Independent developers have cooked their own versions of the open-source Android kernel and applied it to corresponding devices. One of the most popular of these developers are the makers of CyanogenMod, which currently supports hundreds of Android devices, and already has more than 12 million installs as of June 2014.
Unfortunately, in spite of the 'freedom' that CyanogenMod introduces to people who use their Android phones, the entire system still mainly relies on Google services and features.
However, in a report by GSM Arena, it looks like Cyanogen will soon break away from Google and its services. In an event in California, the company's CEO, Kirt McMaster mentioned that the company will soon plan "to take Android away from Google."
In the report, Cyanogen will reportedly allow its app partners to access the 'deeper levels' of its system, which would allow more support from third-party developers. In addition, the company could in fact remove everything that is controlled and managed by Google, including its services, the Google Now launcher and even Google Play.
Interestingly, Cyanogen, Inc. already has other things in mind.
In the report, the company will allegedly launch its own app store with applications and other downloadable content from its developer partners. For people thinking that Cyanogen will take a very long time to finish this, the report mentioned that the 'Cyanogen app store' will go live in the next 18 months.
Once it goes live, the newest CyanogenMod version for supported devices may be available as well. In the report, Cyanogen wants to break away from Google's grasp and control for about 5 to 6 years.
