Database Info

[APP] TaintDroid - Realtime Privacy Monitoring

Just read this article via gizmodo and this is definetly a must have for some of us who are paranoid which is just about everyone .
Overview
A joint study by Intel Labs, Penn State, and Duke University has identified that publicly available cell-phone applications from application markets are releasing consumers' private information to online advertisers. Researchers at the participating institutions have developed a realtime monitoring service called TaintDroid that precisely analyses how private information is obtained and released by applications "downloaded" to consumer phones. In a study of 30 popular applications, TaintDroid revealed that 15 send users' geographic location to remote advertisement servers. The study also found that seven of the 30 applications send a unique phone (hardware) identifier, and, in some cases, the phone number and SIM card serial number to developers.
Source:http://www.appanalysis.org/

It´s not released yet. Are there any other similar monitoring apps out there? This was something I´ve been thinking / worrying about since getting my sgs 3 weeks ago...
Near enough every app you install requires / wants at least full internet access. Not sure what private data is accessible, but this is a great source for profiling and could of course be used maliciously.

markwil said:
It´s not released yet. Are there any other similar monitoring apps out there? This was something I´ve been thinking / worrying about since getting my sgs 3 weeks ago...
Near enough every app you install requires / wants at least full internet access. Not sure what private data is accessible, but this is a great source for profiling and could of course be used maliciously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like it will be soon.
Where can I get TaintDroid?
We will be making TaintDroid open source. Information to obtain the TaintDroid source code will be posted to this page.

Won't be an APK though, they have updated to say it's need to be built in to the ROM. Source should be realised and nothing stopping the modders from adding to their ROMs.
Update for those interested in installing TaintDroid: Tracking how apps use sensitive information required integrating our software into the Android platform at a low level. As a result, it was not possible to implement TaintDroid as a stand-alone app. Instead, to use TaintDroid you must flash a custom-built firmware to your device, similar to a number of popular community-supported Android ROMs. In the coming days we will open-source our code through a publicly-accessible repository. Please send an email to [email protected] if you are interested in receiving a notification when the source code is available. Thank you for your interest in TaintDroid!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

That works for most off us here who are rooted.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Sounds interesting, but I have to laugh at the use of the word 'taint'. Was DurfDroid taken?

The source code and instructions for compiling into kernel (Nexus One) are now given at the site:
http://appanalysis.org/download.html
This cannot be installed as an app (.apk), it's a compile into your own kernal effort at this stage.

What is Android [EXPLAINED]

What is Android?
Android is an open source mobile operating system that combines and builds upon parts of many different open source projects. What does this mean to you as a developer? You have access to the source code of the platform that is running on the phone. This can help you better understand how interface controls and the various other pieces work. If you happen to find a bug, you can also submit a patch for the issue, though this is a more advanced practice. Google has also pulled together a large group of companies (called the Open Handset Alliance) that both contribute to and use the Android OS in their hardware devices. This means that there is industry-wide support for Google’s OS, promising wide adoption across well-known vendors.

Multiple Suggestions

First of all I want to applaud the integrity of the team working on OmniRom and for standing for software freedom. As the only GPL ROM on the phone, I believe it will reach a certain prominence once critical mass of functionality is achieved. I have some suggestions that I was hoping to get feedback for from the Devs here.
1- What is the possibility for devising an in-place upgrade system that works across future OS version upgrades for major changes in AOSP? (something akin the upgrade systems of current GNU/Linux systems)
2- Incorporating apps from the guardianproject (.info) a privacy and security oriented group that make secure messaging apps and TOR for Android. That will be our anwser to the so called secure chat of CM.
3- Cooperation with the largest FOSS software repo F-Droid and perhaps including it as a default app repo option for OmniRom.
4- Now this is a big one, but as a distro that prizes Software Freedom and the GPL above all else you are in a unique position to be a demo showcase for incorporating the major app frameworks being ported to Android like Qt and Gnome. Arranging with the devs from KDE and Gnome to make this a reality would be a major milestone for the FOSS movement's efforts to bring free software in an environment that is being increasingly closed off like what Google is doing with their absorption of features in proprietary apps and the treachery of the CM turncloaks.

