It appears some weird ideas are brewing at Microsoft to the point where the company might just want to acquire the likes of CyanogenMod. For those who are unaware, CyanogenMod is an Android-based build that gave unhappy Android users a way to enjoy and tweak their favorite smartphone operating system. The whole thing has since transformed into an actual company called Cyanogen Inc.
We've come to understand that Cyanogen Inc. is currently being tracked by several companies, which includes Amazon, Yahoo, Samsung, and Microsoft. Now, we can definitely understand why Amazon and Samsung would be interested in Cyanogen. But when it comes down to Microsoft, we are left scratching our heads.
Surely, Microsoft doesn't want to change the UI of Windows Phone, or to make the big move to Android. So there's only one explanation. Chances are; Redmond would be more interested in the talent at Cyanogen than anything else, for these people could bring a breath of fresh air into the Windows Phone team.
Furthermore, Yahoo is reporting that Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, had actually sat down with the team at Cyanogen in the past, but what they talked about is currently unknown. It is clear from this that Microsoft views the Cyanogen team in a good light, but whether or not this could lead to an acquisition or a partnership is left to be seen.
Cyanogen Inc. is already proving to be a company worth acquiring, as the talent pool has risen in recent years. The company has hired execs from both Facebook and Electronic Arts, and is currently seeking a massive Series C type funding.
Kirt McMaster, CEO of Cyanogen, is not too happy with Google and the way the search company from Silicon Valley handles the operating system. He'd prefer a truly open Android, but it doesn't appear if that's going to happen anytime soon.
"Everyone in the world wants an open Android," CEO Kirt McMaster told Re/code. "They want to get outside of Google's tyranny, if you will."
As for Microsoft acquiring Cyanogen, we doubt it would happen. Maybe a partnership, but not an outright acquisition. The team appears to prefer an operating system that is open, and Windows Phone is not that operating system, unless something changes dramatically.
