A lot of custom Android ROMs have been released over the recent years. One of the most popular ones is Paranoid Android, which had its first custom ROM debut back in 2012. Unfortunately, the future doesn't look too bright for the Paranoid Android project.
According to the information listed on its portal, eighteen people from all over the world have collaborated to roll out the hybrid ROMs that its following enjoys. The list includes designers, developers, software architects, public relations personnel, as well as the founders — Jesus David Agudelo, Paul Henschel — and the team leader, Aaron Gasciogne.
The team's last release in July 2015 were the custom Android 5.1 Lollipop ROMs for Nexus devices. A lot of people commented on the delay for the release, which was odd for the team since their previous releases were almost always prompt.
Nonetheless, the delayed releases were special cases due to some of the team members' and Aaron Gasciogne's publicized commitment to the development of the OxygenOS ROM, which comes installed in OnePlus devices when they get shipped out. However, a recent post by Andre Saddler, a Paranoid Android developer, sheds light on how dire a predicament the team is at the moment.
"ParanoidAndroid is dead," said Saddler. "Ever since [the] OnePlus hiring it's been done."
Saddler noted that users and companies' hiring of core team members kills custom ROMs. He adds that he was demotivated due to the lack of communication and discontinued interest on the Paranoid Android project by the core members that got hired by OnePlus.
Even with Saddler's post, some remain hopeful. Another Paranoid Android member, Matt Flaming, who deals with infrastructure and public relations, commented on the subject.
"I cannot say officially that we are indeed dead, as I would love to see where 2016 brings us," Flaming told Android Authority. "I would love to wind down 2015 not worrying about it, and hopefully 'get the band back together' early next year."
The team's public relations officer is hopeful that Paranoid Android will be reignited next year.
