A number of Android-powered devices have received custom ROM upgrades in recent days, with stock themes borrowed from the User Interfaces (UI) of other handsets. The Samsung Galaxy Ace is the latest to import such themes - this time from the Galaxy S3's TouchWiz 5 UI. The import includes icons, wallpapers, a home launcher, sounds, widgets and more.

Update CyanogenMod 7.2 Based Gingerbread on Galaxy Ace with Galaxy S3 TouchWiz 5 Theme [How to Install]
Photo: Samsung

This update – a CyanogenMod 7.2 (CM7)-based Android 2.3.7 (Gingerbread) feature – reportedly offers faster performances and a plethora of customisation options aimed at tweaking UI. It should be noted, however, this is not an official version and hence may contain bugs. In addition, apps found in stock ROMs may be unavailable with this update.

Pre-Requisites:

  • The ROM and installation guide are meant for the Samsung Galaxy Ace (S5830 model) only and will not work with any other device. Do not try this firmware update on an incompatible device as it may cause irreparable damage to its hardware. Verify the device's model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone before proceeding
  • The installation procedure will wipe the device's apps, data and settings (without affecting the contents of the SD cards). IBTimes UK advises users to back-up apps, important personal data (bookmarks, contacts, text messages, APN and other Internet settings) to avoid data loss while installation
  • Make sure ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery or some other custom recovery is installed on the device
  • The instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purposes only and do not cover any warranty claims involving device damage or issues arising out of using this firmware update. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

How to Install CM7-Based Gingerbread Update on Galaxy Ace with Galaxy S3 TouchWiz 5 Theme

  1. Download latest version of the CM7-based Gingerbread ROM from XDA developers' thread posted here
  2. Without extracting, copy downloaded zip file to internal SD card on the phone
  3. Power off the Galaxy Ace and wait for five to six seconds (until the device vibrates) to confirm complete shutdown
  4. Now, simultaneously press and hold Home and Power buttons till Ace logo appears on the screen. The phone should boot, instantly, into CWM Recovery mode. Once inside, use volume keys to navigate between options and the Power and Home keys to select
  5. Make a Nandroid back-up of earlier ROM, so it can be restored if there is an error with this installation. To make the back-up, choose Backup and Restore option on the device. Return to main recovery menu once back-up is done
  6. Select Wipe Data / Factory Reset and confirm procedure when asked, on next screen. Wait till data wipe process is completed (this should only erase installed apps and settings but personal SD card files should be intact)
  7. Select install zip from SD card. Locate ROM file, select and confirm installation on next screen. The ROM should begin installation
  8. Upon completion, re-boot device into CM7 S3 Mod ROM

Note: To restore previous ROM, boot into Recovery (Step Four), select Backup and Restore option and then restore previous ROM by selecting from the list

The CM7-based S3 Mod ROM is now successfully installed on the Galaxy Ace.

[Source: The Android Soul]

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