Samsung Galaxy S4 Release: CyanogenMod Build Discovered On T-Mobile Model [PHOTO]

Custom ROM fans on T-Mobile will be delighted to know that Steve Kondik, the founder of the CyanogenMod, is already hard at work adapting a build specifically for the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 has been available on T-Mobile for just two days, and Kondik was able to share a screen capture of a T-Mobile Galaxy S4 model running an unofficial build of CyanogenMod after one day of working on the device.

Even though the screen capture indicates no Baseband version and a lack of radio support, RootzWiki has since confirmed with Kondik that the radio is now working on the Galaxy S4. “Nearly everything works now,” he told the website. He hasn't divulged any more information about the build.

We don’t expect a CyanogenMod ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S4 to be available right away as the build will likely need more testing before it can be released to the public. Enthusiasts are impressed at Kondik’s speedy rooting prowess and ability to create a near complete ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S4 in a single day. Fans on his Google+ account have noted that Kondik was able root the Samsung Galaxy S4 just days after bloggers had said it was impossible.

The presumed difficulty in installing CyanogenMod on the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a likely reference to how the AT&T model of the Galaxy S4 is sold with a locked bootloader, making it more difficult, but not impossible, for the device to be rooted and modified with custom ROM. Renown hacker Dan Rosenberg reports that he has been able to bypass the bootloader on the AT&T Galaxy S4 model, and many expect that he will release a bootloader unlocking tool at some point.

T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy S4 sells with an unlocked bootloader, making it much easier for developers to modify its software. Sprint confirmed to Gotta Be Mobile that its Galaxy S4 model will sell with an unlocked bootloader. The Verizon Galaxy S4 won't be available until the end of May and is expected to sell with an unloaded bootloader. If not, we may see Rosenberg delay the release of a bootloader unlocking tool until then so that he can make it compatible with all Galaxy S4 models with locked bootloaders.

Meanwhile, T-Mobile’s Galaxy S4 model is still unavailable in-stores. The device is scheduled to be released at select locations on May 8 and nationwide on May 15.

IBTimes spoke with a sales representative at in Manhattan's financial district on Wednesday and were told that all T-Mobile stores in lower Manhattan will begin selling the Samsung Galaxy S4 on May 15. If you want to buy your Samsung Galaxy S4 in stores on May 8, we expect handsets to be available in the Union Square area and likely also in midtown.