Casual observer here. I don't think it's accurate to call it a GPL ROM given how many non-free drivers are required to get working WiFi and so on. OmniROM encourages GPL as a way of keeping the community honest but I don't think it's set in stone.
1. upgrades on Android don't happen in same way as GNu/Linux: it's always a fresh install. CM already does this, or you can use recovery mode.
2. good idea! more generally, system wide proxy settings which would allow all traffic to go through Tor. Tor is one part of remaining anonymous, the browser needs to be locked down for example. Guardian Project say that their companion browser, Or web, doesn't work on Android 4.4, and they might stop developing it. There are other Android techniques for anonymity e.g. xprivacy.
3. F-Droid builds and signs apps, it's hard to see room for cooperation. It will soon have ability to install apps silently if part of a ROM. They dropped their Android.mk; looks like time to bring it back, maybe with package name change option.
4. Qt was announced on day one at the BBQ!

☑ [NEW OS] *SDK Package Up - Code �ther Kripton OS Apps *Take The Poll

☑ [NEW OS] *SDK Package Up - Code �ther Kripton OS Apps *Take The Poll
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
We've developed a new Smart Phone OS called Æther v 0.1 Krypton.
It's a unique code you will find easy and very efficient to work with.
You might be wondering what the "Korephone" mention in the graphic above
is about. Our goal is once the Æther OS is completed we will launch our own
phone to be eventually as innovative as the Æther OS and may partner
with someone meeting our standards and Ideology to make it a reality.
For Starters take the POLL.
Only takes a few seconds!
We want to know what's important to you in an OS.
***Not sure why people are getting the SDK Package Installer errors.
Please ensure you run the Installer with as an Administrator.
A library needs to be put into the GAC, so it may require Admin rights.
Below is a Manual Work Around.
Manual SDK install instructions:
Install the file "Æther OS Application Contracts.dll" into the Windows GAC using
the Visual Studio Command Prompt (with Admin privileges.)
Download link:
https://mega.nz/#!GUckEQaB!O1wrt6IIBkDj8AJT49Tfz6WUMXyXWWWwLDj6apq7xFE
SDK Files. Use them as previously described in this thread:
https://mega.nz/#!LcsxATSB!gcwzluEeGo6yoqujWy6rWNuZ2Di4yNRvLAmxxhb9npw
All necessary APIs required in order to write 99% of apps is now complete
(the exception being some games and apps that do 3D graphics.)
Any extras which may be required will be added by request from any devs writing apps, of course.
The hardware rendering infrastructure is next, followed by hardware integration.
In the meantime devs have essentially everything they would need in order to write their apps.
Could you help us with Apps? Could be any of the ones listed below including their
Bounties or whatever app interests you to Develop in Æther OS.
Why the Æther Kripton OS was created:
"Linux creator says Windows, OS X, iOS and Android are all malware"
http://bgr.com/2015/05/26/ios-android-windows-mac-malware/
"Richard Stallman, known for his instrumental role in the creation of Linux, has written an opinion piece
arguing that nearly any operating system you might use today can be considered malware,
and that goes for popular mobile platforms as well as desktop operating systems."
*Let alone the front door access they are now providing.......
Besides being a possible antidote to all the above we simply want to bring you an awesome OS that will open the door
to the world of Coders and an incredible user experience. Join Us!
Special Requests: A: DEV to port CyanogenMod to a phone.
B: For a Live Streaming Video APP, ASAP.
Inquire Within and verify it's the Video App.
We're looking to attract quality individuals/coders who will want
to be involved at the ground floor of a new game changing
impervious platform unique to the Korephone.
Please post what apps you'd consider translating.
This is a rare opportunity.
Working with us here where it's starting will earn you an Æther "Guru status"
since you are the first and will be the most knowledgeable.
Æther SDK 0.3 Installer Full Package: NOTE: Some were getting error messages
so a "Manual Work Around was posted above. We are keeping this up till further notice
https://mega.co.nz/#!uRlHAaKS!Wzw8Q_0UhxMXFQN31NqnH5PMTAx1kDSpz29uKn0yeM8
Please familiarize yourself with what we have up till today and check back often.
QUESTIONS:
Q: "What language is this?”
A: Details are yet to be announced.
Q: “What do we export it to?”
A: To be announced.
Q: "When can I start"
A: 6th December earliest. December 12th is the official anticipated start date.
Q: "Why then for such an early thread?"
