Microsoft wants to take another chunk out of Google by investing in ROM maker Cyanogen that's developing its own version of the Andriod OS called CyanogenMod.

Cyanogen provides its ROM to suppliers like OnePlus and Micromax in 2014. Its CEO claims he wants to remove Android from Google by replacing the Google Play store with its own marketplace.

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To do this, Cyanogen needs developer support and enough love of the ROM, but even then it's a risk to avoid Google Play that currently sells 1.3 million apps for an underwhelming alternative that may never reach full capacity.

Microsoft will become a small investor in the latest funding round, valuing Cyanogen in the "high hundreds of millions" market.

Microsoft's investment is also a bit weird considering the company has moved away from Android under CEO Satya Nadella. It also potentially pressures Microsoft's patent relations with Google.

Cyanogen does have 50 million users running its ROM, or five percent of Android to put it into perspective. It's not clear how many of those 50 million are running the latest version, and who might be willing to leave Google Play for CyanogenMod.

The move would make CyanogenMod similar to Amazon's Fire OS by using the backbone of Android without the Google services. While this did work on the Kindle Fire, the Fire Phone was an absolute disaster due to the lack of apps and the high price point.

Fans have also criticized Cyanogen for moving away from Google and trying to promote themselves as a direct competitor. The exclusivity deal with Micromax also hurt Cyanogen's reputation in India, after Cyanogen failed to tell OnePlus about the deal.

Microsoft hasn't commented on the investment.

TagsCyanogenMod, venture capital, ROM