14 DAY TRIAL // CyanogenMod, the team behind one of the most popular custom Android-based platforms out there, has announced that its CyanogenMod Installer application has been removed from the Google Play Store at Google’s request.
The application, made available through the official portal only several weeks ago, was meant to provide users with the possibility to easily install CM ROMs on their devices.
The CM Installer was designed for a simple action, namely to guide users to enable ADB, which is a built-in development and debugging tool.
The software was launched as a companion app for the CyanogenMod Installer desktop application, and it is said to have been in violation of Google Play’s developer terms.
In a recent blog post, the team explains that they removed the application voluntarily, as Google informed them that it would do so administratively, provided that they did not comply.
Apparently, the search giant sees the software as harmless, but it did say that it “encourages users to void their warranty,” the aforementioned post on the CyanogenMod blog reads. From Google’s point of view, the app could no longer remain in the Play store.
“We’ve seen hundreds of thousands of installations of the application, proving the demand for more choice, and that the need for an alternative Android experience exists,” said blog post continues.
“As we work through this new hurdle, we will continue to make available and support the installation process via our own hosting services.”
The application can now be downloaded through the official CyanogenMod website, and it can be easily installed on Android devices via sideload. Users will need to set the phone/tablet to allow installations from “Unknown Sources” for that.
Additionally, we should note that Koushik Dutta, one of the people in the CM team, has also linked to the source for the CyanogenMod Installer app. Those who would like to have a look at it should head over to this page.
You can download the CyanogenMod Installer app for Android from Softpedia as well.