A: To line up the coders for a fast track completion of all Apps
and in case we get some API references done early.
Below is a GIF of the KorePhone OS running in the KorePhone Emulator.
Notice the GIF's Physical Size, Quality and tiny file size.
This was accomplished through the KorePhone's Æther OS v 0.1
http://i.imgur.com/j6L0Nrb.gif
******************************************************************
Updates listed by Date. Most recent first.
____________________________________________________________________
9-12-15
UPDATE:
The Coder who fell seriously ill a few months back is feeling well enough to do only the easiest coding work
so they decided they could at least make some simple apps and He recently posted them. If He feels a bit better
in the coming weeks and months He might tackle some of the more difficult apps and eventually be able to get the Æther OS on a device. One step at a time though. Just an hour meeting I recently had totally drained him and anyone who's been that ill knows what that is like.
Sincerely,
HD2
____________________________________________________________________
5-29-15
UPDATE:
***Not sure why people are getting the SDK Package Installer errors.
Please ensure you run the Installer with as an Administrator.
A library needs to be put into the GAC, so it may require Admin rights.
Below is a Manual Work Around.
Manual SDK install instructions:
Install the file "Æther OS Application Contracts.dll" into the Windows GAC using
the Visual Studio Command Prompt (with Admin privileges.)
Download link:
https://mega.nz/#!GUckEQaB!O1wrt6IIBkDj8AJT49Tfz6WUMXyXWWWwLDj6apq7xFE
SDK Files. Use them as previously described in this thread:
https://mega.nz/#!LcsxATSB!gcwzluEeGo6yoqujWy6rWNuZ2Di4yNRvLAmxxhb9npw
____________________________________________________________________
4-26-15
UPDATE:
After translating the majority of TOR over to Æther OS we decided to shelve the months worth of work.
Seeing how TOR works, it's unneeded bloat, flaws and it's Achilles heel
in it's exit nodes a decision was made to start from scratch.
The reasoning is the same that is the drive behind the Æther OS,
there has to be a better way that's more secure.
This was in mind prior to translating TOR into Æther OS taking months
deciphering how and why TOR works the way it does.
SEE OUR STATEMENT BELOW in our last Update announcement from 3-20-15:
"It's only the first step in our security endeavors we are bringing you and want to improve
the Æther OS security even beyond TOR."
Read the 1-6-15 Update as well...
This has been accomplished and is in testing.
____________________________________________________________________
3-20-15
UPDATE:
We promised to bring you a secure OS and mentioned we were working on additional security coding.
What we were working on is Translating TOR into the Æther OS which is just over 60% completed.
Those aware know this is a monumental task.
It's only the first step in our security endeavors we are bringing you and want to improve
the Æther OS security even beyond TOR.
____________________________________________________________________
1-30-15
We have added a huge coding task to the mix which has caused a delay in the hardware rendering and integration.
Soon as this security related coding endeavor is completed the hardware rendering will commence.
An update will follow when this transition happens.
____________________________________________________________________
1-6-15
Æther OS incorporates seamless Tor and VPN privacy protections. Developers need code only with similar objects and classes they are already familiar with within the .NET/Mono API and Æther takes care of the rest; however, this is merely the first implementation of the privacy layer and more seamless protections are being planned to be added: For example, what we shall refer to at present as "Tor 2.0" will add additional security and privacy protections to the platform and apps running on it.
____________________________________________________________________
1-5-15
New Release Additions: :good:
+ Video Input (input as webcam for emulation purposes)
+ Audio Output
+ Example app (including course code) showcases video input (as a box that can be moved around with the pointer) and audio output by audio generation when buttons are clicked.
+ Fully transparent Tor- and VPN-targeted classes which can be used (as alternatives) to the standard .NET implementations (e.g. AEtherSocket.) Full backend Tor and VPN infrastructure will be implemented on the device. For now the classes are there to be the methods and code building blocks by which seamless TCP security operations will take place in future, on the KOREphone.
+ Bug fixes
Æther SDK 0.3 Installer Full Package: NOTE: Some were getting error messages
