Samsung Galaxy Gear gets its very first custom ROM

The Samsung Galaxy Gear was meant to be Samsung’s big break into the smartwatch game, but so far the device has been met with relatively lukewarm reception. Most critics admit that the device has potential but that it is held back by limited apps, limited device support and an overall experience that feels “unfinished”.

The good news is that Samsung is hard at work to improve that experience through future software updates. In the meantime, some Gear users have begun tinkering with the device, looking to find ways to unlock its potential through the modding scene.

We’ve already seen methods for sideloading apps to the Gear, but now XDA forum member fOmey has taken things a step further by introducing what looks to be the Gear’s very first custom ROM.

According to the developer, the ROM is based on the MK7 stock ROM with plenty of special customizations added to the mix. The ROM is also rooted, deodexed and includes Novalauncher, a few custom widgets, the ability to do native APK installation and so much more. The Gear ROM is even capable of browsing the web via bluetooth tethering.

While the Gear ROM is far from perfect, it is said to be reasonably stable and certainly could be a fun way to turn your Galaxy Gear into a “full” Android device. Of course it’s important to remember that custom ROMing isn’t for everyone, and things can go wrong. In other words, proceed with caution.

For more details on what the new fOmey ROM brings to the table, you’ll want to head on over to the XDA Developer’s forum.