Samsung plans to upgrade Galaxy Ace 2 with Android 4.4 KitKat in 2014. But the company hasn't confirmed if it is going to happen. If you want to get ahead of them, get Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware version, here is one available for you.

CyanogenMod 11 for Galaxy Ace 2

A newly released CyanogenMod 11 running Android 4.4.2 KitKat is available for Galaxy Ace 2 smartphone. It was released Dec. 18 featuring the following changes:

- 2D/3D hardware acceleration

- GPS and A-GPS

- Glonass navigation

- Compass and sensors

- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with A2DP

- All native tethering

- CPU sleep mode

- CyanogenMod 11 functions

- YouTube HQ

- Wi-Fi direct

- Camera and video playback

- Offline charging

Requirements

1. Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 GT-I8160.

2. Create a manual backup of all data stored in the smartphone.

3. Battery level must be at least 50 percent.

4. Root the Galaxy Ace 2 and install a ClockworkMod custom recovery.

5. Enable USB debugging mode. Go to 'Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging.'

6. Download and install the necessary USB drivers for your smartphone in the computer.

7. Download the CyanogenMod 11 and Google Apps package to your computer.

Warning: CyanogenMod 11 is a custom-made firmware that requires manual installation. IBTimes and CyanogenMod developers are not liable for any damages or errors which may occur in your smartphone. Read, understand and follow the instructions carefully to prevent damages to happen. Do this at your own risk.

Flashing Instructions

1. Connect your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 to the computer using a USB cable.

2. Copy the CyanogenMod 11 and Google Apps zip files you've downloaded to the microSD card of your Galaxy Ace 2. Do not extract any of the zip files.

3. Disconnect the smartphone then turn it off.

4. Reboot into recovery mode by pressing and holding the "volume up + home + power" keys at the same time till the Samsung logo appears.

5. Inside the recovery mode, create nAndroid backup by selecting "backup and restore > backup." The saved ROM is located inside the SD card which you can restore anytime.

6. Perform a full wipe on your device. Select "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition." Then select "advanced > wipe Dalvik cache."

7. Install the CyanogenMod 11 by selecting "install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD card > look for the firmware > confirm installation." Apply the same with Google Apps zip file.

8. Once the installation has been completed, go back to the main menu and select "reboot system now."

9. It may up to five minutes before your smartphone reaches the home screen after the reboot.

Well done! Your Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 is now running Android 4.4.2 KitKat version based from CyanogenMod 11 custom ROM.

For comments or issues, leave a note on Maclaw Galaxy Ace 2 main page.