Nexus 7 tablet got firsthand on Android 4.4 KitKat AOSP version via RootzWiki for Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi edition while Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi variant can get it from Paranoid Android.

Nexus 7 Android 4.4 KitKat Firmware

Third-party developers have the source code of the latest Android 4.4 KitKat and already released custom ROMs for both Nexus 7 2012 and 2013 Wi-Fi variants. Android Authority revealed that RootzWiki released an AOSP KitKat firmware for Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi while Paranoid Android made their own custom ROM for the Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi variant.

Both are unofficial software which isn't encouraged for the faint-hearted and requires some tweaking before being flashed on the Nexus 7 tablet. Owners of Nexus 7 2012 and 2013 can get official firmware update from Google before 2013 ends.

Warning: The following ROMs are unofficial firmware which requires manual installation and also voids any warranty. We are not responsible for any damages or errors which may happen on your tablet. Read, understand and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your device. Do this at your own risk.

Requirements

1. Apply the firmware to Nexus 7 2012 and 2013 Wi-Fi models only. Flashing it to other Nexus 7 variant may result to unforeseen consequences.

2. Unlock the bootloader and root your Nexus 7 tablet.

3. Create a backup of all personal information, settings and data files stored on the tablet.

4. Make sure that the battery level is at least 50 per cent to prevent power interruption during the flash.

5. Enable USB debugging mode. Go to 'Settings > Developer options > USB debugging.'

6. Download and install a custom recovery such as ClockworkMod recovery on the tablet.

7. Download the Android 4.4 AOSP firmware for Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi and Android 4.4 Paranoid Android for Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi to your computer.

8. Download the Google Apps package respective on your tablet variant:

a. Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi

b. Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi

Flashing Instructions

1. Connect your Nexus 7 to the computer using a USB cable.

2. Copy the firmware designed for your Nexus 7 and the Google Apps package then paste them inside the internal storage of your tablet. No need to extract the zip files.

3. Disconnect your Nexus 7 tablet from the computer then reboot it into recovery mode.

4. Inside the recovery mode, create an Android backup of the current ROM. Select 'backup and restore > backup' to save a copy of the running ROM which may be restored anytime.

5. Perform a full wipe on your tablet by selecting 'wipe data/factory reset' and 'wipe cache partition' then 'advanced > wipe Dalvik cache.'

6. Install the Android 4.4 KitKat ROM by selecting 'install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD card > search for the firmware you have pasted earlier > confirm installation.' Apply the same with Google Apps package.

7. Once the installation has been completed, go back to the main menu then select 'reboot system now.'

8. Your Nexus 7 tablet will reboot and may take five minutes before reaching the home screen.

Well done! Your Nexus 7 is now running Android 4.4 KitKat OS with tons of new features and changes.