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LineageOS 17.1 arrives on the OnePlus 5T, Galaxy S5, Fxtec Pro¹, and others
Fresh off the build servers
LineageOS is the most popular custom ROM around, bringing new Android updates to abandoned phones, and a stock-like experience (with or without Google software) to newer devices. The last time we covered the project, it added support for a handful of phones from Huawei, Sony, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. Since then, many more devices have made their way to the official roster.
LineageOS is one of the most popular custom Android ROMs available, with over two million active installations. The project officially ended support for the 14.1 (Android 7.1) branch a few days ago, in preparation for LineageOS 16. The 16.0 branch is finally rolling out, and it's bringing Android 9 Pie to dozens of phones and tablets.
The last time we covered LineageOS, the most popular custom Android ROM, it started supporting a handful of new devices with Android 8.1 builds. The project published Changelog 19 yesterday, which goes over some recent changes to the ROM and the community supporting it. There are some leadership changes, more newly-supported devices, and a new custom recovery.
Actively watching Nougat roll out to Nexus owners this week? Most Android devices don't have a shot at getting an update to the latest and greatest. Some, like the Galaxy S5 Active, are only just now getting an update to last year's version.
The Galaxy S5 Active doesn't move around more often than a regular S5, but it might hold up better if you're the kind of person that does. Its rugged frame resembles a phone with a built-in Otterbox case. Customers who bought one from AT&T are now receiving an over-the-air update to the latest version of Lollipop.
If you're a Samsung phone owner hoping to play with the manufacturer's custom-made game recording app, you might just be able to today. Game Recorder+ has been updated to work with a few new devices, plus improved compatibility for new Android 5.1 builds and better performance.
The nice thing about Samsung's product line is that it's so wide, they're bound to have at least one phone you like. Take AT&T's Samsung offerings for example: in addition to the usual Galaxy flagships, they have smaller versions, bigger versions, cheaper versions, and even Galaxy phones with gigantic camera zooms strapped to the back. Today two of those variants get upgraded to Lollipop: the tough-as-nails Galaxy S5 Active and the svelte Galaxy Alpha.
So, the regular Galaxy S5 is finally starting to get an update to Android 5.0, and what's this? The GS5 Active on AT&T is getting an update. Could it be? Is this the moment we've been waiting for? Oh... nope. It's just Android 4.4.4.
It's getting to be the time of year that retailers pull out all the stops and try to make some cash. Amazon in particular needs to make up some ground after that Fire Phone fiasco. Well, you can reap the rewards now with some solid deals on phones from AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint. These are on-contract sales, but you can't get too upset about a $1 phone.
Those of you with a tough-as-nails Galaxy S5 Active for AT&T are probably wondering when your phones will be updated to Android 4.4.4. And you can keep on wondering, because the latest over-the-air update from Samsung keeps the phone on the same 4.4.2 build it had when it was released three months ago. But it does add... uh, some user interface changes in the default email app? Roll out the barrels!
Samsung's Galaxy S5 Active Made Official, Available From AT&T In Camo Green, Ruby Red, Titanium Gray
The Galaxy S5 Active, Samsung's much-leaked ruggedized version of its latest flagship, is now official, and available from AT&T in three colors - Camo Green, Ruby Red, and Titanium Gray.