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What software is your smartphone running? Since you're on this site, that's likely Android of some flavor, but the spectrum extends much further than Google's official desserts. While most of us stick to releases provided by the manufacturers of our devices, we've also got the freedom to explore unofficial alternatives — custom ROMs cooked up by independent devs. This week we're seeing Samsung get the ball rolling on the mod scene for its latest flagships, as the company begins releasing its kernel sources for the Galaxy S23 family.
Samsung uploads Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4 kernel sources to the joy of ROM makers
Maybe your foldable deserves something a little more special than One UI
Do you absolutely despise Samsung for shipping One UI 5 on your Galaxy Z Flip 4 or Fold 4? Okay, well, settle down — this stuff isn't worth getting terribly mad about. But if you would rather use another graphical interface that suits your taste or stretch the limits of what your folding phablet or clamshell can do, well, there's some good news and bad news.
Asus releases Zenfone 9 bootloader unlock tool and kernel code
All it needs now is the attention of LineageOS or Paranoid Android
Asus is a brand generally associated with laptops, but its smartphones definitely set their own pace. Its latest phone — the Asus Zenfone 9 — packs the formidable Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and efficient power management. Although the Taiwanese company's ZenUI software skin can compete with stock Android, users who want more options will be able to get them. To facilitate the creation and installation of custom ROMs, Asus is opening up the Zenfone 9's bootloader for unlocking and is releasing its kernel source code.
Despite Google's moves to add more proprietary features to its Android build, the underlying software is still open source. That means every Android phone release is followed some weeks later by a less notable open source code dump. Today, Samsung has gotten to that phase, releasing kernel source for the Galaxy S22 family. Not all of it, though.
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Although Motorola has been slow to roll out Android 10 to most of its devices globally, the company is at least keeping developers happy with steady kernel source releases. Over the past few weeks, Motorola has released updated source code packages for most of its phones, accelerating the creation of custom ROMs and recovery partitions.
Though stable Android 11 builds haven't yet arrived for the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro — they're still on Android 11 DP4 — OnePlus has already gone ahead and published the Android 11 kernel source. This means that developers can get a small head start on custom software like ROMs and recoveries.
Microsoft releases Surface Duo kernel source code — developers, start your engines
The company has also published a handy guide for compiling the source yourself
After much anticipation, Microsoft launched its very first Android device last month. In Corbin's review, he called it a phone for enthusiasts, and that's something Microsoft seems to be embracing. Microsoft has released the Surface Duo's kernel source, which will assist third-party developers in building custom ROMs and kernels for the unique device.
Asus revealed the Zenfone 7 and 7 Pro last month, following months of rumors and speculation. If you don't plan on sticking with the stock ROM, Asus has now released the bootloader unlock tool for both phones, as well as kernel source code packages for developers to try out.
Motorola returned to the flagship smartphone market earlier this year with the Motorola Edge+. The company still doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to software and updates, but Motorola has just released the kernel source code for the Edge+, making it easier for third-party developers to create their own custom Android builds.
OnePlus 8 series kernel source now available to developers
It should help the development of custom ROMs and recoveries
The license for the Linux kernel at the heart of Android requires that any changes, including modifications by device manufacturers, need to be publicly available. Some companies are faster to release their changes than others, but after only a few weeks on the market, kernel source packages for the OnePlus 8 series is now available.
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The Motorola One Power was one of the first of the company's phones to get Android 10. If custom ROMs are more your style, Motorola has now released the kernel source code for the Android 10 update, making it easier for developers to create ROMs and recoveries based on Android 10.
Samsung just launched the Galaxy S20 series a few days ago, but you can already mosey over the Samsung website to grab the official kernel source. The Exynos variants popped up a few days ago, but now the Snapdragon variants are live as well. The open source code isn't going to do you much good if you're not a developer, but the result of making that code available might.
As has become nearly customary for OnePlus, the 7T's announcement last week has been immediately followed by the device's kernel source release. If you're a custom ROM developer, an enthusiast, or a general modder, you'll find that code necessary for your future tinkering.
OnePlus just published a recap of its second "Open Ears Forum" from all the way back in May. At the event, it gathered a handful of developers and fans central to the OnePlus community to solicit their feedback. Four months later, the company has revealed a set of changes influenced by that feedback, including more timely kernel sources for Open Betas and a new bounty program for reporting vulnerabilities. Most importantly for customers, though, OnePlus has promised to finally fix how aggressive its software is at killing apps in the background.
ASUS recently unveiled its 2019 flagship ZenFone 6, and this phone marks quite a shift for the company. Its bezel-less, notch- and cutout-free display brings it on par with the OnePlus 7 Pro, and the flipping back camera is an interesting solution. Coupled with its stock Android experience, the phone is bound to attract some enthusiasts. Now, the company has also released the device's kernel source and unlock tool, making it even more interesting for that demographic.
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Due to Huawei ending its bootloader unlock program, and HMD Global/Nokia never having one to begin with, Motorola is still the king of customizable budget phones (in the United States, anyway). The company just released the Android 9 Pie kernel source for the Moto G6 Play, making it easier for developers to create custom Pie-based ROMs and recoveries for the phone.
In our review of the Moto Z3 Play from last year, we said it carried "an unacceptable price for a decent phone." In the event that you did pony up the $500 for it, or maybe just bought it on sale, you should be excited that development for its Android 9 Pie firmware is coming soon. Motorola has just published the Z3 Play's Pie kernel source code on GitHub.
The LG V50 debuted alongside the G8 at MWC back in February. The G8 is now out (check our our review here), though the same can't be said for the V50. Nonetheless, LG has chosen to release the kernel source code for the V50 now.
LG's update performance as of late has been less than stellar. Despite the formation of a "Software Upgrade Center" several years back, the company is still slow to get new versions of Android out the door. The V40 is still waiting on that Pie update, but it shouldn't be long now. LG has released the Pie-based kernel source for the V40 and LG G8.