CyanogenMod Installer now available in the Google Play Store
When the folks at CyanogenMod publicly announced they were going legit, they let us in on one big development — an installer that would make it super easy for many people to install CyanogenMod. It’s the biggest Android ROM on the scene, and it would be a shame if more people didn’t try it due to the technical barriers that many are afraid or unable to cross.
Today, the team has announced that the installer is now available in the Google Play Store. The application will be used in conjunction with a PC companion app, and all of it will allow you to get CyanogenMod on your supported device within just a few easy clicks.
“Our goal for the installer has always been to allow more users to experience the benefits of CyanogenMod, without the hassles of technical guides and concerns associated with the process,” says Steve Kondik, the esteemed co-founder and chief technology officer of Cyanogen Inc. “I’m especially pleased by the support the community has shown for our initiative and want to thank all those that helped beta test the installer.”
Bummed about a lack of Mac OSX and Linux support? Don’t worry. A spokesperson for CyanogenMod Inc revealed to Phandroid that a Mac OS version is in the pipeline, and that Linux support is something they’d consider if the demand for it is high enough.
Their understanding is that most users on Linux would be the type to want to carry out the installation process manually. We’re not sure how accurate that estimation is, but if you’re a Linux user and want to prove them wrong you can certainly make your voice heard through various communication channels.
How is it?
Well, it’s tough to say without the Windows installer just yet. A quick test run of the app reveals that it doesn’t do a very good job of letting you know if your device is supported. There is no download restriction in the Google Play Store, and the “Begin” button inside the app doesn’t enforce any such checks before it looks for a Windows installer.
This is a bit troubling considering the app will, at some point in the process, perform a factory reset. We’re not sure if this step will happen before or after your device is confirmed to be supported.
You’ll obviously need a phone that can be rooted and that can have its bootloader unlocked. Believe it or not, there are still a great deal of devices out there which don’t meet this requirement. Thankfully, the CyanogenMod team has taken the guesswork out of it by providing an official list of devices supported by the CyanogenMod Installer.
You might notice that many of Verizon’s phones, as well as others, are missing. That’s because while certain versions of these phones might be bootloader unlocked, the team won’t support a device if the unlocking method came by way of an atypical exploit (meaning if it’s something the OEM or carrier would want to patch up, it’s not good enough).
This is less about technical limitations and more about wanting to make sure users who use the installer have a safe passage to CyanogenMod goodness, no matter which build their phones are on. We can’t say we’re mad at this added bit of caution — if folks with those other devices really want CyanogenMod, they’ll know where to find it (and how to get it installed via more “traditional” methods).
The download is already live in the Google Play Store, and you can find the CyanogenMod Installer Windows app over at beta.get.cm. Before you go any further, you should know that what you decide to do with your device is your own responsibility. If it’s not an official carrier or OEM-supported app or action, you run the risk of voiding your warranty. We’re sure the CyanogenMod Installer will tell you all that, but it’s good to know before you jump into the thick of things.