The two companies have struck a deal to integrate popular Microsoft apps into Cyanogen Operating System, which now comes preloaded on phones like the Oneus One after rising from CyanogenMod, one of the most popular alternative Android ROMs around. (Update for clarity: CyanogenMod is still around being developed by the community as a separate entity from Cyanogen OS.) The duo is diving in with both feet, too: Cyanogen OS will include Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, Office, Bing services going forward. Cyanogen’s taking Android away from hing it to Microsoft, it seems. The story behind the story: Rumors of collaboration between Microsoft Cyanogen were first tied to Cyanogen’s recent funding round. Microsoft didn’t wind up investing, but today’s announcement confirms that the whispers contained a kernel of truth— this strategic partnership is a perfect fit for the goals of each company.
n-win
Since sprouting from humble beginnings as a custom Android ROM, Cyanogen has sprouted into a full-fledged company that is actively seeking partners to preload its OS on phones. CEO Kirt McMaster has publicly complained about how deeply integrates its services into Android. one manufacturers have to follow strict rules concerning the prominent placement of ’s apps on homescreens. Microsoft, meanwhile, has reimagined itself as a “mobile first, cloud first” company since CEO Satya Nadella seized the reins last year, allowing its services to finally break free of its lockstep with ndows. In the months since his elevation to the lead role, Office has led on Android iOS, OneNote’s exped to, well, everywhere, Microsoft’s even launched a program to quickly test ideas for new Android apps. Nadella’s Microsoft wants you using Microsoft services even if you don’t use ndows. The new Microsoft is “the productivity platform company for the mobile-first cloud-first world,” he said in a letter to employees last ly. This isn’t the first deal Microsoft’s inked to bring its apps to Android devices. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to preload Office on Android tablets from Dell Samsung, Samsung’s Galaxy S6 comes with Office, OneDrive, OneNote preloaded.
