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IRL: The OnePlus One is everything my iPhone wasn't
After last month's iPhone event, I was disappointed -- I realized the iPhone 6 and its "Plus" sibling were still catching up to Android in a lot of ways. Regardless, the devoted iPhone fan in me still pre-ordered an iPhone 6 a few days later, in the wee hours of September 12th. The next morning, I awoke to the alarm on my iPhone 5s and went to silence it, only to discover a small spot of water damage had worsened overnight, rendering the phone unusable. With less than 24 hours before jetting off on a work trip, I had no choice but to force myself into using another phone sitting on my desk: the OnePlus One. Now, you might be thinking that this was unusually convenient. The truth is, I decided to get a second phone a couple of weeks earlier and wanted one of the unlocked Android variety. Might as well ensure it's a good phone too, so with an Engadget score of 90, the One made sense.
Nextbit is bringing iOS-like app continuity and 'limitless' storage to Android
You may just about recall that Nextbit, a startup formed by ex-Googlers, has been collaborating with Cyanogen on a "really cool" secret project. As it turns out, this is all about the continuity experience across Android devices -- very timely given the recent launch of OS X Yosemite and iOS 8.1, which boast a set of continuity features. Nextbit's offering is dubbed Baton, and as the name suggests, it lets you quickly pass an app's state from one Android device to another, meaning you can continue playing on the same level in a game, editing the same document in an app or browsing the same web page right away; with the precondition being the second device must also have Baton and the same app installed. Better yet, app developers don't have to do anything at all; existing apps should just work.
Qualcomm briefly takes down Android code for CyanogenMod, Sony and itself
The Android community just got a big (if brief) scare. In the space of a few days, Qualcomm has both made and retracted a Digital Millennium Copyright Act request that took down 116 code repositories (many of them Android-focused) that were allegedly using the chip maker's confidential technology. As it turns out, quite a few of the targets were legitimate users running the company's open source software. And you'll definitely recognize some of the names -- the move shut down code bases maintained by the CyanogenMod custom ROM team, Sony and even Qualcomm itself. Suffice it to say that the removal would have created a lot of headaches if you wanted to modify Android for the many, many devices with Snapdragon processors.
OnePlus One gets delayed over 'security issues'
OnePlus One equals more than the number of units of this $300 smartphone that have so far been shipped to paying customers. The high-spec, low-cost Android handset was meant to launch back in May, but the manufacturer has now admitted that it's "perfecting some final issues," which means it can no longer be certain when the phone will be ready. In terms of what these problems are, some helpful clarification has been posted to Reddit by OnePlus's software partner, Cyanogen.
Oppo's N1 Mini makes iPhones look tiny
The N1 isn't exactly a household name, so allow us to refresh your memory: it's a CyanogenMod phone with a selfie-friendly swivel camera made by Chinese manufacturer Oppo. Well, its creator just announced a mini version of the device -- except it's not exactly something you'd call small. Oppo shaved just 0.9 inches off the full-sized N1, so the ironically named N1 Mini is still quite a large 5-inch phone -- larger than other "mini" follow-up devices like the 4.3-inch Galaxy S4 Mini. While the new device is slightly lighter (150g) than its older sibling (213g), it packs the same 13-megapixel swivel camera, but enhanced with an "Ultra-HD" mode that can produce 24-megapixel shots -- which is similar to the Find 7's 50-megapixel mode.
Meet the One, OnePlus' $299 Nexus killer
Rarely do we see a tech startup spending five months actively hyping up an unborn product; and when we do, most of them end up being vaporware. Luckily, that's not the case with OnePlus. Today, the Shenzhen-based company has finally unveiled its first smartphone, the One (not to be confused with the HTC One). While the device's impressive specs have already been listed in detail beforehand, OnePlus had remained tight-lipped about the actual prices (unsubsidized) until today: $299/£229/€269 for the 16GB model, and $349/£269/€299 for the 64GB flavor; both due mid to late May. This aggressive pricing is obviously going right after the Nexus 5 ($349 for 16GB, $399 for 32GB), but is this too good to be true?
OnePlus One phone and its swappable covers leak out in new pictures
Former Oppo exec Pete Lau announced his plans to make "the perfect smartphone" a few months ago, and now the OnePlus One is almost here. Its launch is scheduled for April 23rd, but Android Authority points out these pictures posted on a forum that claim to show press renders of the device itself and "StyleSwap" covers that will let owners customize its looks. Not-so-shockingly, what we're seeing looks a lot like the Oppo Find 5, although the only question left is whether they're authentic or just a fan's creation. We've already gotten a sneak peek at the CyanogenMod software it will run, and we know how much it costs, but official word on everything else will have to wait until Wednesday.
