CyanogenMod Releases Version 13.0 Release 1

The first snapshot release of the Android 6 based CyanogenMod 13 has been released. Version 13.0, Release 1 is based on Android 6.0.1, r17, bringing features such as smarter battery handling and more control over app permissions to CyanogenMod.

This makes it the first non-nightly of CM 13. For users who want to quickly switch to CM13, Cyanogen still has some warnings ahead. On its blog, Cyanogen has posted some scenarios for people moving from CM12.1 or CM13.0 nightly to the current release and for users of the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Nexus 9 who want to move to CM13 Release 1.

Cyanogen also explains a number of important changes. Cyanogen has removed the encrypted messaging service WhisperPush, among other things. It was announced at the end of January that this would happen. The app will not be replaced. Cyanogen’s advice is to switch to Signal if necessary.

A new screen has also been added that shows memory usage over a longer period of time, there is support for fingerprint scanners and changes have been made to Privacy Guard. Also, some previously specific CM features have been removed because they ended up in Android Open Source Project, or aosp. Qualcomm’s Mms-caf SMS application has also been removed, due to the presence of the native aosp messaging service.

For some devices, the camera app has been updated to include support for Qualcomm Snapdragon camera. Devices without that capability will keep the Camera2 app.