CyanogenMod Edition Oppo N1 Earns Google Apps Certification, Set For Christmas Eve Launch

The newly incorporated CyanogenMod company has announced that the edition of the N1 that will launch with its custom ROM on Christmas Eve has now been certified by Google to ship with Google Apps and Services support through its Compatibility Test Suite, making the CyanogenMod Oppo N1 the first device to be approved by Google to carry the search giant’s closed source applications and services without the need to backup and sideload the app suite anymore, as was previously necessary in previous builds.

In related news, CyanogenMod Inc. has also announced that it has received an additional funding round from new investors, totaling $23 million, up from the initial $7 million investment made earlier this year to incorporate the company. As a result of the new investment, the company will expand the focus of CyanogenMod from smartphones to additional devices and platforms such as wearables, smart TVs and even automotive applications.

Finally, CEO Steve Kondik has also confirmed that the company is working with Google on a more refined process to flash CyanogenMod after its first attempt to offer a one-click installer through Google Play was met with a request from Google to remove the software, owing to Google’s concerns over use by those less than versed in the world of custom ROMs. As Google felt the process was too simplified without enough detail on how to revert back to the original build if necessary, too much risk was present for user complaints.

A complete backup tool was also revealed to have been included in early builds of the one-click installer for new users, but was ultimately removed due to user feedback. CyanogenMod will now be working further with Google to ease new CyanogenMod users into the software, with the goal of offering the one-click installer through Google Play once again early next year, with more changes tailored for first-time users.