At the “Next Phase of Android” event held by The Information, Cyanogen Inc.’s CEO, Kirt McMaster, revealed the future of Cyanogen Inc. — a future where the company will not be so heavily dependent on Google. 

Kirt introduced himself at the event by saying ““I’m the CEO of Cyanogen. We’re attempting to take Android away from Google.” He goes on to explain that Cyanogen Inc. is trying to make a version of Android that is more open than the one provided by Google. This will allow it to integrate the OS with various services from its different partners — something which is not possible in the Google controlled version of Android.

Such an openness will allow services to integrate into the OS just like Google has done with Google Now. McMaster gave the example of Yahoo’s Aviate launcher that could gain heavily from the integration offered by Cyanogen’s version of Android.

The CEO of Cyanogen Inc. further stated that Cyanogen will be free of any dependence on Google over the next few years. “Today, Cyanogen has some dependence on Google. Tomorrow, it will not,” he said. The company does not intend to be based on “some derivative of Google” in three to five years. It plans on doing something different compared to thousands of services being launched nowadays that all rely heavily on Android.

Kirt also revealed that Cyanogen Inc. plans to open its own app store in 18 months. It is also interested in working with partners on supporting alternative app stores.

While the ambitions of Cyanogen Inc.’s CEO are definitely bold, he should first work on improving the public image of the company, especially after the Micromax-OnePlus fiasco, where it is widely believed that Cyanogen Inc. was at fault.

Make sure to head over to The Information to read the complete transcript from the event.