It wasn't too long after Google announced Android 4.4 KitKat to the public that the company also revealed that its popular Galaxy Nexus smartphone would not be a recipient of the latest version of Android. Lucky for Galaxy Nexus owners, a relatively stable CyanogenMod ROM has been released for download.

The ROM, a CyanogenMod 11 build for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, is still in the beta but according to users, it is still stable enough to take for a spin. Developer PlayfulGod has posted instructions and details regarding the ROM over at XDADevelopers for those interested in flashing. CyanogenMod is one of the most popular Android ROMs out on the market.

While everything seems to be working, PlayfulGod lists the following bugs in the ROM:

" - Camera panorama, needs the 1205 gapps I posted to work, still no preview while taking shoots tho.

- Graphic glitch (during screenshot animation, taken image is fine though!!!)

- Minor bug in viewing images in the camera app then tapping the gallery icon in the top left corner deleting the viewed image."

It's not perfect, but given the fact that there is no official Android 4.4 KitKat firmware on the way, the CyanogenMod 11 ROM, along with other custom ROMS, are the only way for Galaxy Nexus owners to experience Android 4.4 KitKat. Remember that flashing does carry the risk of bricking the device, so make sure you know what you're doing before snagging KitKat.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus owners have petitioned Google for an official KitKat release since the handset does meet the minimum required specs for the update, but the Mountain View search giant hasn't been encouraging — in all likelihood, an official release will never happen.

Let us know if you have a chance to download the CyanogenMod 11 KitKat build for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and what you think of it in the comments section below.