Install Sailfish OS - Here's how
Sailfish OS is a new operating system from Jolla that can also be installed on regular Android phones. However, the system is still in the early beta stage, which is why only experimental versions and so far are only available for the Google Nexus 4.
Test installation of Sailfish OS on the Nexus 4
The installation of Sailfish OS on the Nexus 4 requires a bit of patience and above all a lot of experience in dealing with Android. The following steps can irreparably damage your device. So always be sure of what you are doing.
- According to the instructions on the website jollausers.com, which offers the only installation file for Sailfish OS, you have to take a detour on the Nexus 4 by downgrading to Android version 4.2.2 and Cyanogenmod 10.1.3.
- The downgrade to Android 4.2.2 can be achieved using Flash via Fastboot commands. The required Android firmware from Google can be found on this page. Make sure that your data is backed up: The actions will reset the smartphone to the factory settings.
- Playing with Fastboot is something for Android professionals. This guide from the XDA forum serves as a guide. This article is also suitable as an introduction, in which the principles of ADB and Fastboot are explained
- After the downgrade, the installation of Cyanogenmod 10.1.3 is necessary. The ZIP file that can be installed in the Custom Recovery can be found on the Cyanogenmod website. Drag the installation file onto the SD card and install it on the Nexus 4 after a complete data reset including cache.
- Install Sailfish OS on Cyanogenmod 10.1.3 on top of it. The necessary ZIP file can be found on the Jolla website. Install the file directly after Cyanogenmod and start Sailfish OS.
- Due to the early stage, only a little of the operating system works on the Nexus 4. Although the animations seem smooth, for example, the developers are not yet able to get the phone functions to work. If you have had enough of the semi-finished system, simply flash the Cyanogenmod file onto your Nexus again after a data wipe - and you are back in the familiar Android environment.
Waiting is the order of the day: soon you can install Sailfish OS on other smartphones
Sailfish OS is in its infancy. There is still no serious thought of an installation on any device. Here is an outlook of how it will continue:
- On the developer side of Jolla, graphics already indicate more or less working versions for the Google Nexus 7 and Nexus 5. So soon these devices will also be supplied with Sailfish OS editions.
- The in-house Jolla Phone is slowly picking up speed. For approx. 400 euros you will of course find the best functioning edition of Sailfish OS up to now.
- At the same time, one hears from corporate circles that at least the innovative launcher should soon be available as a regular Android app. Later, however, complete Sailfish editions should run on Android phones and Android apps on Sailfish OS at the same time.
