Android has come a long way in a very short period of time. One of its largest leaps, at least in terms of aesthetic value, was a design pattern called Holo UI. Originally debuting in Android 4.0, many of these design elements are still in place today.
With the release of KitKat, however, one prominent feature of the Holo UI was axed—the pale blue iconography. This particular shade, dubbed Holo Blue, was nixed in favor of a simpler white. But some small elements of Holo Blue still remain, as if the color change was rushed out before completion.
But, thanks to developer Koragg618 over on XDA, we can finally eradicate these last remnants of Holo Blue and replace them with KitKat White.
What You'll Need
- Rooted Nexus 5 running Stock Android version 4.4.3
- Custom Recovery
Download the Flashable ZIP File
This softMod comes in the form of a flashable ZIP. It is tailor-made for the latest stock firmware for the Nexus 5, so do not attempt to flash this ZIP on top of a custom ROM.
From your Nexus 5, tap this link to start the download. Wait for the file to finish downloading before proceeding to Step 2.
Again, and this is worth repeating to avoid any bootloops, you will need to be on Android 4.4.3.
Reboot into Recovery
For the easiest methods to boot into recovery, check out my guide on that subject to speed this part up a bit.
Otherwise, start by powering your Nexus 5 completely off. When the screen goes black, hold down the Volume Down button with one finger, then press the Power button with another finger. From the next screen, tap the Volume Down button twice to highlight Recovery Mode, then hit Power to confirm your choice.
Flash the ZIP File
Before flashing anything in recovery, it's always a good idea to make a backup of your existing setup. It's especially important with this one, though, since there is no revert ZIP available. This means that restoring your backup is the only way to undo this mod.
From TWRP Recovery, first tap the Install button. Browse to your Download folder to locate the White UI for Stock 4.4.3 (Nexus 5).zip file.
On the next screen, swipe the slider at the bottom to initiate the install process. When it's finished, tap Reboot System.
Touring the Changes
When you're booted back up, the Holo Blue elements will all be changed to white. Some of these changes include the coloring of toggle switches such as these in Settings:
Before.
After.
Before.
After.
Progress meters have also received the white treatment.
Blueeee.
Whiiiiite.
Blueeee.
Whiiiiite.
Sliders, such as volume and brightness adjustments have changed as well.
Even the dialer app has received a makeover.
It's almost as though the UI elements are as they should be now. How are you liking the "KitKat White" accents on your Nexus 5? Let us know in the comments section below.
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