Android, move over! The Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus is partnering with popular custom ROM Cyanogen to offer the new OxygenOS based on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop stock firmware.
First made available in OnePlus One smartphones, OxygenOS promises a "light and essential with subtle, useful features" principle. However, the latest operating system in the market will make a hard work for those who want it installed for their phones. Since the phone was based on Android Lollipop, transitioning to OxygenOS will need to delete all the data.
OnePlus is reminding those who want the OS to take their own risk in downloading it and understand first the concept of flashing a phone or boot into recovery. The full process is composed of six tedious steps. Nevertheless, the Chinese developer says they "are actively working on an easier, more automated solution soon to be available.
OxygenOS is basically based on Android Lollipop and is very comparable to Cyanogen OS 11. It features off-screen gestures which Android is not capable of. Its customization capability will give more lively actions. The OS can also adjust between hardware and software navigation keys and modify quick access settings.
According to OnePlus' blog post about the OxygenOS, generating their own operating system will make their service more efficient, especially in terms of giving feedback to OnePlus device owners.
"Our goal for OxygenOS is to provide faster, more meaningful updates and a better-integrated range of services for every OnePlus user," said the statement. "In this environment where everyone is fighting to standout with custom ROMs, we think it's important to go back to basics. We place things like performance and battery life over gimmicks and bloated features."
One commenter in an OxygenOS forum who downloaded the OS expressed however that behind the newly-developed OS' "smooth and simple" user experience, battery performance seems to be not good.
With the OxygenOS, OnePlus device owners will have a lock screen highlighting Lollipop notifications without compromising the music playback user interface. Meanwhile, the notification bar can be pulled down on the left and right sides to access notifications and quick settings without disturbing the Lollipop bar format, and Cyanogen's home screen and drawer settings are inserted in a third drawer without disturbing the default Lollipop user interface.
The OxygenOS' downfall is removing the Mute mode, replacing it with None. Ambient display and Adaptive brightness are also featured to OnePlus One for the first time.
To manually flash OxygenOS, visit OnePlus OxygenOS installation guide here.
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