A day back at MWC 2013, Sony announced Xperia Z Tablet claiming it as world's thinnest LTE tablet yet. Later Sony announced that they are planning to launch "Firefox" OS devices in 2014 but today we saw Sony launching an official Firefox OS ROM for Xperia E based on Mozilla Technology. That's great seeming Sony becoming serious for Firefox OS when every other manufacturer is busy with other OS like Ubuntu.
Install Firefox OS ROM on Xperia E
Seeing Sony introducing it's 3 flagship devices this year, The Xperia Z, Xperia ZL and Xperia Tablet, launching new OS will be on Sony's mind. This Firefox ROM is available now to flash on your Xperia E. Sony is gathering valuable feedback from its users on this new Firefox ROM
While launching Firefox OS ROM software for Xperia E, Sony Deputy CEO Bob Ishida said...
How to Install Firefox OS ROM on Xperia E - STEPS - Tutorial
Prerequisites
You must have unlocked bootloader on Xperia E before flashing the Firefox software. Unlocking bootloader voids your warranty.
Make sure you have an unlocked Xperia E phone. Not working on locked Xperia E.
Warnings
Firefox OS ROM on Xperia E is under developing phase, so it's strictly not for daily usage of users, mainly intended for experiences developers.
You see there many features are not working on the Xperie E after flashing.
NO RADIO Connectivity - It means you can't use services like making phone calls, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Touch Sensitivity is less.
SD card use functionality not proper.
So proceed at your own risk, if you are an experienced developer who understands switching custom ROM's very well then go ahead otherwise for normal users, it's a bit risky.
How to flash Firefox OS on Xperia E
First of all you need to Unlock the bootloader of Xperia E. If you already have unlocked it's good otherwise you can head to Sony's official unlock bootloader service.
Now you need "Flash Tool for Xperia" which will help you to flash software on your unlocked Xperia Devices.
F;ash Tool for Xperia is also called as "Emma" software which you will be needing to flash Firefox OS. Download it from given below link.
Download Flash tool for Xperia devices (61.6 MB)
Flash_tool_for_Xperia_2.zip
Installing Support for Emma Software
After Downloading the "Emma" software, extract it somewhere in your PC.
Find the file "Emma.exe" and install it at C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony Mobile\Emma\ if using 64 bit window.
Copy the "Customization.ini" file from the downloaded extracted packgage. Open the installation file on above address and paste that file here. System will ask for reboot after installing.
Copying above "Customization.ini" file is mandatory, otherwise you need to register "Emma" software which takes some time. As this software is not for commercial usage it is just for developing usage.
Now open the "Emma" software just as any other usual program.
Learn How to Flash your device via Emma.
How to Connect your phone via Emma
Open "Emma" software. You will see a dialog box open like that. See picture below...
Now switch off your phone. Connect a USB cable to PC and to your Phone holding flashing key "Volume" Down button.
AndroidGyan.Com is using locked Xperia SL LT26ii but you must use only unlocked Xperia E for flashing Firefox OS.
Now you will see your phone being detected by Emma and now you are ready to flash Firefox OS.
Final Steps
As soon as you connect you Xperia E (Unlocked) you will see, Firefox OS listed in software available options for flashing.
Select the "Firefox Software OS ROM" from the list and click on "Apply Service" option.
You will see your original Android OS listed there also you can also go back to your previous stock OS.
After flashing, phone may take a bit longer time to boot but it is normal as after that it won't take. Say Cheers "Firefox" OS have been Successfully installed on your unlocked Xperia E. If you have performed every step above as stated now your Xperia E will successfully boot in Firefox OS.
Do let us know if you face any issues while flashing Firefox OS on Xperia E, we will gladly resolve your issues, and do post pics of your Xperia E running Firefox OS. You can also view our Sony Xperia Support to solve your issues.