Use latest Android version

Most of us could not use latest android version as the smartphone company stops sending updates after some time.
However using Custom ROMs, we can use latest Android version on our existing android smartphone. Some of you might ask me whats custom ROM?
Android being an open source can be further developed and customized into custom Android which we call the custom ROMs. Some smartphone manufacturers use these custom ROM instead of Stock Android and as such there are many types of Custom ROMS available.
I will discuss some of these custom ROMS in this post. I will also try to give you all a brief idea of how to use this custom ROMs in an another post. My blog post How to install Custom ROM will give you an idea on how to install custom ROMs and use latest android version.

1. CynogenMod
CyanogenMod (pronounced sigh-ah-no-gen-mod), usually abbreviated to CM, is developed as free and open source software based on the official releases of Android by Google, with added original and third-party code. It offers features and options not found in the official firmware distributed by mobile vendors. Some feature includes native theming support, large APN list, OpenVPN client, Privacy guard, CPU overclocking, unlock-able bootloader, root access. CM is regularly updated and developed by group of developers.
Their latest release Cyanogenmod 13 is based on Android 6.0.

2. Resurrection Remix
RR is another ROM which is stable and updated regularly and is very much customizable. It is also available for large number of mobiles. RR have an amazing support from fellow users and developers in forums. Even you can contribute towards its development. You get notified every-time a new version is available. RR is mix of features from many ROMs, including Paranoid Android, Omni, Slim and AOKP.
I am using it one of my android device and am really a fan of its levels of customization.

3. OmniRom
OmniROM is a little different custom ROM for the billions of people. It is also regularly updated by developers and users can also contribute, report bugs they found. The devs are former CyanogenMod team members.Some of its features include Active Display, Flick2Wake & Pick2Wake, Customizable status and notification bar and lots more.

4. Paranoid
Paranoid Android was developed aiming to extend the system, working on enhancing the already existing beauty of Android. It is officially available for Nexus, oppo, one plus devices and also support some other on various Android forums. Some of features are Hover notifications, Immersive mode which hides system bars to give you more room, Pie which enhances the navigation bar, peek to glance at your notification when pulling out of pocket, dynamic system bars, theme engine by CynogenMod.

5. MIUI
MIUI stands for Mi User Interface, is developed by Xiaomi Tech. Google has had disagreements with the Chinese government, and access to many Google services is blocked. MIUI does not ship with Google Play Services in mainland China but they have expanded their operations in many other countries like in Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. On February 24, 2016, Xiaomi said that the MIUI ROM had over 170 million users worldwide, and was supported on over 340 handsets.

6. Cataclysm
It is one of best ROM known for its performance and lesser bugs than others. Most exciting feature is that you can flash it over your existing stock Android, you will not loose your installed apps and data. So of its other feature include Lock screen and Navigation bar customisation, Advanced App Ops, Quick Settings customisation, Status bar customisation, LED notification customisation, Smart Radio.

7. BlissRom
BlissROM is basically based on CyanogenMod. Bliss ROM offers the most features of any other rom available which are constantly updated and new features added. It keeps everything nice and tidy by embedding all of our features within the settings dialog, and not making them all separate apps that clutter your app drawer. There is lots of visual improvements and Audio Improvements. You can customize it a lot.

8. SlimRom
SlimROM as the name suggests is a simpler Android which reduces the unnecessary overhead. It is a boon for those having an older device and want to get latest android experience. It provides a customized and informative lock screen. Some of its features include Slim dialer – great custom dialer, Slim Recents – recently opened apps, more space to shortcuts, The real dark Slim (Invert the whole ROM including Gapps with one click. ), SlimPIE (PIE with a light touch of Slim), Privacy guard, Shake Events, Notification reminder, Notification drawer and and lockscreen shortcuts, Custom Quick Settings Tiles,

9. Dirty Unicorns
Dirty Unicorns is a project that started out with no name. It was a project that was first based off AOKP back in the early days of Jelly Bean. It is also a high performing ROM with lots of customization. It is available for a wide variety of devices.

There is a long list of custom ROMS and list will get longer with time. A few others worth listing are XenonHD, PAC-man, EMUI, Exudus, Euphoria. There are lots of forums with great support to help you use latest Android version.