Cyanogen Inc. has started rolling out the Cyanogen OS 13.1 update to OnePlus One devices. The update includes support for mods, which are applications integrated into the operating system. Most of the mods included with the update are based on Microsoft's services such as Skype, Cortana and Hyperlapse. The Skype Mod will let users directly make Skype calls, as the service is now integrated within the phone dialer. In addition, uses can also add Skype Credits directly from the dialer. The Cortana Mod will allow users to access the virtual assistant’s functions from the lock screen, by waking up the device and swiping left. Users can also ask Cortana to take a selfie and the assistant would display a countdown that lets them know when the picture will be clicked. However, the Cortana Mod is only available in the US.
Users can now save important emails to OneNote via the OneNote Mod. Further, the Mod also allows uses to take notes from the phone app itself. However, the OneNote Mod for email is not available on all Cyanogen OS-powered devices. The Hyperlapse Mod lets users take time-lapse videos by selecting the Hyperlapse mode in the Camera app. For now, the only non-Microsoft Mod available to users is the Twitter Mod that shows the user’s Twitter updates on the lock screen.
Last year, Cyanogen Inc. had announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft. As part of the partnership, Cyanogen would integrate Microsoft’s apps into its operating system. However, the company later said that it would not bundle or pre-install Microsoft apps into CyanogenMod.