so a "Manual Work Around was posted above. We are keeping this up till further notice
https://mega.co.nz/#!uRlHAaKS!Wzw8Q_0UhxMXFQN31NqnH5PMTAx1kDSpz29uKn0yeM8
:victory: All necessary APIs required in order to write 99% of apps is now complete (the exception being some games and apps that do 3D graphics.) Any extras which may be required will be added by request from any devs writing apps, of course.
The hardware rendering infrastructure is next, followed by hardware integration. In the meantime devs have essentially everything they would need in order to write their apps.
FYI: Attached is a summary of the OS components, it’s currently at just under 17K lines of code. That’s a lot more actual code; I’ve still yet to determine exactly how much that is but it’s easily double or triple the number.
____________________________________________________________________
PREVIOUS UPDATES
12-23-14
Combined and updated SINGLE DOWNLOAD Link:
OUTDATED SDK: DO NOT DOWNLOAD!
https://mega.co.nz/#!GI1H3IyI!v1GY3jSKnIkJfmQQV7bWEjwYNDL5pz7jUNMXu5P0Mlg
"I've made an installer, which takes care of stuff like adding assemblies to the GAC (so you don't need to do it manually).
[Which I tried to post here but the forum won't allow me to post links yet. I will ask HD2 to post it for me.]
The folders will go to the "Program Files (x86)" folder and a standalone emulator icon should be found on your Start Menu after the installation.
There are both C# and VB.NET Hello World examples with some added code demonstrating how to receive some events from the OS, such as "pointer down" and "pointer up" events, and "end app" event, delivered to the methods going by those names.
More to come within the next few days"
____________________________________________________________________
12-22-14
Updated API's, SDK, Documentation, Libraries, Explanations and Emulator info.
Outdated Links Removed:
"I've made an installer, which takes care of stuff like adding assemblies to the GAC (so you don't need to do it manually).
[Which I tried to post here but the forum won't allow me to post links yet. I will ask HD2 to post it for me.]
The folders will go to the "Program Files (x86)" folder and a standalone emulator icon should be found on your Start Menu after the installation.
There are both C# and VB.NET Hello World examples with some added code demonstrating how to receive some events from the OS, such as "pointer down" and "pointer up" events, and "end app" event, delivered to the methods going by those names.
More to come within the next few days"
____________________________________________________________________
12-19-14
More API's now fully Completed:
+ GPS
+ Gyroscope
+ Accelerometer
+ ÆtherTextBox
Plus a bug or two fixed!
____________________________________________________________________
12-15-14
Here is the Initial Introduction and essential API's and working Emulator. RE: the Components of the SDK.
This is undeniable evidence the Æther Kripton Mobile OS has been coded.
Detailed Explanation being compiled...
OUTDATED. Do not download.
https://mega.co.nz/#!qFlRkTpQ!Yn64mclLI4LnFz7iPYowf4LoJMBjOwch-egT3ueg4i8
Details are in the included NotePad File.
________________________________________________________________
12-13-14
Release date for Essential API's, SDK and Documentation: 12-15-14 --- Released.
_________________________________________________________________
11-27-14
We are in the process of requesting a separate Æther OS section on the XDA Forums.
The thread will be notified the outcome and if we cannot work something out there
we will create our own unique KorePhone Æther OS Developers Forum.
__________________________________________________________________
"Hi,
A new phone OS has been developed.
We are requesting it be listed as:
Æther OS
Could it be listed in it's above unique form.
Sincerely,
__________________________________________________________________
Sent to XDA Forums Administrator:
11-28-14
Hi,
I'm doing some leg work for a new OS under development called Æther OS.
It's booted in the Emulator and in next few weeks hope to have it on a device.
The RPI Reference is under development and may be posted in increments
so Apps could be developed sooner.
We would like to get a listing located next to "Jolla SailFish" , "Ubuntu Touch" and "Firefox OS"
since it is an OS.
I emailed twice over the last few days with no reply and we were hoping to get the listing
by Monday 12-1-14.
Please advise.
Most Sincerely,
___________________________________________________________________________________________
XDA:DevDB Information
☑ �ther OS App Coders Wanted, App for all devices (see above for details)
Contributors
HD2 crosshair
Version Information
Status: Testing
Created 2014-11-29
Last Updated 2015-10-18

