to do is remove the battery and dry out the electronic parts. I used tissue paper to blot out all visible moisture. When everything appeared to be dry, assembled the key back and tried to open the car. Fortunately, it worked. A couple of hours later, it didn't work anymore. When I checked the battery again, there was a little water and it appeared that there was still moisture inside the casing. The best thing to do here is to find silica gel or a dessicant which you can find inside new shoes or bags. If you can't find any, you can go to a supermarket and buy a pack of rice crackers. I knew One One Rice Crackers had a large pack of dessicant inside. That's the one on the left below. I found the one on the right from a Case Logic bag. Just pack these together with the electronic component of the car key in plastic bag. Seal it and...
2 comments
Read more