While CyanogenMod, the popular custom ROM for Android, may be dead, its spirit lives on in Lineage OS. Now, the first builds of that ROM are available for the Nexus 6P, 5X and a few other devices.

CyanogenMod was the biggest, most widely used custom Android ROM. Now, it has been discontinued, due in part to internal conflicts within Cyanogen Inc. Don't worry, though: A new fork of CyanogenMod called Lineage OS is taking up the mantle, and it will keep most of what you loved about CyanogenMod.

It started with Microsoft's Cortana's deeper integration with Cyanogen OS. Now the company responsible for the Android-based mobile operating system has introduced its MOD platform that allows third-party developers to build apps directly into Cyanogen OS. Microsoft is all over this platform and has introduced a number of apps onto Cyanogen OS through MOD.

Users of the open source mobile operating system Cyanogen can now do more with Microsoft's Cortana. The digital personal assistant app was officially released for Android, iOS and Cyanogen late last year.

Microsoft's part in a $US70m investment in CyanogenMod has raised many eyebrows: why is Microsoft investing in a popular version of the Android mobile phone operating system, when it has its own competing Windows Phone product? The firm's motivations behind investing in the most open version of the Android operating system have justifiably made open-source advocates decidedly nervous.

Earlier this week, the makers of Android alternative CyanogenMod were asked by Google to remove CyanogenMod Installer from Google Play, otherwise the company would take it down itself. Despite Google admitting the program itself is "harmless", it reportedly "encourages users to void their warranty".

CyanogenMod's user accounts are now available in the newest version of CyanogenMod, 10.1.3.

The practice of installing modified versions of the Google Android operating system on other smartphones is about to become mainstream. CyanogenMod, the people behind one of the custom ROMs (as these versions of the phone firmware are called), have just announced that they have received $7 million in funding to establish a new company Cyanogen Inc. With the substantial cash injection, they plan to make their software available to a wider audience beyond their current tech-savvy users.

The team behind CyanogenMod, one of the most popular Android ROMs available, took the wraps off of their new CyanogenMod Accounts feature last night. Users can sign up for individual accounts for managing updates, and access new features including the ability to remotely track, find and wipe their device if it's lost or stolen.

Popular Android ROM CyanogenMod has updated to version 10.1.1. The big change? Security fixes, including a patch to deal with the potential Android security flaw we discussed last week.

Android (Rooted): CyanogenMod, our favourite Android ROM, has released a new version. The update brings the latest features in Jelly Bean (4.2) to Android phones and tablets that have been abandoned by their carrier or manufacturer.

Android: CyanogenMod's built-in music player is much better than the stock Android player, and now it's available for all devices at Google Play, whether your device is rooted or not. This version comes packed with added features, including voice search, automatic artist and album art image fetching, gapless playback, homescreen and lockscreen widgets, and the ability to pin your favourite tunes to your homescreen.

Android (rooted): CyanogenMod, our favorite Android ROM, just released a new version that brings all of Jelly Bean's great features to Android devices everywhere, plus a few other fun additions.

Android: Popular Android ROM CyanogenMod has finally graduated version 9 to release candidate status, bringing Ice Cream Sandwich and other great features to a number of Android phones.

Despite webOS' merits, many people have been clamouring for a version of Android on the HP Touchpad. Legendary Android ROM CyanogenMod is now available, in early alpha form, for eager Touchpad users to try out.

Snagged a HP Touchpad (or seven) during its $98 fire sale in August? Either you've come to terms with what webOS offers and its decidedly terminal fate, or, you've been hanging out for CyanogenMod to get Android onto the hardware. It looks like CM are getting closer to making this reality, judging by their latest video.

If you're still waiting for Android 2.3 Gingerbread, we recommend checking out CyanogenMod 7. It not only brings Gingerbread to tons of Android phones, but other great features like canned SMS responses, overclocking (or underclocking), and a new simple theme engine.

Android: Cyanogen's been putting up release candidates for the Froyo-based version 6.0 for awhile, but if you've been waiting for something more stable, you can now get the unbeatable combination of Froyo and Cyanogen for your Android device.

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If you're an early adopter of Android feeling left in the cold with your phone stuck on a 1.6 build, the hacker community offers an alternative — bust your warranty wide open and install CyanogenMod 5.07, a nearly complete 2.1 upgrade.