Welcome!
This post Reserved for Testing and special announcements.

Bump after a slow weekend.

Example App
I'm the Dev for this project. For anyone who might be interested, here is some sample code for a simple app (the "Hello World" app.)
APIs are being worked on. So far there are some essential data types and GUI objects. Things are still in early stages of development although the OS is working well enough to be able to write apps with rudimentary GUI features thus-far. MUCH more to come.
Stay tuned.
public:
class Program
{
static Thread MainThread;
static void Main()
{
MainThread = new Thread(DoMainThread);
MainThread.Start();
}
static void DoMainThread()
{
_PrimarySurface = new ÆtherSurface();
_PrimarySurface.BackgroundColour = new ÆtherColour(138, 45, 228);
const float S = 0.48f;
var C1 = new ÆtherEllipse("Yellow Circle 1", new ÆtherPoint(0, 0), new ÆtherSize(S, S), new ÆtherColour(255, 255, 0));
_PrimarySurface.AddControl(C1);
var T1 = new ÆtherLabel("Label 1", new ÆtherPoint(), new ÆtherColour(30, 144, 255), "Segoe UI", 35f, ÆtherFontStyle.Bold, ÆtherTextAlignment.Centre);
T1.Text = "Hello";
_PrimarySurface.AddControl(T1);
var T2 = new ÆtherLabel("Label 2", new ÆtherPoint(), new ÆtherColour(30, 144, 255), "Segoe UI", 35f, ÆtherFontStyle.Bold, ÆtherTextAlignment.Centre);
T2.Text = "World!";
_PrimarySurface.AddControl(T2);
var Pulse = new AutoResetEvent(false);
while (true) {
C1.Position.X = _PointerInfo1.Position.X - S * 0.5f;
C1.Position.Y = _PointerInfo1.Position.Y - S * 0.5f;
T1.Position.X = _PointerInfo1.Position.X;
T1.Position.Y = _PointerInfo1.Position.Y - 0.06f;
T2.Position.X = _PointerInfo1.Position.X;
T2.Position.Y = _PointerInfo1.Position.Y + 0.06f;
RaiseEvent_UpdateSurface();
Pulse.WaitOne(48);
}
}

UPDATE:
The Code is progressing nicely with over 7,400 lines of written code.
Some bugs were dealt with and the OS is performing smoothly.
Essential API's, Documentation and a basic SDK should be released in a week.
We are hoping to present what's needed for a Live Video App.
The GIF showing the inclusion of the korecoin wallet app.

So, is this how an operating system for bankers as it was featured on finances?
Gesendet von meinem XT1039 mit Tapatalk

This looks too much as some kind of android fork to me and what kind of lunetic would nowdays choose java as platform for mobile os?

keenofhiphop said:
So, is this how an operating system for bankers as it was featured on finances?
Gesendet von meinem XT1039 mit Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks KEEN,
And Keen and Hip you are to the issues of the day.
I tend to use the word "banksters" myself.
Actually it's fantastic to see what HipHop is doing again.
Check out "The Real News Network" on YouTube.
No worries here and thanks for bringing this very important topic to light.
Sincerely,
HD2

Puresoul_CZ said:
This looks too much as some kind of android fork to me and what kind of lunetic would nowdays choose java as platform for mobile os?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hiya PureSoul,
You will be pleasantly surprised and we are looking for "Skilled Coders to Translate".
Best and hope to see you around.
BTW- My sis was in Prague a few years ago looking for our lineage
that took her across a few countries boundaries as the borders were constantly rearranged.
HD2

Nice to hear that, is there some public git or svn?
HD2 crosshair said:
Hiya PureSoul,
You will be pleasantly surprised and we are looking for "Skilled Coders to Translate".
Best and hope to see you around.
BTW- My sis was in Prague a few years ago looking for our lineage
that took her across a few countries boundaries as the borders were constantly rearranged.
HD2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Puresoul_CZ said:
Nice to hear that, is there some public git or svn?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are not publishing the Code at this time
and are looking for app Coders to translate apps for the Æther Krypton OS.

Wait, so is this just a heavily modified Android fork or a built-from-the-ground-up completely new OS?
What language do you guys use for this OS?

Puresoul_CZ said:
Nice to hear that, is there some public git or svn?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SynchroDrive said:
Wait, so is this just a heavily modified Android fork or a built-from-the-ground-up completely new OS?
What language do you guys use for this OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a fork.
The Essential API's, SDK and Documentation are being worked on and will be released soon.
More information will be provided at that time.

UPDATE:
The ÆTHER 0.1 Krypton OS now has over 8,000 lines of written code and more importantly is it's level of quality.
Still functioning very smoothly.
We are on schedule for the release date of December 12th for the API's, Documentation and SDK.
http://i.imgur.com/95kJAnN.png
Here is the latest GIF with a few extra included apps.

