Microsoft Apps And Services To Grace Android-Based Cyanogen OS Thanks To Key Strategic Partnership
Cyanogen and Microsoft have struck a deal after all, it just doesn't entail a $70 million investment from the latter into the former as discussed earlier this year. Microsoft ultimately decided against trading a cash infusion in exchange for a stake in Cyanogen, though the two have now come to terms on a deal that will see Microsoft's service integrated across Cyanogen OS.
As part of this newly formed partnership, Cyanogen will integrate and distribute Microsoft's consumer apps and services across core categories -- these include productivity, messaging, utilities, and cloud-based services. Or more specifically, look for Bing services, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, and Microsoft Office to all be a part of Cyanogen OS.
This is a smart arrangement for both sides. For Cyanogen, it adds credibility and popular tools to its custom Android OS, as well as another differentiating feature compared to Google's stock Android. And for Microsoft, this partnership gets its software into the hands of more Android users. Keep in mind that Microsoft also receives royalties on many Android devices, so this is yet another way to monetize the open source platform.
"People around the world use Cyanogen's operating system and popular Microsoft services to engage with what matters most to them on their mobile devices," said Kirt McMaster, CEO of Cyanogen Inc. "This exciting partnership with Microsoft will enable us to bring new kinds of integrated services to mobile users in markets around the world."
No specific release date has been given for the integration of Microsoft's apps and services into Cyanogen OS, though it will occur sometime "later this year."
As part of this newly formed partnership, Cyanogen will integrate and distribute Microsoft's consumer apps and services across core categories -- these include productivity, messaging, utilities, and cloud-based services. Or more specifically, look for Bing services, Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, and Microsoft Office to all be a part of Cyanogen OS.
This is a smart arrangement for both sides. For Cyanogen, it adds credibility and popular tools to its custom Android OS, as well as another differentiating feature compared to Google's stock Android. And for Microsoft, this partnership gets its software into the hands of more Android users. Keep in mind that Microsoft also receives royalties on many Android devices, so this is yet another way to monetize the open source platform.
"People around the world use Cyanogen's operating system and popular Microsoft services to engage with what matters most to them on their mobile devices," said Kirt McMaster, CEO of Cyanogen Inc. "This exciting partnership with Microsoft will enable us to bring new kinds of integrated services to mobile users in markets around the world."
No specific release date has been given for the integration of Microsoft's apps and services into Cyanogen OS, though it will occur sometime "later this year."
