Sony Xperia Tablet Z will finally get more developer support with the announcement from CyanogenMod of a custom firmware release - the CM 10.1 Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

Finally, the CM 10.1 firmware supports the Sony Xperia Tablet Z and nightly release build is already available for download. CyanogenMod developers uploaded 2 firm wares - the Nightly and RC build which can be flashed to your UNLOCKED tablet.

CyanogenMod 10.1 for Sony Xperia Tablet Z

According to Android Police, the RC or release candidate is more stable than the nightly build of CyanogenMod 10.1 and already suitable for daily usage. However, since it is not yet an official stable release, expect some bugs here and there within the system; which comes naturally.

CyanogenMod 10.1 features include:

  • Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
  • Native theme support
  • FLAC audio codec
  • Large APN list
  • Enhanced reboot menu
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB tethering support
  • CPU overclocking
  • Tablet tweaks
  • Soft buttons
  • Zero spyware and bloatware

How to Flash CyanogenMod 10.1 to Sony Xperia Tablet Z

Warning: CyanogenMod 10.1 is a custom ROM and replacing the software on your device may void its warranty. Modification can damage your device and developers are not liable for any of it. Do this at your own risk.

1. Find out first if your device is possible for any unlocking of its boot loader. Check the Sony Mobile Guide for Unlocking Web page and follow the instructions carefully.

2. Download the CM 10.1 RC build version.

3. Copy the CyanogenMod ROM on the SD card of your Sony Xperia Tablet Z.

4. On your computer, extract the "boot.img" from the ROM's zip file and place it inside the fastboot folder.

5. Put the device into fastboot mode then open a command window on the fastboot folder on your computer.

6. Enter this command: fastboot -i 0xfce flash boot boot.img

7. Then enter the next command: fastboot -i 0xfce reboot

8. As the device goes to reboot, press the "volume rockers" a few times to load Recovery mode.

9. Inside the ClockworkMod recovery, select "backup and restore > backup" to save the current ROM.

10. Then go back and select "wipe data/factory reset."

11. After the reset, select "install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD card" then choose the CyanogenMod ROM you have copied earlier.

12. Once the installation is complete, go back to the main menu of the Recovery mode and select "reboot system now."

13. The tablet will restart on its own and wait for at least 5 minutes to finish the first run.

Done! Your Sony Xperia Tablet Z is now running CyanogenMod 10.1 Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. In case you want to go back to the previous ROM, reboot into Recovery mode and select "backup and restore > restore."

For any comments or issues, you may send your feedback to Sony Xperia Tablet Z XDA page or CM page at Google+