Just to update the thread: Work on the APIs is still underway. Hopefully there will be something to share not too long from now.

Recent News:
http://www.cryptoarticles.com/press-releases/korecoins-ther-kripton-os-coming-to-a-korephone-near-you
​

Elemental121212 said:
Just to update the thread: Work on the APIs is still underway. Hopefully there will be something to share not too long from now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KOREPHONE CODER UPDATE:
The Coder putting together the app package has been experiencing rolling power outages
that's been disrupting his work the last few weeks.
He spent last few days researching and going into town to get a fairly large UPS and a 102ah Battery
giving him a considerable amount of time. Well over 6 hours backup.
The release date for the API's, SDK and Documentation is the 15th.
Soon as these are released the app coders can all get started and we can move onto hardware integration.
Though they could have it finished in next few days he's going to wire that set up for when the power goes out.
Better to have a date they could easily make.
If it's completed earlier it will be posted earlier.
Sincerely,
HD2

Release date for the essential API's, SDK and Documentation.
12-15-2014.

Essential API's and working Emulator for the Æther Kripton Mobile OS
Here is the Initial Introduction and essential API's and working Emulator. RE: the Components of the SDK.
This is undeniable evidence the Æther Kripton Mobile OS has been coded.
Detailed Explanation being compiled...
https://mega.co.nz/#!qFlRkTpQ!Yn64mclLI4LnFz7iPYowf4LoJMBjOwch-egT3ueg4i8
Details are in the included NotePad File.

HD2 crosshair said:
Here is the Initial Introduction and essential API's and working Emulator. RE: the Components of the SDK.
This is undeniable evidence the Æther Kripton Mobile OS has been coded.
Detailed Explanation being compiled...
https://mega.co.nz/#!qFlRkTpQ!Yn64mclLI4LnFz7iPYowf4LoJMBjOwch-egT3ueg4i8
Details are in the included NotePad File.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woah. It's only 220 KB?
Okay, can you show the OS running on a phone?

[Completed] What is the difference between Stock Android and Cyanogenmod?

I'm pretty much a noob when it comes to android development, so please bear with me:silly:. As I understand, stock android is a generic firmware released by Google Inc. and not specific to any particular device. Similarly, CyanogenMod is also a generic firmware. Then what's the difference between the two?

prahladyeri said:
I'm pretty much a noob when it comes to android development, so please bear with me:silly:. As I understand, stock android is a generic firmware released by Google Inc. and not specific to any particular device. Similarly, CyanogenMod is also a generic firmware. Then what's the difference between the two?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi prahladyeri. This is from the Cyanogenmod Wiki
So what is the difference between Android and CyanogenMod?
About 1-2 times a year, the vanilla Android operating system (known as AOSP, or the Android Open Source Project) is internally developed, then released to the public, by Google. They provide the source code to anyone who wants to download it. The CyanogenMod community, comprised mostly of unpaid volunteers and enthusiasts from around the world, takes this newest Android code and "ports" it to dozens of new and older (aka "legacy") devices. At the same time, other CyanogenMod developers start adding features, fixes, and improvements that Google didn't include to the CyanogenMod code, which benefits all the devices. The CyanogenMod community has a whole infrastructure for people to build and test experimental versions, report bugs, and contribute back to the source code.
Sometimes features that started in CyanogenMod have appeared in newer version of "official" Android. And every time Android does a new "code dump" of their latest version, CyanogenMod benefits from Google's changes.
In this way, CyanogenMod is one (but not the only) community distribution of what started as vanilla AOSP. The Android community is vibrant, with numerous "modders" and "themers" and "performance enhancers" taking the source code and doing incredible things to it. Generally, there is a spirit of sharing knowledge and empowering people to experiment with controlling their devices, often giving old phones new life, and hopefully having fun in the process.
What does it all mean to me?
CyanogenMod is an alternative operating system intended to replace the one pre-installed on your smart phones and tablets. If you've got an older device that isn't getting updates anymore, or if your device seems unusually slow, or maybe you're sick of spyware, adware, and other unwanted garbage on your phone that you can't remove... Maybe your device is missing features or has been otherwise artificially limited in functionality. Perhaps you just could use a boost in performance. Or maybe you'd like to be more confident that your operating system has included some of the latest bug fixes.
If so, CyanogenMod might be for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse