While hackers and modders from all over the world are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for CyanogenMod 9 to make a mass release appearance, anyone lucky enough to own an Android 4.0.3 device can get a taste of the ROM now. Trebuchet Launcher, the launcher that will come preloaded in CyanogenMod 9, [...]]]>

While hackers and modders from all over the world are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for CyanogenMod 9 to make a mass release appearance, anyone lucky enough to own an Android 4.0.3 device can get a taste of the ROM now. Trebuchet Launcher, the launcher that will come preloaded in CyanogenMod 9, is available for download in early alpha form.

There are two requirements for running Trebuchet Launcher, you must be on Android 4.0.3, and you must be rooted. If you happen to own a device that fits that criteria, like a Galaxy Nexus or Nexus S, then you can download Trebuchet and see what the standard launcher for CM9 will come with. TreBuchet is modeled to look just like the stock Android 4 launcher, but comes with a slew of customization features not found in vanilla Android.

• Custom number of Homescreens
• Enable/Disable Persistent Search Bar
• Separated Apps/Widgets in Drawer
• Resize Any Widget
• Show and Fade Scrolling Indicator in Homescreen and Drawer
• Enable/Disable Auto-Rotate
• Drawer Apps Sorting (Title, Install Date)

Personally, I’m really looking forward to app drawer sorting and disabling the persistant Google search bar. Since I have a Nexus S, I still use the search button, making the persistant search bar pointless. And who couldn’t use a little more organization in their app drawer?

As time goes on, more and more features will find their way into Trebuchet Launcher. Infinite scrolling and screen transition animations are just two among many slated to make an appearance eventually.

For more information on Trebuchet Launcher, and to download the alpha, visit XDA now.

Gallery

There’s no doubt that many Android fans already have their Ice Cream Sandwich-filled Galaxy Nexus. Many of us (especially Americans) are still waiting for this device to hit our local stores, but we’re more than eager to play around with Android 4.0. What happens with those users who don’t feel like they [...]]]>

There’s no doubt that many Android fans already have their Ice Cream Sandwich-filled Galaxy Nexus. Many of us (especially Americans) are still waiting for this device to hit our local stores, but we’re more than eager to play around with Android 4.0. What happens with those users who don’t feel like they need new hardware to get the benefits of Ice Cream Sandwich, though?

When you know your phone is still good, and you want to stick with it for some more time, custom ROMs can be a great option. For some, it’s even better than waiting for the manufacturer update (which can take a long time). Two of the most famous custom ROMs out there are CyanogenMod and MIUI, and both offer very different interfaces.

While CyanogenMod is an AOSP ROM (hence very Android-esque), MIUI has taken things to another level and completely changed the way things look. Some consider the MIUI ROM to be too weird and flashy (looks much like iOS), while others believe it’s simply beautiful. As always, this is a matter of preference. The beauty of Android is that we all have the option to choose whatever we prefer.

Having said that, we would like to know what your preference is! MIUI has just released some images of what their Ice Cream Sandwich ROM will look like once it’s finished ^[1]. They have been working hard since the source code hit the streets and have made some great progress. We should at least be seeing some early builds soon. Check out the pictures below!

We do not have images of CyanogenMod 9 just yet, but as always, it should look pretty similar to stock Android 4.0. Many of us have been loving CyanogenMod for its stability and “stock” feel, among other reasons. If you’re a CyanogenMod fan waiting to get your hands on CM9, the CM team has just given us a quick update of their progress with the Android 4.0 ROM^[2].

To summarize, the Cyanogen team is still working hard on cooking this ROM up for their long list of supported devices. They do claim to have multiple devices with ICS already running, though and mention that the first devices to get this ROM will most likely be devices with OMAP4, MSM8660/7X30 and Exynos processiors. As well as some Tegra 2 devices, which they have already mentioned.

There’s some good news and some bad news about CyanogenMod 9, as well. Good news is that the CyanogenMod team has stated that Carrier IQ has not, is not, and will never be present in any CM ROMs^[3]. The bad news is that not every device in the supported list will be able to run CyanogenMod 9 with ICS. There’s one device that will be left off the list: the good ol’ Motorola Droid (OG).

So, which is your ROM of choice? Will you be going with CM9 or MIUI? We thought it would be a great idea to make a poll, just to see where our readers stand on this dilemma. Please participate, and let us know your reasons in the comments section!

Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs have been coming out of the woodwork for the past couple weeks now, but there are none as anticipated as CyanogenMod 9.

The amount of work that goes into a stable CyanogenMod release is astonishing. Not only does the build have to be fully functional, but bug free as well. [...]]]>

Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs have been coming out of the woodwork for the past couple weeks now, but there are none as anticipated as CyanogenMod 9.

The amount of work that goes into a stable CyanogenMod release is astonishing. Not only does the build have to be fully functional, but bug free as well. With every new release, be it alpha or nightly, more bugs are discovered. So as time goes on, it becomes more and more tedious to perfect a single ROM. It’s going to be awhile before any stable CyanogenMod ROMs go up for download, but alpha builds are already finding their way online.

