CyanogenMod used to be a fringe custom ROM, but now it's turning into a force to be reckoned with. First, CyanogenMod made a big splash with the Oppo N1, now it's partnering with OnePlus on its new One smartphone. Recently leaked images show CyanogenMod 11S, running on what is reportedly the One.
The images come from a "reliable tipster," who frequently sends these kind of leaks to Engadget. The version of CyanogenMod shown in the pictures is the 11S version, which is based on Android KitKat 4.4.2, but appears to have a few more bells and whistles than the typical CyanogenMod UI.
One picture of the lock screen, shows a very simple and clean design, which is quite different from the standard stock Android look of CM OS. The typical slide to unlock is absent, but the lock screen still displays the time, date, weather forecast, battery percentage and text message notifications. The second picture shows the CM 11S is indeed running on the handset, the model number (which is listed as One) and the presence on onscreen back, menu and home buttons.
We can surmise a lot of things from these two pictures. The first of which is this: If there is no slide to unlock function, how do you unlock the OnePlus One? Could this mean a fingerprint sensor or some other innovative unlocking software? Secondly, if there are visible buttons on the screen, does that mean the One has no physical buttons on the actual handset?
Right now, all we really know about the OnePlus One is that it will be powered by the Qualcomm snapdragon 801 processor, feature a 5.5-inch 1080p display, 3100 mAh battery and 13-megapixel camera. In terms of the physical appearance of the One, we don't actually know too much about it. Luckily we do know that OnePlus is in cahoots with CyanogenMod.
Back in February, Carl Pei, Director of OnePlus Global told Android Authority that it would work with CyanogenMod on a version of the OnePlus One smartphone.
Pei said that the two companies "share a lot of the same values," because they both "want to create the best products that we possibly can." He added that OnePlus would "work very closely, on both hardware and software" with CyanogenMod prior to the OnePlus One launch.
"For 2014, we are focusing all of our energy into building and delivering the OnePlus One," Pei said. "Cyanogen Inc. is great to work with, and we have lots in common with them. We see plenty of opportunities in the future."
Earlier, OnePlus had also stated that its future users can expect to see "specially customized features and new exciting elements to the CyanogenMod experience" on the OnePlus One.
These screenshots just prove Pei's words. Now all we have to do is wait until April 23 to see all the OnePlus One has to offer.
