Despite the simplification of the process, this could be a reasonable move to protect consumers, as not everybody might fully understand what they’re getting themselves into. The good news is that you can still sideload it, so there shouldn’t be a problem for those who still want to use the installer.

Google removes CyanogenMod Installer from Play Store

The reasoning given by Google is that the CyanogenMod Installer violates the Google Play Store’s developer terms by actively encouraging Android users to “void [the] warranty” on their devices. As we saw when we took the app for a test drive, the Installer does indeed de-hair the hairy process of unlocking an Android device’s bootloader and getting an alternate ROM installed; apparently, though, the Installer made things just a little too easy. As our Android expert Ron Amadeo noted, the CyanogenMod Installer is mostly a “one-way street,” without a quick way to return the device to its stock state—it’s certainly possible, but not with the same level of ease.

$200 isn’t exactly cheap, though if you like tinkering and customization, this is definitely a cool project.

Build your own cellphone for $200

Currently at MIT’s Media Lab, Mellis has put all of the plans necessary to build and customize the phone up on Github, and also uploaded the circuit board plans to custom printer OSH Park, which will print three copies of the board for around $60. As for the casing, there are detailed instructions for a simple laser-cut plywood case, but several Media Lab members have crafted their own cases in a variety of shapes and hues, using milling, laser cutting, and 3D printing. Mellis describes his DIY phone as “a difficult but potentially do-able project” that should cost around$200 to complete.

WIRED.com writes about a Linux flavour that is trying to woo users who have given up on Windows.

There are myriad Linux distros, from Red Hat and CentOS and Ubuntu to Google Android. Most are typically used on computer servers that run things like websites and other big online applications, and most of the headlines go Android, which has reinvented the world of smartphones and tablets. But Elementary OS is different: It’s intended for desktop PCs, which are still very much the domain of Apple and Microsoft.

Foré says Elementary is trying to attract two groups of desktop users in particular: young developers who are new to open source and want an easy way to get started, and non-technical computer users who are fed up with Windows.

A polished Linux distro can meet the needs of users who have given up on Windows but do not wish to spend on a Mac. With the missteps that Microsoft is making with its Windows releases, now is the time for Linux to catch up.

The latest Mac OS X Mavericks is now free so the only barrier to entry is the cost of a Mac. The more adventurous can go the Hackintosh route by installing OS X on a PC.

By now most folks already know that Evernote has entered the hardware game. It’s not easy, but I’m pretty confident that Evernote will be able to pull it off with aplomb.

Taming Evernote’s paper tiger

Libin says he has come to peace with the idea that paper is with us for the long term. Indeed, while more forms are coming online and digital-signature options are becoming more popular, paper forms are still difficult to avoid.

9to5Mac reports on how Google use over 40,000 Macs.

While Google mentioned during the presentation that it supports four desktop OS platforms (OS X, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS) internally, it also said these days employees that want to use a platform other than Mac OS X “have to make a business case” to do so.

Mac OS X is the best operating system I have ever worked with. I can understand Google’s love for OS X.

BBC reports that former Nokia employees have launched Jolla, a smartphone powered by open-source operating system Sailfish.

The platform – originally called MeeGo – was developed by Nokia, but dumped in 2011 in favour of the company adopting the Windows Phone system.

Nokia released just one handset running the software, the N9-00.

Antti Saarnio, chairman and co-founder of Jolla, told the BBC in May that MeeGo – now called Sailfish – had not been given enough chance to succeed.

The company wants to provide consumers with a more open operating system. Jolla phone is able to run Android apps. It remains to be seen if it will eventually support apps built for other platforms.

The phone’s ethos was to provide a more “open” approach to how people used their mobiles, a contrast to the relatively closed systems used on the iPhone and, to a lesser extent, Android devices.

“There’s different opportunities for people to get apps form different places, different stores,” he said.