Cyanogen, Microsoft Partner To Add Microsoft Apps In Cyanogen OS (Updated)
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):
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"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."
Follow Rexly Peñaflorida II @Heirdeux. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.
Rexly Peñaflorida is a freelance writer for Tom's Hardware covering topics such as computer hardware, video games, and general technology news.
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Vlad Rose CyanogenMod: The new Windows Phone, running AndroidReply
I guess as the old saying goes "if you can't beat them, join them" -
captaincharisma if this is true cyanogen now no worse then samsung,HTC,LG etc adding bloat to android. slimrom and paronoid android roms are just a few roms that are just as good as cyanogenReply -
PaulBags What's the difference (besides open source) of mod vs os? Is os only on the oneplusone, or can you still get it for other devices? Any cost?Reply -
Floppy eDonkey ReplyCyanogenMod: The new Windows Phone, running Android
I guess as the old saying goes "if you can't beat them, join them"
Or as Microsoft does, steal the technology and make it theirs
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gorfmaster1 If only they opened the Windows Phone open to android apps, The windows Phone would probably actually take off finally. Right now it is incredibly sad.Reply -
alextheblue Replyif this is true cyanogen now no worse then samsung,HTC,LG etc adding bloat to android. slimrom and paronoid android roms are just a few roms that are just as good as cyanogen
You realize these are all optional right? Just like the article says. A lot of people would like to have access to these for work. But if you don't want them you don't have to have them. Like sykozis said, choice isn't bad.
If only they opened the Windows Phone open to android apps, The windows Phone would probably actually take off finally. Right now it is incredibly sad.
How do you propose they do that, exactly? Anyway, it's got all the core apps I'd ever want and I don't buy a phone just because all my bros have the same one. I buy what works for me. -
TechnoD "How do you propose they do that, exactly? Anyway, it's got all the core apps I'd ever want and I don't buy a phone just because all my bros have the same one. I buy what works for me. "Reply
Completely agree. If you buy a Windows Phone so you can try/use 3rd party apps, your doing it wrong. Windows phones are all about the Microsoft environment. Simply put, for pretty much every case, Microsoft/Nokia have produced every app you need for productivity. -
sykozis Reply15693506 said:CyanogenMod: The new Windows Phone, running Android
I guess as the old saying goes "if you can't beat them, join them"
Or as Microsoft does, steal the technology and make it theirs
No different from what Apple, Samsung, Google, Intel and every other company has done.