Cyanogen divorces OnePlus

The partnership between custom Android OS producer Cyanogen and phone manufacturer OnePlus has come to an end. The decision to end the partnership means that Cyanogen will look for new Android phone producers to employ its custom OS. Just a bit more than two weeks ago, the Android 5.0 themed Cyanogen 12 was distributed to owners of the OnePlus One handset.

OnePlus brass was more than just a little miffed last year when shortly after the OnePlus One was launched in India, Cyanogen signed an exclusive deal with Indian phone manufacturer Micromax. This led a court in New Delhi to place a temporary ban on selling the OnePlus One in the country. It also led OnePlus to develop an OS of its own, OxygenOS.

Cyanogen CEO Kirk McMaster strongly believes that if it weren't for the Cyanogen name, OnePlus would not have enjoyed a successful first year of operations. "Without Cyanogen, OnePlus would have sold like one device in international markets," said the executive. "Essentially they built their brand on the back of Cyanogen."

Both Cyanogen and OnePlus aren't wasting anytime mourning the breakup. Cyanogen is said to be working with new partners and is looking for phone manufacturers looking to become a strong global brand. In a statement, Cyanogen says that while OnePlus shipped "reasonable volume," it is nothing compared to the shipping numbers that these new partners can produce.

As for OnePlus, the focus is now on producing updates for its OxygenOS. Cyanogen did say that that will continue to support devices that run its operating system. Steve Kondik, Cyanogen's chief technology officer, wrapped things up with a quick statement. "That’s probably the last you will see from that partnership unfortunately. Two new companies are trying to do crazy stuff, a lot of people collide."

source: PCWorld via AndroidAuthority