As any techie worth his salt knows, CyanogenMod forms an important part of the Android platform, since it showcases its openness in both the software and hardware fronts. Fans should be delighted that the custom ROM has released its latest update based on Android 7.0 Nougat and it is now downloadable for a number of devices.

Nougat-Based CM Build

The CM14.1 followed the announced development of the CM14 build last August. The developers must have worked hard since it is now already unleashed into the wilds. Nightly builds are already covering several handsets, which include the Nexus 6 and 7, OnePlus One and 2, the Xperia models V, TX, T and SP. Moto G also made it to the list while a version for the Nook Tablet is reportedly in the pipeline.

The official nightly builds of CM14.1 itself has been released last Nov. 8 and the initial devices supported include the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X. Xiaomi Mi3, LG G3 and G4, Samsung Galaxy S5 and ZenFone 2.

What is particularly interesting about the roll out of an official CyanogenMod build is that it is often more stable in comparison with unofficial releases.

CyanogenMod Features And Issues

According to XDA Developers the first sets of the CM14.1 nightlies still have some missing features. The complete list has not been provided but its developers have confirmed the absence of the CyanogenMod Theme Engine. Nevertheless, these features are expected to begin surfacing as new builds are released.

There are also key issues that are only being spotted as of this writing. For example, there is the problem downloading the CM14.1 build for some Nexus 6 devices. The file size listed is 500.27 MB but it is showing up with zero MB when downloaded.

Users can start reporting this to the CyanogenMod team since it qualifies as a bug. However, the developers beg the overeager segment of the community should not file reports about missing features because the build is still being worked on.

Customizing Android

For those new to CyanogenMod or modding in general, installing the custom ROM will unlock new and powerful features in your Android devices. It will allow you to completely change how your handset's user interface works and looks. It could even introduce performance enhancements since the ROM can implement tweaks like overclocking.

If you are concerned about safety or reliability, the CyanogenMod team claims that it is free of any spyware or bloatware and will even work more reliably than official firmware releases.