OnePlus' OxygenOS, optimized for the 2014 flagship OnePlus One, is now available to download. For those who may not know, the operating system is the company's in-house version of Android 5.0 Lollipop, Engadget reported.

According to the outlet, OxygenOS is a Cyanogen replacement that comes with a "back to basics" approach. Some of its features include off-screen gestures, quick settings and file manager.

Why OnePlus needed its own operating system has been explaind by Carl Pei in a blog post, "By creating our own operating system, we can quickly respond to user feedback and make it easier for you to continue playing a fundamental role in the future of OnePlus."

"Our goal for OxygenOS is to provide faster, more meaningful updates and a better-integrated range of services for every OnePlus user," Pei went on.

Information surrounding OnePlus' operating system initially broke out in January, TechCrunch reported. These details have emerged following the Chinese startup's split from Cyanogen.

Installation instructions are listed in OnePlus' official forum. It is encouraged that users read and understand the procedures carefully, as they may sound very technical specially for those new to flashing ROMs.

First Things First

To get started, users need to download the official OxygenOS here and Feedback App here. Prospects must enable installations from unknown sources (Settings > Security) in order to install the latter. Backing-up of files is recommended.

Installation Overview

The following instructions apply under the assumption that Fastboot and ADB are already installed. The procedures below have been summarized. Please do not proceed if you are not comfortable with flashing. The Latino Post will not be responsible for any untoward incidents you may encounter in the process.

1. Flash recovery onto your device. OnePlus recommends TWRP.

2. Once recovery is installed, unzip oxygenos_1.0.0.zip.

3. Copy oxygenos_1.0.0.flashable.zip to your phone.

4. Boot into recovery.

5. Perform factory reset. Be sure to back-up all data.

6. Go to install and find oxygenos_1.0.0.flashable.zip.

7. Confirm flash.

8. Reboot the device.

Known Issues

The build doesn't come perfect in itself, as it harbors a number of issues. Check them out below:

1. Printer service may stop while printing images.

2. Hanging up calls using headphone controls is not always possible.

3. OTG can only recognize FAT32 file system.

4. During system update, display of Wi-Fi / data notification may be incorrect.

5. During system update, display of version number may be incorrect.

6. Files occasionally crash when uploading files to the cloud.

7. Files may crash when renaming image files.

8. Files do not support multi-select deletes.

Nevertheless, Pei indicated that OnePlus isn't adding features for the sake of "differentiation." He expressed, "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."

What do you think of OxygenOS? Is this move wise for OnePlus? Share your thoughts in the comments below.