Android Mascots At The Google I/O Developers Conference
Android mascots are lined up in the demonstration area at the Google I/O Developers Conference in the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, May 10, 2011. Reuters/Beck Diefenbach

Samsung announced before that the Galaxy S3 will no longer be in line for future Android updates. As a response to the company's move, the developer community came together once more to bring the unofficial CM12 update and CyanogenMod-based version of Android v5.0 Lollipop. The Android 5.0.2 custom ROM is available to the following models of the Galaxy S3: GT-I9300I and GT-I9301I.

The initial version of the CM12 port came under XDA senior member Rox. It was released last Christmas Eve. Following the first release, the build has evolved significantly especially since the release was within the holiday season, according to Android Origin.

Android Origin also noted that users should expect a number of features not working and some working as with other alpha ports. Likewise, the NFC on either variant will not be working following the upgrade. For those with the SIM card and the I9300I variant of Galaxy S3 Neo, audio coming through will reportedly not be possible.

There are also some issues with the camera of the 5.0.2 version. Some units may not work depending on their configurations. Samsung used different camera sensors in some of the units thus the possibility of the issue.

As for the Android 5.0 version, Samsung Galaxy S3 users can also upgrade via a new CyanogenMod based firmware. The software programs come from XDA forum member pandasa 123. It is based on the CM12 Series Alpha variant.

Users may have to free up to 226MB of their storage for the custom ROM. There are still minor issues that need to be addressed although the firmware should be functional. Likewise, it is important to note that the update is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH I747 (D2att model only). People may have to install the CM12 Custom ROM based on the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop as well.

Disclaimer: Providers of the update cannot be held responsible for what happens to the device following installation. Users can update at their own risk.

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