The Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean era is coming to a close at CyanogenMod as the ROM customization team now has the CyanogenMod 10.1.3 release candidate build available for download. CyanogenMod announced on Wednesday that its release candidate can be downloaded for a number of currently popular smartphones and tablets.

A release candidate is a version of software that has the potential for general release. While these builds often still contain some bugs, they tend to be much more reliable than nightly builds, which update constantly as bugs are sorted out and features are updated. CyanogenMod 10.1.3 is based on the CyanogenMod 10.1 nightlies, which were developed to such a point where they can be considered for general release. While CyanogenMod 10.1.3 should run smoothly, Android Police recommends possibly waiting for the final, stable build to release.

CyanogenMod 10.1.3 includes such enhancements as Privacy Guard and SELinux, two security features that were previously seen only on nightly builds. The release candidate also removes removes Voice+, which allows users to send and receive SMS texts through Google Voice.

CM 10.1.3 also brings the first general release approval for such devices as the HTC One, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. As the CyanogenMod team works to stabilize this build for general release, it will also be refocusing its attention toward the recently released CyanogenMod 10.2 nighties, which provides Android 4.3 Jelly Bean software to supported devices.

CyanogenMod encourages users who adopt this build to report any bugs they may experience so they may be resolved for future release candidate builds and the general release. The team warns that users should not flash CM 10.1.3 on top of any CM 10.2 nightlies. Despite CM 10.1.3 being a release candidate, this action is essentially installing a lower version of software on top of a higher version of software, which could have disastrous results. Those who have already installed CM 10.2 will have to wipe their device and go back down to CM 10.1 before installing CM 10.1.3. Additionally, those who wish to install the Google Play Store and Google Services need the proper Gapps Zip file.

As always, users should take caution when installing custom firmware onto their devices, keeping in mind that their warranties may be avoided. Backing up your device is recommended.

You may download CyanogenMod 10.1.3 here.

The Gapps Zip file for Google Play Store and Google Services can be downloaded here.

Will you update your device to CyanogenMod 10.1.3 release candidate? Let us know in the comments below.

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