If you are lucky enough to own a Nexus S, then you can download and try out CyanogenMod 9 now. In its current stage, CyanogenMod 9 alpha 11 for the Nexus S is missing very few essential functions. There some issues with video playback and MMS isn’t perfect, but there are a lot of people using the ROM as a daily driver. As time goes on more bugs will be found and ironed out, and customization features will be piled on until you can change and tweak nearly every aspect of the device. But for now, this is as good as it gets.

If you’re looking to get CyanogenMod 9 onto your Nexus S, you can find all the info in this XDA thread. Of course the standard only you are responsible for hacking your phone disclaimers apply.

While we’re on the subject of CyanogenMod 9, what feature are you dying to try out? Personally, I’d love to see how themes work. The theme engine is CyanogenMod 7 was great, especially once you were sick to death of the orange highlights and black notification bar. The blue highlights in Ice Cream Sandwich will be a welcome change, but for how long? I’ll take my Ice Cream Sandwich in purple or gray please.

It certainly did not take long for the CyanogenMod team to get working on Android 4.0. Soon after the Ice Cream Sandwich source code was released, Cyanogen’s official Twitter account informed us that work had begun. We never thought results could show up so early, though.

Steve Kondik (aka Cyanogen) [...]]]>

It certainly did not take long for the CyanogenMod team to get working on Android 4.0. Soon after the Ice Cream Sandwich source code was released, Cyanogen’s official Twitter account informed us that work had begun. We never thought results could show up so early, though.

Steve Kondik (aka Cyanogen) posted something very exciting on his Google+ account last night. It reads as follows:

ICS on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is pretty great. Coming soon to a CM mirror near you :)Steve KondikCyanogenMod

This pretty much means that the port to the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is at least close to being ready. Steve does state that the experience “is great,” so he is definitely getting a taste of some Ice Cream Sandwich right now. Expect the port to be available soon. As he states, they will be offering the files through their mirrors, so you might be running ICS on your tab very soon.

Try not to crack your knuckles or pull your hair too much. Let’s just wait and see when the CyanogenMod team can get us some ICS fun. We sure hope more devices get it soon, too. Who will be flashing ICS to their Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1?

Custom ROM fans had a blast last Monday, when Google released the source code for Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). This means that developers can now download the source code, and get to work on those awesome ROMs.

One of the most popular custom ROM developers in the Android world is the

Custom ROM fans had a blast last Monday, when Google released the source code for Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). This means that developers can now download the source code, and get to work on those awesome ROMs.

One of the most popular custom ROM developers in the Android world is the CyanogenMod team. These guys work strictly from source, and have been waiting for Ice Cream Sandwich to be set free, so they can start working on CyanogenMod 9. As expected, it did not take long before these guys started to make things happen. Yesterday, Steve “Cyanogen” Kondik himself let us know that they have started their long hours of coding, and to wait at least 2 months before checking up on CyanogenMod 9 (Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a stable release in January?).

If you like being adventurous and jumping into the game earlier, Beta and Alpha versions should be coming out eventually. Nightlies, anyone?

Stay tuned for more news on this. We are sure the Cyanogen team will be letting us know how things go. Will you guys be flashing CyanogenMod 9, or would you rather purchase a Samsung Galaxy Nexus (or any device with ICS)?

EVO 3D and Sensation owners, rejoice! CyanogenMod 7, the leading name in Android Open Source Project ROMs, has finally been made available for your devices.

Released just yesterday, Alpha versions of the stock Android Gingerbread-based ROM can be downloaded from either XDA or RootzWiki. Both ROMs are in the same stage of development, and both [...]]]>

EVO 3D and Sensation owners, rejoice! CyanogenMod 7, the leading name in Android Open Source Project ROMs, has finally been made available for your devices.

Released just yesterday, Alpha versions of the stock Android Gingerbread-based ROM can be downloaded from either XDA or RootzWiki. Both ROMs are in the same stage of development, and both include their fair share of bugs. But if you’ve been dying to get away from Sense and really let your hardware fly, the time has come. Early reports from users say that, despite the bugs present in both builds, they are stable enough to use on a daily basis.

In order to flash CyanogenMod 7 to your EVO 3D or Sensation, you must be rooted with S-Off. That means anyone who used HTC’s unlocking tool needs to start the process over and use Revolutionary this time. Using Revolutionary and flashing a custom ROM are tasks that need to be fully explored and researched before attempted.

For more information on either Alpha build and to download them, use the links below. Sensation, EVO 3D owners, are you taking the plunge?

