A Resolution Has Been Reached By CyanogenMod and Google

We didn't like it when Google sent CyanogenMod, maker of the best Android ROMs available, a cease and desist letter. We didn't like Google's explanation on why CyanogenMod couldn't distribute the close-sourced applications of Android (Market, Gmail, etc) in the custom ROMs. We understood Google's issue with distributing close sourced applications but we questioned Google's real motives and felt that Google could have handled the situation infinitely times better.

What we do like is what CyanogenMod is going to do about this most unfortunate situation. In his words:

I will no longer be distributing these applications as part of CyanogenMod. But it’s OK. None of the go-fast stuff that I do involves any of this stuff anyway. We need these applications though, because we all rely so heavily on their functionality. I’d love for Google to hand over the keys to the kingdom and let us all have it for free, but that’s not going to happen. And who can blame them?

...Since I don’t work with any of these closed source applications directly, what I intend to do is simply ship the next version of CyanogenMod as a “bare bones” ROM. You’ll be able to make calls, MMS, take photos, etc. In order to get our beloved Google sync and applications back, you’ll need to make a backup first. I’m working on an application that will do this for you.

Kudos to CyanogenMod for cooperating with Google and still finding a way to deliver some of the best custom ROMs to Android users. Maybe the regular Android user won't notice the difference but the full Android experience isn't complete without the hard work of guys like CyanogenMod and for that, we at Android Central are indebted. We're glad to have you on our side.

What do you guys think?

thanks iDavey for the tip!