OxygenOS stable version will be out in Q2, will not be open source, says OnePlus team

OnePlus announced the team behind the OxygenOS yesterday. This team along with co-founder Carl Pei, also conducted a Reddit AMA on the /r/Android sub-reddit to respond to queries around OxygenOS. On the topic of the release date of OxygenOS, OnePlus representatives said that a stable version would be out in the second quarter of 2015. It will most likely be available for download and would not be an over the air update. Users wanting to try out OxygenOS will need to download the ROM and flash their handsets themselves. Thankfully, OnePlus has assured that there will not be any bloatware on the OxygenOS. Also the OxygenOS support for the OnePlus One will last up to January 2017. One Reddit user going by the name Unlifer asked, “Apart from customization, what features of Oxygen OS will set it apart from stock Android? Would you allow developers, like from XDA, to port the ROM to other devices?” To this, the co-founder Carl Pei responded, “OxygenOS will have a feature set that evolves together with the needs of our user base. We’ll be collecting tons of feedback. If someone were to port it, we’d be extremely honored :)” When asked to explain the main features of OxygenOS, one of the team members arz_oneplus replied, “We named our OS ‘Oxygen’ because we want it to be something that works for you in the background and make sure the essential things are done well. We’ll optimize it for our unique hardware and have added features like the ability to modify the quick settings tile layout & quick unlock (through gestures). They’re not necessarily groundbreaking features but, especially for our first release, we just want to focus on small optimizations that make your life easier.” While CyanogenMod will only be seen on Micromax devices in India, abroad OnePlus phones still support the CyanogenMod build and it will support the CyanogenMod 12S updates as well. Answering the tricky question about OnePlus and Cyanogen’s equation, Carl Pei said that OnePlus is working with Cyanogen to release the CM 12S ROM for its international customers. “We wouldn’t be where we are if not for Cyanogen’s help. On the legal front, everyone has different understanding, and we’re still waiting for the final verdict,” said Pei. On being asked about a Privacy-guard like feature being built into the OxygenOS, Pei answered, “We’ll be focusing on the basics such as stability and battery life first, but won’t rule this out as a feature in the future. We’ll be closely engaging with you guys on what to build for OxygenOS.” Pei wasn’t willing to reveal any details on the upcoming OnePlus Two.