CyanogenMod 9 is highly anticipated in the Android hacking community, and excitement is about to rise a notch with the announcement that Version 9 of the mod is "stable" for Google's Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

CyanogenMod replaces the stock Android experience. Cyanogen, the creator of CyanogenMod, began to work for Samsung in 2011 but continues to work on its self-titled Android modification separately.

Android Central notes that releasing the mod on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus seems like a strange decision. Version 9 is based on Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich -- not Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Google updated the 2011 Galaxy Nexus to Jelly Bean around the June 27 Google I/O, making the Galaxy Nexus the first Android smartphone to use Jelly Bean.

Jelly Bean has not seen widespread adoption since its release, largely because manufacturers and carriers have delayed the update process. Samsung is reportedly testing the update for its Samsung Galaxy S3 and S2 smartphones, while HTC has said an update for the Desire HD smartphone, which previously appeared to be ruled out, is merely delayed. Check out mobilenapps.com's coverage of notable carriers readying (or delaying) updates.

Features in CyanogenMod 9 not found in the stock version of Android include a new music player, "Apollo". No news is available on when other devices will get CyanogenMod 9, but hackers at forums including XDA-developers could be working on updates.

CyanogenMod 10, running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, is currently in development. Users can download the beta version, though it will be running nightly test builds. However, with the in-development nature of the mod, users are advised not to install CyanogenMod 10 on essential devices.