14 DAY TRIAL // Android users may have more freedom than their iOS rivals, but even they have to jailbreak their devices to get what they want. Up until now, you could only install CyanogenMod using a Windows PC, but today brings the first-ever Mac-compatible installer to the OS X camp.
If you’re rubbing your eyes in disbelief, save yourself from temporary blindness and check out the CyanogenMod Installer Mac Beta, freely available for download at the supplied link.
The list of supported devices can be found on the CyanogenMod Installer wiki, along with some commonly answered questions.
The reason you might want to flash your Droid with CyanogenMod is fairly simple: remove bloatware installed by your carrier, get access to the most current versions of Android available, extra features not included in the stock version of the OS that came with your phone, etc.
There are also some cons, just as there are with jailbreaking iOS devices, so be sure the see the full list of disadvantages before doing anything.
Also, the CyanogenMod wiki includes some highlighted features that you can use to enhance your experience, so be sure to check out that list as well.
Here’s one feature you simply won’t want to miss out on.
“Privacy Guard: Control what your applications can learn about you and your contacts. Protect yourself with a simple click, or long press an app to delve deep.”
We’re hearing that CyanogenMod is causing some issues on certain Mac configurations, and it isn’t immediately clear which OS X version supports it best.
However, nothing beats the awesome news that Android users can finally flash their device using CyanogenMod from a Mac.
This kind of goes against the trend, of course. There are probably very few Android fans using a Mac out there, but you’re likely to find more of the other way around (a Mac head wielding a Samsung Galaxy, for example).