After providing us with more details on its new OxygenOS software earlier today, OnePlus did a Reddit AMA to answer fans’ questions about the new ROM. We’ve trawled through it to find the juiciest information so you don’t have to, and this is what we know so far about OxygenOS.

It will have its own recovery

OxygenOS will have its own recovery, and you’ll be able to use it to flash other ROMs.

You’ll have to flash it manually

Initially, OxygenOS will be an alternative option to the CyanogenMod software that ships with the One as standard, and if you want to use it, you’ll have to flash it manually. It will not be available over-the-air, and OnePlus won’t be providing a tool that automates the switching process.

It won’t support other devices

OxygenOS is being developed exclusively for OnePlus devices, so you won’t be able to download and install it on other smartphones. However, the company isn’t against unofficial ports.

“People tend to underestimate the amount of work required to ship consumer grade software,” explained OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei. “We’ll focus all our resources on making it run great on our devices, and if we really make a good product, I’m sure enthusiasts will port it to other devices on their own.”

Google Now Launcher will be its default launcher

Google Now Launcher, which comes pre-installed on Nexus devices and is available from Google Play on others, will be OxygenOS’s default launcher initially. That means users will get a pure Android experience with Google Now baked in.

It will be unique

OnePlus has recruited a lot of Paranoid Android developers to design and build OxygenOS, but it won’t be a PA clone.

“We aim to provide an uniquely OnePlus experience,” said Helen of the ROM team — though that doesn’t mean some PA features won’t make their way into the software.

It will be based on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop

While Android 5.1 might be right around the corner, the initial OxygenOS release will be based on Google’s existing Android 5.0.2 software. If OnePlus was to wait for Android 5.1 and then build upon that, we’d be waiting a lot longer for it.

Its features

OnePlus is keeping very quiet about the features OxygenOS will deliver; it isn’t even providing us with screenshots. But Arz of the OxygenOS team has promised customizable Quick Settings and “quick unlock” gestures, which will presumably offer shortcuts to things like the camera.

There will be no bloatware

OnePlus has been keen to stress that while it will be adding its own features to Android, it will not add anything that is obtrusive or unuseful.

“OxygenOS will be stock with convenience,” Helen said. “No more no less.”

It will be available in March

OnePlus did not mention a release date in its OxygenOS update earlier today, but Helen confirmed in the Reddit AMA that the software will be available next month.

• SourceReddit