CyanogenMod: These are the advantages of the custom ROM

CyanogenMod is a so-called custom ROM for Android devices that has several advantages. It replaces the pre-installed operating system and changes the user interface and various functions. We have identified four points that are particularly interesting and useful.

1. A clean Android system thanks to CyanogenMod

With the CyanogenMod you get an Android version that is free of so-called bloatware, i.e. programs that are often useless, cannot be uninstalled and thus unnecessarily load the device.

• Manufacturers often bring their own interface and additional functions. One example is Samsung with "TouchWiz", the so-called "Smart Features" and the Samsung apps.
• These additives are often undesirable and of little use. CyanogenMod is characterized by a particularly clean and tidy system.
• The number of pre-installed apps is limited to the bare minimum and the operating system is also rather reserved with additional functions.
• So you can only install the apps on your smartphone that you actually need. This is noticeable, for example, in terms of speed - but above all, of course, the available storage space.

2. Use the latest Android version with CyanogenMod

With CyanogenMod, you can often access new versions of Android faster than through your phone manufacturer - if they still support your phone at all.

• Since Android has been used as the operating system on smartphones, the manufacturer's update policy has been one of the biggest annoyances.
• When Google releases a new version of Android, most users have to wait several months before it is released for your device; there is often no longer an update for older models.
• With CyanogenMod you can often download the current version of the operating system to your smartphone after just a few weeks.
• Although this can contain minor errors, it can still be used in everyday life. Manufacturers often also develop updates for older, popular devices for a long time, while these are no longer offered by the manufacturer.

3. Useful additional functions of CyanogenMod

Compared to the naked Android system, as found on Google's Nexus devices, CyanogenMod comes with some small additional functions. They are not particularly noticeable, but are still quite useful. Here are a few examples:

• Lockscreen options: CyanogenMod lets you make the lockscreen more free. With quick starts you can start your most important apps directly from the lock screen and you can also embed information such as the weather or your calendar with various applets.
• Equalizer: CyanogenMod has a pre-installed equalizer with which the entire sound output of the smartphone can be regulated. Various settings can be made for headphones, Bluetooth devices or the telephone speakers.
• Status bar: Under CyanogenMod you can adjust the elements of the status bar. For example, the current battery charge can be displayed in percent or the position of the clock can be shifted.
• Hardware and software navigation: You can also use the advanced tools of CyanogenMod to change the functions and quick accesses of your phone, making it the tool you want.
• Privacy Guard: With CyanogenMod you can decide for yourself which of the required accesses an app actually receives and thus protect your data more reliably.
• Performance optimization: In addition to simple brightness management, CyanogenMod lets you play far more with the hardware of your device to get more computing power. These and other deep interventions in the system are only intended for advanced users.
• You can store these and many other settings in different profiles, between which you can easily switch back and forth - depending on how differently you use your phone at home, during your studies or at work.

4. Design and Themes by Cyanogenmods Trebuchet

Another advantage of the custom ROM is the very free design options for the entire system layout, which CyanogenMods Launcher "Trebuchet" allows.

• There are entire design packages available for this purpose, which were specially built for CyanogenMod by third-party developers.
• You can download these from the Google Play Store, for example, and then simply activate them via the system settings.
• Of course, other launcher can also be installed and the layout can be adjusted.

In the next article, you will learn how to install CyanogenMod the easiest.