This is what the new CyanogenMod OS looks like on the OnePlus One
OnePlus has been constantly dishing out teasers for its upcoming One smartphone since December, but little is known about its UI until we received these two screenshots today, courtesy of a reliable tipster. First of all, this Android KitKat-based OS is dubbed "CyanogenMod 11S," and given how the lock screen on the left looks nothing like the one in the original CyanogenMod, we assume the "S" indicates that this flavor carries OnePlus' customizations. This cleaner lock screen lacks the usual unlock slider, but it still shows the clock, date, weather, battery level and text messages over a solid-color background. Here's hoping that we can also toggle specific apps from the lock screen using swipe gestures.
OnePlus confirms April 23rd launch date for its first smartphone
One One may occupy all of today's headlines, but there's another One that wants some of your attention. OnePlus, the outfit founded by former Oppo VP Pete Lau, has announced that it'll whip the covers from its "perfect" Android smartphone on April 23rd. Even at this late stage, however, the company is tweaking the spec list for the device -- swapping in a Snapdragon 801 for just a little bit extra power. Naturally, we'll be at the shindig, and will share our impressions as soon as we get our hands on one.
OnePlus dripfeeds more specs for its 'perfect' One smartphone
Let's face it: "One" isn't the most creative name for a smartphone, even if OnePlus couldn't resist the wordplay. We wouldn't call the company headed by ex-Oppo exec Pete Lau unoriginal though, as we can't claim to have seen another smartphone developed with such transparency. OnePlus has been systematically posting info about "the perfect smartphone" to its announcement forum, seemingly as it's decided upon. We still don't have any clue as to what it'll look like, other than its dimensions are smaller than those of Sony's Xperia Z1, but we do know it'll sport a 5.5-inch 1080p display on the outside, with a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 and 3,100mAh battery within. The company's also been working with partner CyanogenMod on "mystery tech" to optimize battery performance, and most recently, has teased an always-on voice recognition feature, while also polling suggestions on what phrase should trigger it. Probably the most interesting number thus far is the One's sub-$400 price tag, however, and although there's much left to learn about the device, we're most certainly listening.
Oppo N1 review: a cameraphone that puts selfies first
If our articles have been tagged properly, the first mention of Oppo on Engadget dates back to August 2005. No one would have thought that this then-fledgling DVD player manufacturer -- a spin-off from Vivo's parent company BBK -- would end up making some interesting smartphones. It's funny how both of these Chinese brands have been getting our attention lately with top specs, nice designs and reasonable prices. However, in terms of global reach, Oppo is well ahead with its presence in Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, Vietnam and India. Vivo, on the other hand, is preparing to break out of China sometime this year. Following the Find 5, Oppo's latest flagship product is the N1, a 5.9-inch Android phone that's bringing back the once-common swivel camera. This device is clearly meant to meet the growing appetite for large phones and high-quality selfie cameras, especially in Asia. For those seeking a different kind of selling point, the N1 is also the first device to offer CyanogenMod ROM -- stock Android, but with neat enhancements -- and with Google's approval, no less. Thus, users get to choose between two officially supported ROMs. But what about the execution? And will these bonuses be enough to attract a global audience? Read on to find out.
OnePlus One will see international availability next quarter, feature '2014 flagship specs'
The puzzle pieces are slowly but surely coming together on the OnePlus One, the mysterious new device currently in development by the company founded by Ex-Oppo exec Pete Lau. In a series of new Facebook posts today, the company has revealed that the CyanogenMod-running smartphone will be available internationally in the second quarter of this year and will come with only "2014 flagship specs, both inside and outside." The latter part shouldn't come as much of a surprise to those who have been following the new company since its recent birth, as Lau specifically mentioned that his new venture would spare no expense to build the perfect smartphone. OnePlus isn't getting specific on where we'll see the One show up internationally, but it at least mentioned that it will come with nine-band LTE support (for bands 1/3/4/7/17/38/39/40/41). These frequencies will ensure high-speed coverage for many parts of Asia (including healthy support for China), Europe, Africa and North America, but there's no guarantee that this means mobile operators will carry the device directly. We expect OnePlus to continue feeding us bits and pieces about its dream phone as we continue to get closer to its launch.
CyanogenMod Installer comes to the Mac in beta form
Mac users no longer have to sit on the sidelines while their Windows-using friends install CyanogenMod with ease. Cyanogen has just released an OS X beta for its Installer app, making it trivial to flash your Android phone with a new ROM from the comfort of your MacBook. Just be sure to check out the compatibility list before you dive in -- the beta won't work with some Samsung devices. Provided that everything lines up, you can start downloading at the source link.
