Cyanogen OS 12 ‘L’ out next week, picks up Boxer email app

Cyanogen Inc, the startup, has not kept it a secret that it wants to out-Google Google when it comes to growing up the Android platform. But to be able to really compete with head to head with Google’s version of Android, Cyanogen must also be able to replace some of the core functionality and services that the search giant has to offer. Some of the pieces may be already in place, like the Nextbit Baton partnership last year, and Cyanogen is now adding one more: Boxer’s email app.

At first glance, the Boxer app looks like a Gmail or even Inbox clone, which works in its favor in terms of user familiarity. But it has one very important difference: users can customize Boxer to their liking. They can choose LED notification colors, or set their own swipe gestures. This almost complete configurability is the spirit of Boxer and goes well with Cyanogen’s own goal of letting the user be the master of his or her own faith. Boxer CEO and Founder Andrew Eye puts it in plain words: “Cyanogen shares our vision for customization and user choice. We couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

Boxer email will be preinstalled on Cyanogen OS starting version 12 ‘L’, the Android 5.0 release of the commercial OS. With the app, users will gain all the benefits of Boxer, including linking with Evernote, Dropbox, and Google Drive as well as creating tasks ala Google’s new Inbox app. Of course, you don’t have to be a Cyanogen OS user to take advantage of what Boxer has to offer, as it is also available for free on Google Play Store.

As for Cyanogen OS 12 ‘L’ itself, the OTA is scheduled to go out in a few weeks’ time. The update will go out to the OnePlus One as well as the YU YUreka in India. The newly announced Alcatel Hero 2+, however, is still in the works. Sadly, there is no definite confirmation yet if the unfortunate OnePlus One owners in India will be getting this update as well.

SOURCE: +Cyanogen, Boxer