CyanogenMOD Officially Embraced by Google Play Store: Compatible Gadgets, Benefits & Precautions that Android Fans Should Know
Flashing custom ROMs on Android devices should become a little easier with the arrival of CyanogenMOD Installer on Google Play Store.
In effect, Google is officially encouraging Android device owners to pry deeper on their gadgets and perhaps consider modifications. In releasing the powerful application, the major aim is to "overcome the learning curve and make it easy for any Android user to install its custom ROM," CNET said in a report.
Still, the whole process of unlocking the full capabilities hidden inside of handsets like the Nexus 5, the Galaxy S4, the Galaxy Note 3, the HTC One and the Sony Xperia Z remains a serious piece of work.
To really enjoy the sheer power that is packed with the CyanogenMOD Installer, the bits of facts listed below should be of some help:
Basic CyanogenMOD features:
§ Easy to understand and carefully structured install instructions
§ Built-in safeguards against gadget 'bricking' during failed ROM installation
§ Option to reset to factory setting for supported devices
Currently supported Android devices:
§ Most Samsung Galaxy devices
§ Nexus devices - both tablets and smartphones
§ HTC One and its variants
No official word from developers as of writing but the list should be regularly updated in the months ahead, adding more Android makes and brands, expert said.
ROM installation requirements:
§ A Windows-powered PC that has a Windows MSI file
§ Or a Mac computer though support for the platform is yet to be finalised, CNET said.
§ A high-quality USB cable to ensure fast and stable data transfer
Important things to remember:
§ Back up important data stored on a mobile device before using the installer
§ Rest the device on a steady place during installation process to avoid any possible glitches
§ Charge up the unit to 100 per cent to prevent power interruption. Better yet, the device should be hooked up to a power outlet the whole time of the procedure.
§ Connect the device directly to a computer and not through a USB hub
§ Prior to the actual installation, disable your PC's anti-virus software
While the new CyanogenMOD app will introduce the very intricate task of 'custom ROM-ing' to a wider audience, co-founder Steve Kondik is quick to emphasise that the whole process of flashing ROMs to gadgets will not be magical.
It is quite remote from being a walk in the park or "a one-click root-and-ROM procedure," Mr Kondik told CNET.