Owners of the OnePlus One will soon be able to receive OnePlus' version of Android Lollipop on their smartphones as well as those who have OnePlus One running on Oxygen OS.
On Tuesday, OnePlus announced in its community forum that it will be rolling out the updated versions of its Android-based operating systems by the end of this month. Users who have CyanogenMod running on their devices can expect the Lollipop version named CM 12S on or before March 30 via an over-the-air (OTA) update that they can install automatically on their phones.
Those who are waiting for Oxygen OS, meanwhile, can expect the update to arrive on or before March 27. However, this will not be an OTA update, so users will need to manually flash the Oxygen ROM if they want to try out the new version. Little is still known about Oxygen OS but it is OnePlus' own operating system built from the ground up as part of the Chinese firm's efforts to reduce dependence on Cyanogen.
The announcement comes after OnePlus experienced various delays in its Android Lollipop update. OnePlus staff member Bradon H says the company ran into "unexpected roadblocks" that pushed back the rollout of the latest version of its two platforms. These problems included an OS signing issue, Lollipop stability issues on the camera module, and Wi-Fi drivers needing to be upgraded to work well on the latest Android version.
"Admittedly, it took a little more time than we had planned, but we only release updates that we are proud of, that means refusing to take shortcuts or deliver sub-par experiences," says Bradon H on the OnePlus forum.
OnePlus says it is dead serious about meeting its own self-imposed deadlines. In fact, it is so serious that f the firm is unable to roll out the updates to the two OSes by the end of March, it will be giving away five 64 GB versions of the OnePlus One to five lucky people who comment on the forum. Five units is not likely to mark a dent in OnePlus' coffers, but that is still five smartphones that OnePlus will not be making a profit from.
"It's our little way of saying thank you for being patient and for joining us on our journey to create amazing, user-driven experience," says OnePlus.
Other smartphones that have recently received the Android Lollipop update include the Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact and the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge and Galaxy S4. Meanwhile, Google has already started rolling out Android 5.1, the first major update to Lollipop, to its line of Nexus devices.
Photo: Maurizio Pesce | Flickr
