CyanogenMod updated to v12.1 Android 5.1 Lollipop, comes with Stagefright patch

CyanogenMod version 12.1 released, gets Android 5.1 and Stagefright security fix

Cyanogen Inc is rolling out firmware update for its CyanogenMod OS starting today. The new version is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop and bumps up the version number to 12.1. CyanogenMod 12.1 comes with a patch for the dreaded Stagefright vulnerability which can be exploited by hackers just by sending a specially crafted Multimedia message or a Google Hangout message.

The Cyanogen website states that the update will rolled out to all OnePlus One device owners starting today, while Andromax Q, Yureka, Yureka Plus, and Yuphoria smartphone owners will have to wait for a little while. The website says that the update for these smartphones will be rolled out once approval and certification process is completed.

The new firmware will provide improved stability and performance across the board and bring following features:

What’s new in 12.1:

• Smarter Screen: LiveDisplay intelligently adjusts your screen based on environmental conditions.
• Calendar Together with Email: Enjoy the latest Boxer powered experience where you can seamlessly share your availability and schedule appointments.
• Cyanogen Browser: The new Cyanogen browser delivers search results and loads web sites faster and more securely than leading browsers.
• Redesigned Launcher: App Drawer and Folders have been redesigned for one-handed use.
• Fresh AudioFX: The user interface has been updated for consistency across all devices.
• More Playback support: Cyanogen has increased added more codec support for video and audio playback.

Cyanogen Browser

The new OS come with a Cyanogen homespun browser called Cyanogen Browser. According to Cyanogen the new browser will be secure and fast. Here are few features of  Cyanogen Browser :

• Performance: 1.21x better than Chrome in top priority benchmarks
• Speed: 1.69x faster than Chrome in page load benchmarks
• Power Efficient: 1.2x better in power efficiency
• Less Memory Used: Lower runtime memory usage—on average 50-100MB less memory (optimized to not consume as much memory)
• Location Privacy: When websites ask for access to location, the user can choose to allow for 24 hours (as opposed to allowing permanent access), giving the user finer control over their location privacy
• Security: Saved passwords for websites are encrypted, increasing password security if your phone is ever lost or stolen