CyanogenMod 7.2 brings ICS features and more to CM (Android 2.3.7)

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The CyanogenMod team has recently released a flowchart about which Android devices will receive their CM9 (Android 4.0) upgrade, which left a lot of Android owners disappointed. Nevertheless, if you’re one of those who ended up in the wrong side of the chart, there’s no need to despair. You might still be able to breathe some new life in that “old phone” of yours!

Android device owners that have CM7 or Android 2.3 installed and know for a fact that they will not receive an (official or otherwise) ICS update will especially enjoy CyanogenMod’s newest release. The CyanogenMod 7.2 Release Candidate arrives with some sweet Ice Cream Sandwich visuals, a predictive phone dialer, and much more.

CM 7.2 RC is based on the open source code of Android version 2.3.7 (Gingerbread). This latest release integrates some of those nifty transition and rotation effects that you can enjoy on ICS. CM 7.2 RC also introduces a predictive phone dialer, similar to what is found on HTC’s Sense UI and Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, which searches your contacts for matching names or numbers, as you dial.

Other standout new features include:

  • Available on new devices, including but not limited to:
    • Samsung Galaxy Ace, Mini, and Epic
    • LG Optimus Black, 3D, Sol, Hub, Pro, and One
    • Motorola Atrix
    • Sony Ericsson Xperia Live, Pro, and Active
    • Huawei U8150
  • Assorted WiFi bug fixes
  • Media player and recorder fixes
  • Lockscreen updates and new styles
  • Support for Bluetooth GPS dongles
  • Better support for mouse and USB keyboards
  • Improved Calendar reminder options

Probably, the most impressive additions to the build are the ICS dialer trick, and the addition of ice-creamy transitions and rotation effects, which might provide some comfort to the multitude of impatient users waiting for the CM9 upgrade.

For a full list of changes and upgrades, you can consult the complete changelog here.

Since this is a release candidate, the standard list of warnings apply. Do not use this version for daily use without some serious testing. Make a backup of your current installation and expect a few bugs and glitches. Bug reports can be submitted through http://code.google.com/p/cyanogenmod/issues/list CyanogenMod is a free download for rooted Android devices.

Let us know if you try it out. What are your impressions?

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