CUSTOM ROM
Android Operating System is an open source project. Because of this, when it is rolled out to a different Android device manufacturer, it is tweaked a little to allow for better user experience. Because Android is an open source project, any developer can choose to work on the source code, tweaking it to anything they like. This action leads to the development of Custom ROM.To understand the concept of Custom ROM, we must first know the meaning of Stock ROM. Both terms must not be compared to the full meaning of ROM (Read Only Memory), which is used in the storage of data on Android devices. To be precise, they are not related at all.A stock ROM is an original firmware that comes with an Android device. At the same time, a Custom ROM is an edited Android firmware, with the elimination, exposure, or addition of several codes to improve the users’ experience further. A Custom ROM can be installed for many reasons, such as to correct errors found in the stock ROM (the reason why it is ideal for solving the problem) or used in changing the appearance of the deviceCustom ROM is developed by people in the Android communities and is mostly free. Installing a Custom ROM must be carefully done, even though the process is easy and straightforward, the wrong procedure can lead to a condition known as BRICKING. Bricking is a process that renders the device inoperable. Another factor that can contribute to bricking is selecting an incompatible Custom ROM. There are many Custom ROMS, e.g., CyanogenMod, AOKP, Paranoid Android, and MIUIBefore embarking on changing your stock ROM for a Custom ROM, note that your device must be rooted, and this means that the warranty of your Android is as good as gone.
CyanogenMod BUILD
Cyanogenmod was one of the most used Custom ROM. However, after a dispute with Cyanogen Inc., it has been discontinued, recently surfacing as Lineage OS. It has been discontinued, yet you can still install the Custom ROM so far your device is compatible.The last update of CyanogenMod was version 14. Many Android users are not familiar with Custom ROM and CyanogenMod. Thereby, they depend on the stock ROM without experiencing many features not explored by Android device manufacturers.
WHAT MAKES CYANOGENMOD UNIQUE?
Cyanogenmod is a unique Custom ROM with many features such as:• It contains features that are not found in the AndroidOpen Source Project or the Stock, which is developed by Android device manufacturers.• It also removes bloatware (unnecessary software that has no functions yet takes a large amount of space on Android) that is found on the stock ROM developed by Android device manufacturers• It is swift and does not take space due to its light codes.• It comes with root access, which opens up the users to lots of privileges not enjoyed by normal Android users.• It comes with Customizations that are better and more enhanced than the Stock ROMs developed by Android manufacturers. Example of such Customizations are evident in the themes and status bar of devices using the build• It comes with better privacy features such as Privacy Guard, which regulates the applications that have access to your information. Global blacklist which is different from the blacklist that applies to calls on the stock ROM because it can block messages and calls from contacts already listed in the blacklist and a CM account that can be used to wipe your device if it is stolen• It is also open source. Therefore, other software developers can also look into it in the effort of improving or looking for loopholes.CyanogenMod was the most used Custom ROM in its time, spiking over 10 million downloads with thousands of people not reporting it the statistics. It supports a wide range of devices (225+ official devices and further tinkering by other software developers made it to be able to support about 150+ devices.It was the pioneer for many other Custom OS such as PAC OS and even made its debut as the first Custom ROM to be a Stock ROM in Android phones such as oppo N1 and One Plus One
CYANOGEN RECOVERY
Cyanogenmod recovery is the boot.img that can be used in the installation of CyanogenMod builds. It is necessary to have cyanogen recovery while installing CyanogenMod. Another recovery that can be used is Clockworkmod recovery and TWRP recovery. To begin the installation of CyanogenMod, you have to install the CyanogenMod recovery boot.img file.INSTALLATION OF CYANOGENMOD RECOVERYFiles needed: Root access, recovery image for your device, flashy application (from google play store) The method can be used for any phone with the difference being that the recovery image is changedSteps • Download the cyanogen recovery image for your device and place it in a known location on the file manager • Install Flashify and grant it root access. • The Flashify app has two modes, flash and backup. For safety backup, the recovery.img already present before flashing a new one. Backing up ensures that when you need it later for any reason, you can restore it. • Go to flash, select recovery and choose a file • Navigate to where you saved the downloaded cyanogen recovery for your device • Select the recovery image and select the “Normal Android way” popup • Press Yup and the installation should start • The device reboots into the CyanogenMod, and you can now install CyanogenModINSTALLING CYANOGENMOD BUILD
After installing the CyanogenMod recovery, you are ready to install any CyanogenMod build of your choice Files need: A compatible CyanogenMod file and Gapps for your deviceSteps • Download and place the compatible CyanogenMod file in a known location on your device’s internal memory • Boot into cyanogen recovery • Perform a factory reset • Select Apply the update and choose the location where the CyanogenMod file was placed • Select the file and begin the installation • After installation, perform the same action for the GApps file • Reboot your device