OnePlus Android-Based OxygenOS Release March 27 Challenging iOS 9, Android 5.1 and More

OnePlus announced recently that its One smartphone will be in line to receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop finally around March 30. This is four months following the initial rollout on Android. As with the similar updates, the OnePlus One over-the-air (OTA) upgrade is based on the CyanogenMod. However, despite the release of the Android update to its product, OnePlus seems to be on the lookout for greater things as it also hints the release of its custom-built Android operating system: the OxygenOS. Could this be a step into becoming independent of Android and challenging the likes of iOS?

It was last year when OnePlus started teasing people with the OxyxgenOS since last year. However, the company failed to deliver the promised update. Nonetheless, people can expect the release of the sofware around March 27. According to OnePlus' forum post: "The official release of our own Lollipop-based ROM will be available for download on or before March 27, 2015."

The company also adds: "To show you how serious we are about this commitment to our community, we are prepared to put our money where our mouth is. If we miss either one of these deadlines, we will give away five (5) 64GB OnePlus One devices to our fans."

OnePlus received great reviews in the past year following its delivery of premium specs and affordable price. The device is available for $299/$349 (16GB/64GB). Nonetheless, the market was not able to get hold of the phone as much because the company decided to go for an invite-only system giving a small window opportunity. Nonetheless, the potential of the company and its device has been greatly cited. The OxygenOS though not yet far reaching as Apple's iOS and Google's Android can also compete in the arena. Apple will be releasing the iOS 9 soon while Google has launched Android 5.1 already.

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