Cyanogen's Cyanogen OS is a hit among Android users. The open source mobile operating system gives users a variety of features and functions that are otherwise unavailable on the Android operating system, such as adding slow motion video capabilities and making apps private by hiding them in a locked and protected folder. Today, the OS is getting new services thanks to a partnership with Microsoft.
The deal involves the addition of Microsoft apps and services into the Cyanogen OS, specifically Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, Microsoft Office and Bing. However, Microsoft doesn't just want these implemented on the system; the company is working on "native integrations" for the apps on Cyanogen OS, which will make them seem like native apps within the operating system.
Cyanogen hasn't provided an exact date for the integration; the statement only said that it's coming later this year. However, this partnership is crucial, especially for those who are using Cyanogen OS for business.
Many office workers already use the same Windows apps and services on their desktop computers. By having a native version of important Windows apps on Cyanogen OS, users can get that Windows experience in their pockets without having to switch to Windows Phone.
If anything, this development is bound to create competition in the mobile office space by giving users an alternative to both the Android operating system and Windows Phone.
Update (4/16, 12:20 PDT): The partnership with Microsoft only extends Cyanogen OS, the commercial operating system, and not CyanogenMod, the open source distribution. The story has been updated for clarification.
Update (4/16, 1:40pm PDT): We reached out to Cyanogen for comment on this story, and here is the reply (note that the Microsoft services are opt-in):
"Users are ultimately in control of what apps and services they want to opt-in to. Additionally, users can always delete apps and services they no longer want. Cyanogen is predicated on user choice as an operating system, and we want to offer best-in-class apps and services on our platform, and Microsoft services will be one of those great choices for consumers."
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