CyanogenMod's new gallery software now available as a beta download
Think CyanogenMod's image gallery is lacking? As it turns out, the CyanogenMod team itself thinks so too. In a recent Google+ post, the custom ROM maker not only admitted the current gallery's shortcomings, but also also announced its replacement -- an app it calls GalleryNext. In addition to functioning as a standard gallery app, the updated tool also bakes in support for Flickr, Picasa, Facebook and Dropbox. CM also plans to give it an Android KitKat-esque interface overhaul in the future, too. Unfortunately, early adopters report that the app is a bit buggy (not unusual for a beta), so proceed with caution. Still, CyanogenMod has made the beta available to anyone who joins its Google+ page, and the app itself can be found on Google Play, naturally.
Cyanogen will partner with OnePlus on its debut phone, the 'OnePlus One'
Ex-Oppo exec Pete Lau has just announced that his new company OnePlus will partner with Cyanogen on its first smartphone, which will be called the "OnePlus One." He and Cyanogen's Steve Kondik announced that the upcoming handset would run on a custom version of CyanogenMod's Android OS with "special features and tweaks." OnePlus already said that its mission is to build the perfect smartphone, and plans to launch it during the first half of this year -- with Oppo reportedly on tap to build it, no less. That means OnePlus may have a chance of meeting its ambitious goals, since Oppo has some experience with CyanogenMod, and apparently some pull with Google.
Official CyanogenMod ROM now available to every Oppo N1
If you've had your Oppo N1 since launch but would rather use anything besides its Android one-off ColorOS, the hardware manufacturer doesn't take it personally. In fact, you'll find a version of CyanogenMod that's tailor-made for the device if you click over to Oppo's forums. Previously, the custom version of Android was already available on a special edition of the N1, and now everyone has access to CyanogenMod's vision of what Google's OS can be: namely, bloat-free and better performing. Because the ROM was built specifically for the device, you won't lose access to the handset's more unique features -- even the rear touch-panel and the swiveling camera lens. The N1 may be a niche phone, but this close relationship with Oppo could get CyanogenMod just a little bit closer to its goal of becoming a mainstream alternative to Android and iOS.
CyanogenMod downloaded 10 million times as it begins to go legit
Though CyanogenMod has gotten plenty of ink lately for its Oppo N1 hookup and Google Play approval (and subsequent removal), it's still first and foremost a modding outfit. In fact it just crossed 10 million downloads of its custom Android ROMs, according to its latest stats. That marks a lot of folks wanting to re-skin their handsets, or give others like Samsung's Galaxy S (shown above) new life. That model, along with the Galaxy S II and S III were the most popular devices to mod, a reflection of their popularity and perhaps users' disdain for TouchWiz. It helps that you can now skip difficult command-line installs, thanks to OTA updates and new desktop and mobile apps. Now if you'll excuse us, we're going to install CyanogenMod's Android 4.2.2 ROM on our Galaxy S -- a device officially unsupported since the Gingerbread era.
Cyanogen gets serious about its OS aspirations, ponders a future in TV and wearables
It's been three months since Cyanogen announced it was stepping out as a profit-seeking business. Flush with $7 million in funding, the company has been pushing harder than ever to achieve its goal of making CyanogenMod the third major mobile ecosystem, after iOS and Google's Android. Now with "tens of millions" of installs, the company announced today that with help from VC firm Andreessen Horowitz it's added a further $23 million to its funding pot, and with this investment it believes has everything in place to bring in more talent and expand CyanogenMod to other devices like TVs, wearables and even cars. Cyanogen's mission is to refine the Android experience while still giving consumers (and pro users) the things that made it stand out in the past: freedom from manufacturer and carrier update cycles, and the ability to customize their device just how they like it. That focus is evident in its open-source software, which is now based on Google's Android 4.4 KitKat and has recently gained encrypted text message support and built-in screencast video recording.
Ex-Oppo exec reveals new company OnePlus, plans to make 'the perfect smartphone'
When Pete Lau resigned as VP of Chinese electronics maker Oppo, it was accompanied by rumors that he was going to build his own tech company. Well, whoever spread those rumors spoke the truth, because Lau has just announced a new venture called OnePlus that promises "to spare no expense" to build "the perfect smartphone." The exec reveals very little on his announcement post other than his desire to make the "best possible product for users worldwide" -- it didn't even mention CyanogenMod, which is reportedly developing a phone with him. Our sources have told us, however, that Oppo will manufacture the company's first device, signifying that Lau never burned bridges when he left. We'll update you when we hear more details, but for now, you can let OnePlus know what you think makes a great phone on its forum.
CyanogenMod to encrypt text messages by default with latest update
Android users worried that the government is spying on their smartphone now have a new privacy option: CyanogenMod. Starting with today's nightly 10.2 build, the custom firmware will encrypt SMS and MMS messages sent to any device using the TextSecure protocol, including fellow Cyanogen users. Users won't have to do a thing; the cryptography runs automatically in the background, regardless of the text messaging app. The encryption won't reach CyanogenMod 11 or other releases until the company is confident that everything is running smoothly, but it shouldn't be long before many Android users can chat with a greater level of secrecy.