Cyanogen on Monday, as expected, announced its upcoming Themes app that will act like a store front for Cyanogen OS users to browse and download free and paid themes. The company also announced that the first release of the Themes app will come preloaded on the device from the new YU brand recently launched by Micromax. The first handset under YU brand is expected to be launched in December.
Additionally, the company also announced the release of Themes Studio (Beta), which is the company's online tool for designers to upload and publish themes content.
Cyanogen revealed that the new themes (that will soon be available from Themes app) will enable users to change "nearly all components of the mobile user interface, including wallpapers, icons, fonts, boot animations, and controls."
9to5Mac points out, "Only free themes will be available upon the app's initial release, although paid themes will be added for purchase in the future." The launch of Themes might finally allow the company to monetise the OS beyond partnerships with OEMs.
A Themes Design Challenge was also announced by the company where it invites artists and content creators to submit original theme packs for the Cyanogen OS. The challenge will end in December and the company notes it will announce, "the top 3 winning entries based on key criteria: creativity and uniqueness of design, artistic expression and visual effects, and completeness of required design elements." Participants will have to submit their designs via the new beta release of the Themes Studio.
Winners of the Themes Design Challenge will receive a prize - "Cyanogen branded gear and a device of their choice (from two device options) to be announced with the winners in December."
Cyanogen back in December was tipped to be working on a rollout of paid theme model to monetise the OS. The company was reported to have previously even spurned Google deal, claiming that it was more focused on obtaining its third round of funding that took it to a $1 billion valuation - "despite barely generating any revenue."
Some of the other companies that were reportedly considering a partnership or acquisition with Cyanogen included the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Samsung and Yahoo.
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