Cyanogen OS ditching basic Android e-mail for custom app


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Cyanogen rebrand



Cyanogen has announced it plans to ship future versions of its operating system with a new e-mail client.


It’s going to replace the existing e-mail app that comes pre-packed onto all Android devices.


This is part of a new partnership with Boxer, an e-mail app that already exists and is available to download on the Google Play store.


Cyanogen’s version of the app will be branded as Cyanogen Email powered by Boxer, and will be designed to gel with the existing Cyanogen design aesthetic.


It’s all part of Cyanogen’s current rebranding effort, whereby it looks to operate on a much more serious, business-minded level than its hacker/modder roots.


The Boxer app will provide support for multiple accounts, Exchange ActiveSync, cloud storage integration, and custom notifications and gestures.


It also supports major e-mail providers like Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, and the usual IMAP and POP3 accounts.


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The Cyanogen E-mail platform will join the company’s existing secure messaging client, which currently allows users to send encrypted messages to each other.


Cyanogen did say that its Cyanogen-powered devices will still ship with Google’s Gmail pre-installed, but that usage of Boxer will be encouraged.


This is a big coup for Cyanogen, as it allows for a steady weaning off of Google’s services.


Having clear differences between Cyanogen’s ROM and stock Android will make it an enticing pull for many users.


Cyanogen e-mail is set to ship with Cyanogen OS 12, which is based on Android 5.0 Lollipop, due in the coming weeks.