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OnePlus releases kernel source code for the OP 10 Pro
This code paves the way for third-party development and custom ROM support
Late last month, the OnePlus 10 Pro was finally announced for global markets after a China-only launch in January. In our review, we called it a phone primarily for fans of the company, as it’s not quite as “pro” an offering as it could be. If you did manage to get your pre-order in and would love to start tinkering around with its software as soon as it arrives, you’ll be pleased to learn that the phone's kernel source code is already available to the public.
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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.
OnePlus releases kernel sources for Nord N100 and N10 5G phones
The developer community will be even more important for these phones
OnePlus expanded its budget lineup of Nord smartphones with two new devices earlier this month. While the N10 5G and the N100 aren't yet available in the US, the phones are starting to become available in the UK. OnePlus is taking this time to officially release the kernel sources for its newest devices.
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.
We've said it before, but Android OEMs are pretty hit or miss when it comes to releasing kernel source code, as mandated under the GPL license for using the Linux kernel. HMD is the definition of hit-or-miss, having just released the source code for the two-year-old Nokia 2 a few days ago. But here we have them releasing the source for the Nokia 9 PureView, a phone still considered new.
Some companies, like Motorola and Google, are quick to release kernel source code for their new phones. Nokia is a mixed bag in this regard, especially since it just now released code for the Nokia 2... which came out nearly two years ago.
Just two days ago, HMD Global announced a slew of new budget phones — the Nokia 4.2, 3.2, and 1 Plus. HMD has already published the modified kernel source code for the Nokia 1 Plus, which in most cases would be exemplary, but there's nothing developers can make with it.
Slowly but surely, Android 9 Pie is rolling out to Motorola's lineup of phones. That also means new kernel source packages, which can be used by developers to create custom Pie-based ROMs and recoveries. Motorola has now released two new source packages for two (or possibly three) devices.
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The Nokia 7.1 and 6.1 Plus are mid-range Android One devices that were recently updated to Android 9.0 Pie. Following the update, HMD Global has published their kernel source code on its website.
The Nokia 7 Plus is one of HMD Global's higher-specced phones. Although still technically mid-range with its Snapdragon 660 chip and 6" IPS LCD display, it's one of the best Android One phones you can get. The Finnish company has now published the kernel source code.
Motorola has already released the kernel source code for most of the Moto E5 variants, including the E5 Plus and E5 Play Android Go Edition. However, the code for the plain E5 has not been available for developers to tinker with — until now.
Android 8.0 Oreo first arrived on the Brazil Moto Z Play in March of this year, then it started to roll out in the United States two months later. Motorola usually releases the kernel source code for each update around the time it is released, but for whatever reason, the Oreo code hasn't been available until now.
The HTC U12+ isn't a great phone, but if you bought one anyway, I have some good news for you. HTC just released the kernel source code for the U12+, allowing developers to more easily create custom recoveries and ROMs for the company's latest flagship.
Even though Motorola usually doesn't push software updates in a timely manner, it doesn't take long for the company to release the accompanying kernel source code. The Moto G6 and E5 family was officially announced earlier this month, and even though the phones aren't widely available yet, Motorola has released the kernel source for one model - the G6 Play.
Despite doing a pretty good job on keeping its phones up to date, HMD Global has until recently had a bit of trouble with releasing the kernel sources for its devices. But in a "finally" moment, the exclusive manufacturer of the Nokia brand has released the Nokia 8 source codes to the developer community.
HMD Global has a stellar track record of releasing timely Android firmware updates and its good form continues today. Nokia 3 owners can expect Android 8.0 Oreo to start rolling out to their devices shortly. At the same time, a new page has appeared on the Nokia website providing kernel source code for the Nokia 1 and 6.
Earlier in January, the online chatter about Xiaomi's delay/unwillingness to release kernel source codes for its Mi A1 phone reached a peak. Given how popular this little gem of a phone has become (read my take or Corbin's review) and all that it could do for a measly $220 price tag, as well as the fact that it runs Android One, Google's own official software for third-parties, it was quite unbecoming of Xiaomi to not release the source or take such a long time to do so.
Those of you familiar with the GPL will know that manufacturers are required to post any modifications they make to the Android kernel. Motorola does this with all of their phones, including the Nougat-powered Moto X4, but now that Oreo is out for the phone (well, at least the Android One version), the source code for that needs to be posted as well. Lo and behold, it has.