OnePlus is now breathing on its own and is no longer dependent on a version of Android developed by outsiders - now that its OxygenOS is ready.
The OxygenOS is a forked version of Android, similar to CyanogenMod. Forked software branches out from the source code on an independent limb of development.
Many hardware manufactures opt to use Google's version of Android and pay the search engine company royalties for doing so. OnePlus decided to develop its own version of Android in house.
"Developing OxygenOS has been an incredibly fun and challenging experience for all of us," said OnePlus. "In this environment where everyone is fighting to standout with custom ROMs, we think it's important to go back to basics."
The OxygenOS is relativity bare, comparable to a stock version of Android 5.0 Lollipop. OnePlus has focused on implementing features that will improve battery life and performance, avoiding those that bloat the OS, the company said.
"We want to emphasize that we built this initial version so that you guys could begin taking a direct role in the future of Oxygen," said OnePlus. "To make sure we're heading in the right direction, we need your input."
OnePlus of China isn't quite two years old yet. The startup entered the smartphone market to challenge heavyweights like Samsung, by offering budget-friendly hardware that packs a punch.
With its own OS, OnePlus can reach its goal of delivering quicker and "more meaningful updates" to OnePlus customers, the company said. It also helps to unify its ecosystem.
Creating the OxygenOS has its perks, but the OS became almost a necessity for OnePlus. OnePlus parted ways with Cyanogen, the company behind the CyanogenMod OS, because of a deal that hurt the handset maker's interest in India.
In November 2014, Cyanogen gave exclusive rights of its OS in India to Micromax in a deal that effectively locked OnePlus out of the market there. OnePlus planned to launch its OnePlus One handset in India a month before the Micromax deal was announced.
"Prior to this, OnePlus and Cyanogen have successfully cooperated to release the OnePlus One or carry out commercial operations in 17 countries and regions (including India)," stated OnePlus in a blog post in November. "It is truly unfortunate that a commitment we both made to our Indian users will now not be upheld."
