Anyone who has even thought of rooting their Android smartphone must have heard about CyanogenMod. If not, CyanogenMod is a "more open version of Android" which gives an extra layer of customisability to the users. Earlier only a bunch of custom ROM cookers, which has now turned into a company, has already started providing software for a couple of smartphone brands including Oppo and OnePlus. Oppo N1 was the first commercial device to come with CyanogenMod pre-installed while the second device is the OnePlus One.
According to The Information, CyanogenMod has reportedly struck a deal with Micromax to build CyanogenMod based phones. Currently, there is no further information about the particular device from Micromax which will feature CyanogenMod but we won't be surprised if it comes sooner than later. Micromax has long been trying to make better high-end Android smartphones but they haven't been very successful so far. With devices like Micromax Canvas Gold A300 and Micromax Canvas Knight A350, it became clear that Micromax is churning out much better hardware quality but the software has failed to improve so this move might give them a headstart. Unlike some software overlays from brands such as Samsung, Huawei, LG, and many more, Cyanogen has managed to become so popular because it provides necessary features and customisability without ruining the performance of the device. In fact, it actually improves performance and battery life.
The whole story revolves around Cyanogen refusing Google SVP Sundar Pichai's offer for purchasing the company. Kirt McMaster, CEO at Cyanogen has informed its investors that they have refused an acquisition offer from Google, which is a bold move. According to the report, CyanogenMod is focussing on obtaining a $1 billion valuation before raising the third round of funding. Last year, the company raised about $30 million in funding.
According to some reports, even Microsoft was in talks with CyanogenMod for acquisition but we guess it didn't materialise. Let's hope that this move from Cyanogen proves worthy and it manages to provide a leaner, faster and more customisable version of Android to all of us geeks.
