OnePlus finally launches OxygenOS, its very own custom Android ROM for the OnePlus One

By Jason Hahn Updated April 4, 2015

OxygenOS Top Features

It’s about a week later than expected, but OnePlus’ OxygenOS is finally here. The company’s inaugural version of its mobile operating system based on Android Lollipop comes with a few tweaks but nothing game changing.

OxygenOS is OnePlus’ first attempt at creating its own custom Android ROM. This initial release is based on Android 5.0.2 and features off-screen gestures, customizable quick settings, and an improved file manager.

“We want to be careful that we aren’t adding features simply for the sake of differentiation,” writes Carl Pei, co-founder and head of global at OnePlus, in the blog post announcement. “We’ve implemented some important features thus far, but they are subtle and meaningful. That’s our philosophy behind OxygenOS: keep it light and essential.”

Pei adds that building its own operating system will enable OnePlus to quickly respond to and make updates based on user feedback.

“In this environment where everyone is fighting to standout with custom ROMs, we think it’s important to go back to basics,” writes Pei. “We place things like performance and battery life over gimmicks and bloated features.”

OnePlus One owners who want to run OxygenOS on their smartphones will have to flash OxygenOS. The company has also released a feedback app, which allows users to send comments directly to the ROM team.

OxygenOS, which was the user-influenced name of the ROM announced at the end of January, is born out of necessity for OnePlus. The company’s strained relationship with Cyanogen sped up the need for OxygenOS, though it still debuted later than the original March 27 target launch date.

There’s still no confirmed release date for the similarly delayed CyanogenMod 12S for OnePlus One owners.

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Jason Hahn is a part-time freelance writer based in New Jersey. He earned his master's degree in journalism at Northwestern…

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