14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft and Cyanogen have an on-going partnership that brings a number of apps, including Skype and Cortana, in Android ROMs, and now this collaboration is going one step forward with the introduction of mods in version 13.1 for OnePlus One.
Specifically, Cyanogen is turning apps into mods, which allow for deeper integration into the system for what the company calls “the post-app era.” And thanks to the partnership with Microsoft, apps such as Cortana, Skype, and OneNote are the pioneers of this integration.
In the case of Skype, the VoIP client can be integrated right into the dialer, so Skype contacts and call history are displayed alongside phone calls information.
Furthermore, this implementation makes it possible to switch from a voice to a video call in just a second with the press of a button. This also creates a number of additional options, including the addition of Skype contacts in the phone contact section, tools to buy Skype credit from the dialer and start a call either using the carrier or Skype whenever you want to.
Cortana in Cyanogen
In the case of personal assistant Cortana, it all goes one step further, as it also works on the lock screen and allows you to access certain features without the need to unlock the device.
“Simply wake up your device, swipe left and use your voice to search, set reminders, get to your schedule and more with Cortana. You can search, set reminders, get to your schedule and more with just your voice,” Cyanogen explains, adding that the Cortana mod only works in the United States for the moment.
OneNote is also deeply integrated into the operating system with a dedicated mod, so you can perform tasks such saving an email as a note, taking a note while in a call, and have everything saved automatically without the need for any other input.
Without a doubt, Microsoft can only be pleased with these efforts, especially because it continues investing in Android apps and services that it tries to offers to more users with dedicated partnerships. More such ROMs could be offered by Cyanogen soon for other devices, but details in this regard will be shared at a later time.