Cyanogen reportedly cuts jobs as it changes course
The Cyanogen team formed a company with hopes of becoming the third major mobile platform, but it looks like the custom Android developer is scaling back its ambitions. Sources speaking to both Android Police and Recode claim that Cyanogen is making “significant” job cuts, laying off about 20 percent (around 30 people) of its staff. Reportedly, this is part of a “pivot” that will focus on apps, rather than an entire operating system like Cyanogen OS. Whether or not that involves the firm’s MOD platform, its Apps Package or something else isn’t apparent.
Chief executive Kirk McMaster turned down Recode’s request for a comment, so we wouldn’t expect either confirmation or immediate answers as to what’s coming next.
A change in direction wouldn’t be completely shocking. Although CyanogenMod is still a staple of the Android enthusiast world, Cyanogen OS hasn’t had many customers. You probably know Cyanogen’s ill-fated partnership on the OnePlus One, and the rest of its deals haven’t exactly set the world on fire — a one-off Lenovo phone and the cheap-but-cheerful Wileyfox Swift are among the examples. Simply put, many device makers are content with either creating their own Android variants or going with stock software. There may not be a large market for licensing a custom Android release from someone else.
Source: Android Police, Recode
How to verify your Twitter account on Android
Getting verified on Twitter with an Android phone is as easy as filling out a form.
Twitter recently opened up its verification procedure to anyone who wants to attempt to convince the company they are worth that coveted blue checkmark.
While it’s still unclear how Twitter decides how one gets verified — those approved are “accounts of public interest,” according to the company — the steps to get there are now much clearer.
How to get verified with your Android phone
Head to Twitter’s official verification page in your Chrome browser.
Sign in to the Twitter account you want verified (if prompted).
Read the information and tap Continue.
Tap Next after verifying the account in question is the one you want verified.
Enter between two and five websites to help Twitter identify your account.
Enter up to 500 words to tell Twitter why your account should be verified.
Tap Next once you are happy with your entries.
Review your request and press Submit.
Once you submit your request, Twitter will then take some time to deliberate and will contact you over email to deliver the good, or bad, news.
What next?
If for some reason your request for verification is denied, you must wait 30 days to apply again — hopefully with a more convincing argument. Got questions? Leave a comment below!
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