I finally decided (I really didn’t want to do that actually, until I got into problems using my imported G1 in China – couldn’t sync my gmail account anymore nor download from the market) to “root” my Android phone and install a modified (hacked) version of Android. I went through countless forums and instructions, and tried several different versions and howtos, until I stumbled upon Cyanogenmod, which is by far the best I’ve found so far. Before that, I first tried running a rooted version of the original 1.1 version, but quickly found it rather limited and frustrating, so I then tried the JesusFreke builds, one version at a time, but it seems like the guy stopped modding at version 1.5 (cupcake). Cupcake’s not bad, I was thinking about sticking with JesusFreke but I kept getting notices from Google to update my phone to 1.6 (donut). Obviously if I did that it wouldn’t work anymore or it’d brick my phone or whatever. Therefore I decided to install Cyanogenmod which is now based on 1.6 (donut), the latest version of Android. And I don’t regret a thing now!! Not only I have fixed the problems I had with my account and the market (had to edit /system/etc/hosts), but now I can do much MORE with my phone than ever before! Here are some screenshots and examples:

As you can see up there (by clicking on some ofthese screenshot previews), as Cyanogenmod is based on the developer’s version of Android, I now have access to all the developers tools, even a sim card hacking tool, AND all the normal proprietary google apps. There is also a built-in updater (CM updater) included, plus an “alternative” market (SAM). I can now also do multitouch using 2 fingers in the browser to zoom in and zoom out (just like on the iPhone/touch), I got auto-rotate on for most apps, got 5 desktops (instead of 3), all these things you can only get by rooting the phone, etc.

I used to think there was no point in hacking Android, as it is already a pretty good OS, even without root access, but then since I don’t really have a choice now in order to fully use my phone’s great sync features, I had to and now much appreciate the benefits! I must admit however that I’m a little afraid Google will try to do like Apple and try to brick my phone or something like that, but in the meantime I must say I’m really enjoying this modified version of Android!! It’s nice to feel that I have complete control over my device, and that I can use my native language, or Chinese, or anything!

In other words: Cyanogenmod is exactly what Android SHOULD have been like. Google should listen and give us what we want, instead of trying to stop modders like this.