Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Experience Android Marshmallow on your Nexus 7 2012 with the pre-built AOSP ROM XDA

Developer dmitrygr is working on bringing Google's latest Android treatment to Nexus devices that failed to get further stock updates. Recently, there was a pure AOSP build for the Nexus 4. Now, dmitrygr has a pre-built AOSP Android Marshmallow image ready for the 2012 Nexus 7 model.

The initial release was for the Wi-Fi variant (codename grouper) of the tablet, but now it supports the 3G model (tilapia) also. For advanced users, the developer has posted instructions on building their own custom firmware for the tablet. Additionally, he says one can legally install the Google Apps package to get complete Android Marshmallow experience, as the Nexus 7 was a Google Play-equipped device.

dmitrygr says this is a fully functional ROM, but the process might wipe out all data; therefore, create a backup of your system before you go ahead. Check out which variant of Nexus 7 you are using and install the ROM accordingly. Flashing incorrect build might brick your device. As always, installation is at your risk, and IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any damage that may occur during the process.

How to install Android Marshmallow on Nexus 7 2012 with AOSP custom build

Downloads:

TWRP flashable zip-- Nexus 7 Wi-Fi

or TWRP flashable zip-- Nexus 7 3G

Android Marshmallow Gapps

Step 1: Copy the downloaded files to the storage of your tablet and remember the location

Step 2: Boot the tablet into booatloader mode. Use Quick Boot app to boot into bootloader mode, if it is rooted. Alternatively, do the following steps to manually enter bootloader mode

  • Switch off the tablet
  • Press Volume up and Power buttons together until you see some text on the screen. This is bootloader mode and on top of the screen you should see FASTBOOT written on it
  • Use the Volume down button to go to recovery mode and Power button to select it and boot into recovery

Step 3: Ensure that your Nexus 7 is running the latest recovery (TWRP recommended for this guide)

Step 4: In recovery, first create a backup of the current tablet setup, which you would be able to restore anytime if something goes wrong with the new ROM. From recovery tap on backup and then do a swipe on the bottom of the screen to confirm the process

Step 5: You now need to perform a factory reset. For this, select Wipe, Advanced wipe then select Dalvik Cache, System, Data and Cache and then do a swipe on Swipe to wipe option

Step 6: Return to recovery, select Install then Storage. Now browse to the location where you have saved the AOSP ROM, select it and do a swipe on the Swipe to confirm flash option

Step 7: When the ROM is installed, repeat the similar process for Gapps

Note: You can also flash SuperSU if you want root access altogether.

Step 8: After the installation is completed, select Reboot system

This is all about installing the AOSP ROM using TWRP recovery. But if you want to create a build on your own, head over to the development thread at dmitrygr's site.

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