Cyanogen OS 13.1 has begun rolling out to eligible devices, starting with the OnePlus One. Most notably, the update brings support for the Mod platform that Cyanogen had introduced back in February. The update is rolling out slowly across the globe, but we've already received it on our OnePlus One in India.
To recall, Cyanogen's Mod platform is meant to enable deep integration of apps and services into Android, making them almost 'native experiences'. The program is open to developers, as well as hardware partners who want to make their devices 'Mod Ready'.
At launch with Cyanogen OS 13.1, Microsoft's apps and services dominate the Mods available, further extending the partnership the two companies entered into last year. The update weighs in at 396.3MB, and bears build number 13.1-ZNH2KAS1KN. It's based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
Cortana was introduced to Cyanogen OS 12.1.1 earlier this year, and it has received an upgrade to Mod status with Cyanogen OS 13.1. Users can now tell Cortana to take a selfie, and it has also been extended to the lock screen (as a Lock Screen Mod, which needs to be enabled separately) - users can now wake up their device, swipe left, and interact with the voice-based virtual assistant. As before, Cortana functionality for Cyanogen OS (and other Android platforms) is currently only available in the US.
As we mentioned, for the sake of privacy and security, Lock Screen Mods need to be enabled separately from Settings > Lock Screen > Lock Screen Mods. The Static Wallpaper option is selected as default, essentially your lock screen wallpaper, and users can choose from other Mods already installed, including Happening on Twitter - which shows popular tweets from accounts you follow.
Other new mods, which do not need to be enabled, include the Skype Mod for the dialler. Users can now find all their Skype contacts and call history in the brand new dialler, and place a Skype voice or video call from there, apart from purchasing Skype Credit. Users can also upgrade to a video call right from a voice call by pressing a button.
The OneNote Mod is available in the Phone and Email apps (not available in all regions), and helps easily take notes while in a call or writing an email. It can also be pulled down at any time from Quick Settings.
The Microsoft Hyperlapse Mod has been added to the Camera app, letting users shoot stabilised time-lapse videos, or convert any video in their Gallery app into a time-lapse one.Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.