CyanogenMod CEO blasts Google over unfair control; may launch its own app store

CyanogenMod’s CEO Kirt McMaster has blasted Google over its control of Android and hinted that the company wants to move away from a Google-centric version of Android by launching its own app store. According to Android Authority in a discussion at an event for The Information (paywall) in San Francisco, McMaster said, “We’re attempting to take Android away from Google.” He went on to point out that they want to make a more open version of Android, one that is currently not possible with Google. Android Authority quotes him as saying,

“We’re making a version of Android that is more open so we can integrate with more partners so their servicers can be tier one services, so startups working on [artificial intelligence] or other problems don’t get stuck having you have to launch a stupid little application that inevitably gets acquired by Google or Apple. These companies can thrive on non-Google Android.”

He added that while today Cyanogen is dependent on Google, it might not be tomorrow. “We will not be based on some derivative of Google in three to five years," he said. Kirt McMaster also said that Cyanogen would have its own app store in 18 months, an area where Google has exercised tight control. Other than Amazon’s own App Store, Google Play Store is much the only legitimate way to apps on your Android device. As far as Cyanogen is concerned, it’s relationship with Google isn’t the only one under turmoil. We had noted earlier  how in an interview to Android Central CyanogenMod’s founder Steve Kondik said that they are currently “stuck in the middle of a fight between OnePlus and Micromax because they are supplying the OS to both companies.” Kodnik also told Android Central while OnePlus is a startup just like them, but it’s not likely that the “long-term visions” of the two companies will converge, hinting that they are likely to part ways in the future. He went on to confirm that OnePlus would get Lollipop update this month though he cautioned, “I have no idea what the future holds beyond that.” As far as CyanogenMod is concerned, it is currently available in India with the Micromax Yu Yureka smartphone and the OnePlus device. If and when CyanogenMod decided to break away from the Google App store model, it remains to be seen how its popularity will be affected.