HTC EVO 3D

RootzWiki
XDA

HTC Sensation

RootzWiki
XDA

If you were one of the lucky few who managed to snag an HP Touchpad for $99-$149 a week ago in hopes that someone would find a way to get the Android operating system on there, it seems your short wait may soon be over.  This weekend brought a few big steps towards making this [...]]]>

If you were one of the lucky few who managed to snag an HP Touchpad for $99-$149 a week ago in hopes that someone would find a way to get the Android operating system on there, it seems your short wait may soon be over.  This weekend brought a few big steps towards making this dream a possibility.

First, AndroidSpin is reporting that the HP Touchpad now has ClockworkMod Recovery, as well as ADB access. These are both essential tools for rooting your device and flashing custom ROMs such as CyanogenMod.

Speaking of CyanogenMod, the folks over at RootzWiki were tipped by a member of the CyanogenMod team that an early build of CyanogenMod 7, the most popular ROM based on the Gingerbread OS, has made it’s way to the Touchpad.

Since the port of Cyanogen Mod to to the Touchpad is in a very early alpha build, it may be some time (read: hopefully a few weeks/months) before they finally have CM7 working the way they want it to before they release it en masse. As a means of tying you over and demonstrating progress on the build, the CyanogenMod team has put out the following teaser video.

Whether or not the HP Touchpad can truly become the best $100 Android tablet still remains to be seen, but the powerful hardware coupled with the best alternative operating system out there will almost certainly be a force to be reckoned with.

Be sure to stay tuned to the CyanogenMod site for updates on their work on the Touchpad. If you absolutely cannot wait to get your hands on an Android-toting Touchpad, you can always pick up one of the Qualcomm units on eBay.

Were you one of those who managed to snag a Touchpad on the cheap? Did you buy it in hopes of someone figuring out a way to port Android to it? Sound off by leaving a comment below.

“I’m so tired of waiting for my smartphone to get the latest update of Android. The CyanogenMod team releases updates days after the source code is available. Why doesn’t [insert handset maker] just hire Cyanogen?”

It is a common conversation that you might read in the comments of any Android blog, so this might [...]]]>

“I’m so tired of waiting for my smartphone to get the latest update of Android. The CyanogenMod team releases updates days after the source code is available. Why doesn’t [insert handset maker] just hire Cyanogen?”

It is a common conversation that you might read in the comments of any Android blog, so this might not come as a surprise to some of you. Samsung Mobile has hired Steve Kondik, the founder of CyanogenMod, as a software engineer. The news comes from a Facebook update made to Steve’s page and no other formal announcement has been made.

CyanogenMod was first released in 2009 and went on to become the most popular aftermarket ROM (with over 500k installs) for Android devices.

Steve said his side project (CyanogenMod) is not affiliated in any way with his new employer, so don’t go looking for Samsung to dump their TouchWiz UI and replace it with his aftermarket firmware.

Given his history and experience with the Android operating system, we might assume he will be working on something Android related, but there is no telling at this point. With today’s news that Google is acquiring Motorola, it makes me think Samsung will start adding more resources to their own Bada OS for a potential future showdown.

I will be working on making Android more awesome.Steve KondikAndroid hacker

Steve Kondik at the Big Android BBQ

Update: Steve just sent me the following short message.  ”I won’t be blogging about Samsung, especially not in relationship to CM. I will be working on making Android more awesome, though.”

If feels like just yesterday that I was making videos about rooting a myTouch 3G and Google was sending cease and desist letters to Steve, so it’s great to see how far the Android community has progressed in a few short years. I wish him congratulations and hope Samsung puts him to work as soon as possible.

We reached out to Samsung Mobile to see if they would comment and we will update this post as the story develops.

What part of Android would you like to see Steve work on for Samsung? Should he help them with their software update releases or try to improve TouchWiz UI?

[Thanks BiGMERF for the tip]

If you want to get in early and test this ROM now, you can download it from [...]]]> Our favorite ROM developers have just released CyanogenMod 7.1, an upgrade to Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread. It must be clarified that this is only a Release Candidate (RC), so it’s for testing purposes and will not work perfectly.

This release candidate should be fairly stable for daily use, but always do a backup first in case something goes wrong. You can help out by giving us feedback on the forums and reporting bugs at the issue tracker.CyanogenCyanogenMod

If you want to get in early and test this ROM now, you can download it from their mirror network and install it with Rom Manager.

While this is mostly an upgrade to Andorid 2.3.4, CyanogenMod 7.1 comes with many surprises. Some features included in the Change Log are impressive (i.e. bluetooth mouse support), but that’s not the most exciting part. The best news is that their support has extended to quite a few devices. The list includes “various Samsung devices (Galaxy S, Captivate and Vibrant), the LG Optimus 2X (p990) /T-Mobile G2x (p999), HTC Incredible S (vivo) and Motorola CLIQ/CLIQ XT.”

Go ahead! Check out the new RC version of CyanogenMod 7.1, if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t forget to support the CyanogenMod team by giving feedback about your experience with the software. (It’ll help them make the product better). Anyone out there using it yet? Please let us know what your experience with this Release Candidate is like!