Dirty Unicorns is a custom ROM based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code. It aims to provide a fast, customizable, and feature-rich Android experience. Dirty Unicorns is available for a wide range of Android smartphones and tablets.
Features of Dirty Unicorns
Highly Customizable Interface
Dirty Unicorns offers deep customization options for the user interface. You can fine tune the look and feel via:
- Theming support to change system fonts, icon shapes, accents colors etc.
- Custom navigation bar buttons and layouts.
- Notification drawer and quick setting toggles can be rearranged as per liking.
- Custom status bar icons, battery styles, clock and other elements.
- Misc UI tweaks for animations, transitions, blurs and more.
Latest Android Version and Security
Dirty Unicorns keep up with new Android versions and security updates quickly. It is usually based on the latest AOSP source code with most up-to-date features and fixes integrated. This provides optimal performance while keeping the ROM secure.
Performance and Battery Enhancements
The ROM has various under-the-hood optimizations for speed and battery life improvements. These include:
- CPU input boost, scheduling profiles and other tweaks to reduce lags.
- I/O optimizations for faster app load times.
- Enhanced RAM management for smoother multitasking.
- Battery saving profiles to stretch out run times.
- Kernel tweaks like interactive governor to balance battery vs performance.
Extensive Customization Options
Dirty Unicorns is highly flexible allowing adjustment of many system parameters:
- Custom lock screen shortcuts, statusbar toggles and other buttons.
- Change app launcher grid size, scrolling effects and icon labels.
- Adjust sound, vibration, lights for alerts and notifications.
- Configurable quick settings with rows, columns and brightness control.
- Button backlight, menu animations and taskbar settings can be tweaked.
- Set hardware button actions, double tap gestures and navigation types.
Useful Extra Features
Notable extra features packaged in Dirty Unicorns include:
- Inbuilt root access via SuperSU for apps needing root.
- OmniSwitch recents menu replacement for advanced task switching.
- Color engine to dynamically change accents based on wallpapers.
- Expanded desktop mode to remove notification bar for full screen apps.
- On-the-fly theme editing without rebooting device.
- Wake gestures like double tap to wake and sweep to sleep.
- Lockscreen shortcuts, weather widget and other interface tools.
- Under the hood tools like init.d support for scripts.
AOSP Framework for Stability
Since Dirty Unicorns is built on AOSP, the core OS reliability remains rock solid. Performance is enhanced but the base stability ensures reliable phone functioning for calls, WiFi, Bluetooth etc.
Benefits of Using Dirty Unicorns
Here are some of the major benefits that make Dirty Unicorns an appealing custom ROM:
- Get the latest Android features and updates quickly.
- Remove bloatware that comes on stock ROMs for smoother performance.
- Customize look and feel to match personal style.
- Improves device speed and battery life through optimizations.
- Bring new capabilities to older phones with discontinued updates.
- Unlock advanced interface options not found in stock ROMs.
- Provides enjoyment from theming, modding and tweaking the device.
- Active community for discussion, help and sharing customizations.
- Developer driven with new features and fixes released frequently.
Pros and Cons of Dirty Unicorns
Pros
- Highly customizable interface and theming options
- Based on latest and fastest Android version
- Battery life and performance enhancing tweaks
- Adds useful bonus features
- Vibrant community with good support
- AOSP core makes it stable and reliable
Cons
- Manual installation process can be tricky
- Stability not as tested as stock ROMs
- Advanced customizations can seem overwhelming
- Certain device-specific features may not work
- Bugs or quirks to be expected in unofficial builds
- Older devices may not perform well
Installation Process
Here are the key steps to install Dirty Unicorns on your Android device:
- Backup important data like contacts, photos etc.
- Enable USB debugging in developer options.
- Unlock the bootloader through the OEM method if not unlocked already.
- Install a custom recovery like TWRP via fastboot on your phone.
- Download Dirty Unicorns ROM file for your device model.
- Boot into recovery, perform a factory reset and wipe existing ROM.
- Sideload the Dirty Unicorns zip package in recovery to install it.
- Reboot the device into the system, set up initial settings and enjoy!
Developer Support
Dirty Unicorns has an active developer community providing support in varied ways:
- Dedicated website for announcements, guides and downloads.
- Github for reporting bugs, requesting features and tracking progress.
- Active forums where developers engage with users.
- Telegram and Discord groups for quick chats and troubleshooting help.
- Wiki/FAQ section for installation help and customization tips.
- Social channels like Twitter for updates on new builds and features.
- XDA community threads for each device with model-specific help.
Best Custom ROM Alternatives
Paranoid Android
Paranoid Android offers a unique take on Android customization. It provides extensive interface and feature tweaks like per-app theming, expanded desktop modes, and custom gesture controls. With a focus on customizability and innovation, Paranoid Android is a good choice for power users.
PAC-ROM
PAC-ROM aims to blend stability with useful extras over stock Android. It offers theming, UI enhancements, and customization options while maintaining a lightweight and smooth experience. With innovative features and broad device support, PAC-ROM hits a nice balance between customization and usability.
OmniROM
OmniROM provides an AOSP base with extensive interface theming options. It offers multiple themes, icon packs, fonts, and UI elements for deep customization. With a stable base and focus on theming, OmniROM is ideal for those who want to heavily customize their device’s look and feel.
Conclusion
Dirty Unicorns is one of the most popular custom ROMs due to its focus on customization and new features. With AOSP providing a stable core along with cutting edge updates from active developers, it offers a highly customizable twist to the Android experience. If you want to revamp the look and enhance the functionality of your device beyond stock options, Dirty Unicorns is definitely worth trying out.
Just be prepared for a manual installation process and tinkering required to shape it precisely to your needs. Overall, Dirty Unicorns lets you unlock the full potential of your Android phone or tablet.
F.A.Q
Q1. What devices are supported by dirty unicorns?
A1. Dirty Unicorns supports a wide range of Android smartphones and tablets from manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Google, LG and more.
Q2. What is unicorn used for?
A2. Unicorns are mythical creatures that symbolize magic, rarity and imagination. They are popular in fantasy stories, art and pop culture.
Q3. What are digital unicorns?
A3. Digital unicorns refer to privately held startup companies valued at over $1 billion, indicating their rareness.
Q4. Who invented dirty unicorns?
A4.Dirty Unicorns was started in 2012 by developer Varun Date (vd date) along with Abhisek Devkota (blaze) and others.
