latest
For many, even one of the best phones is anything but a black box filled with modern tech magic. But this is XDA, which means you can always come across people who like to dip their toes into rooting, ROM-ing, and various other aftermarket developments. So it's a good thing Nothing pushed out both the kernel source and the device tree for its most recent offering, the Nothing Phone 2.
Google Pixel 7a kernel source code and factory images are already up for grabs
Recover to stock whenever you need to
After months of previews and leaks, the Google Pixel 7a is finally available to the general public. Matter of fact, the company has also uploaded the first set of OTA and factory images for its hot new affordable mid-ranger without much fanfare. For power users and the modding community, this means they've got a steadfast method of easily flashing back to the stock configuration if they need it, plus official firmware images to dig through. Apart from the factory image set, Google has published all the tools, files, and documentation needed by third-party developers interested in running custom software on this device as well.
Samsung releases kernel source code for the Galaxy S23 series
Paving the way for aftermarket development
Developers, get ready - Samsung has dropped something really interesting to play with over the weekend. Now that the Galaxy S23 series is picking up its first software update, the Korean OEM has started unleashing a barrage of kernel source packages on its open source release center, starting with the global and the US editions of the flagship.
Following months of rumors and speculation, the OnePlus 11 is finally here. Since there won't be a "Pro" variant this year, the phone essentially represents the best of what the Chinese OEM has to offer till date. We reviewed the OnePlus 11 and thoroughly evaluated the performance, which indeed ensure a truly massive potential for whatever use cases you can think of. Now, as has become nearly customary for OnePlus, the global launch has been almost immediately followed by the device's kernel source release.
The Google Pixel Watch might not be as developer-friendly as you may have expected
Google has published the kernel source code for the Pixel Watch. However, the lack of an unlockable bootloader blocks the modding avenue.
Google's Wear OS has come of age in many ways, and with the introduction of the Pixel Watch, the smartwatch battleground is bound to get more interesting. Thanks to its innovative software features and deep integration with Fitbit’s core health features, Google’s first smartwatch is uniquely positioned to take this market segment by storm.
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro factory images and kernel source code are now available
Factory images, kernel sources, and device tree for the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro are now available for download. Read on!
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are a step up from all previous Pixel phones. They're snappy, take great photos, and have the brand new Tensor G2 SoC powering their core that makes them stand out from the rest of the Android crowd. Now, Google has released the factory images and the kernel source code for the Pixel 7 series right alongside its public availability for tinkerers wanting a little extra control over their new purchase.
Android is built on top of the Linux kernel, which means the OEMs are obliged to provide the source code, upon request, of any Linux kernel binaries they distribute on devices they sell. Some companies are faster to release their changes than others, but after more than a month on the market, kernel source packages for the Samsung's latest foldables -- the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 -- are finally available.
Asus releases bootloader unlock tool, firmware, and kernel sources for the Zenfone 9
Asus has released the bootloader unlock tool, kernel source code, and official firmware packages for the newly launched Zenfone 9. Read on!
Asus is not usually counted among the most reputed or popular smartphone brands. Nonetheless, the Taiwanese OEM offers some of the most powerful and innovative pieces of hardware at compelling prices, like the recently launched Zenfone 9. The compact flagship is powered by high-end internals such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC and features a miniature gimbal stabilization system for its primary camera.
Google Pixel 6a kernel source code and factory images are now available
The Pixel 6a is the latest mid-range offering from Google, and you can now download factory images and the kernel source code for it.
The Google Pixel 6a is the company's latest foray into the mid-range territory. As usual, the phone undercuts its competitors with a flagship-grade camera and the clean software experience. With both officially out today and shipments for pre-orders underway, Google has uploaded all the tools, files, and documentation needed by aftermarket developers interested in running custom software on the Pixel 6a.
Kernel sources for the Nothing Phone 1 are now live
The Nothing Phone 1, Nothing's first Android phone, now has readily available kernel sources. Check them out now!
Developers, get your fingers and keyboards ready, cause it's about to get busy in here. You can now download the kernel source code and the device tree for one of the most hyped Android smartphones in recent times -- the Nothing Phone 1.
Asus ROG Phone 6 bootloader unlock tool and kernel source code are already available
Asus has released a bootloader unlock tool and the kernel sources for the newly launched ROG Phone 6 series. Read on to know more about these!
The "Republic of Gamers" (ROG) smartphone lineup from Asus is quite popular among mobile gamers. With each generation of ROG phones, the Taiwanese OEM has continued to push the boundary of smartphone hardware. The recently released ROG Phone 6 series is a prime example, offering a 6.78-inch 165Hz AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, up to a whopping 18GB of RAM, a total 6,000mAh battery, 65W fast charging, a 3.5mm headphone jack (yes!), a plethora of gaming features, and much more. Now, in a bid to comply with the requirements of GPL v2 and help the aftermarket development community get the ball rolling on building ROMs and kernels, Asus has released the official bootloader unlock tool and the kernel sources for the ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro.
OnePlus 10 Pro kernel source code is now available
OnePlus has finally released the kernel sources for the OnePlus 10 Pro, kickstarting third-party development for its latest flagship.
OnePlus finally took the wraps off the global variant of the OnePlus 10 Pro, but the company slacked off a bit and did not give us the kernel sources right after the launch. If you have already managed to score one for yourself for the sake of tinkering, we have good news for you. To facilitate custom development, the Chinese OEM has now released the kernel sources for the OnePlus 10 Pro.
Samsung releases kernel sources for the Galaxy S22 series
Samsung Galaxy S22 kernel sources are now available, meaning developers can now start third-party development for the devices. Read on to learn more.
After nearly everything was leaked about Samsung's 2022 flagships, the Galaxy S22 series was finally made official last month. The phones represent the best of what the Korean OEM has to offer this year at different price ranges. We reviewed the Galaxy S22 Ultra with 12GB RAM, which offers truly massive potential for whatever use cases you can think of. With the gradual rise in availability, we were bound to see aftermarket development work and custom modifications start to pick up for the device trio. As expected, Samsung has now released the kernel sources for the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra.
JingPad A1 bootloader unlock tool, Android ROM, and source code are now available
The JingPad A1 can now be bootloader unlocked. Its maker has also released an Android ROM and published the sources for the tablet. Read on!
The JingPad A1 was launched back in August last year with the tagline: "World’s First Consumer-Level Linux Tablet." This device, complete with its gigantic 11-inch 4:3 AMOLED display, Unisoc Tiger T7510 SoC, an 8,000mAh battery with 18W wired charging support, and a premium design, brought tough competition to other Linux-powered ARM64 tablets like the Pine64 PineTab. Powered by the in-house Linux distribution called JingOS, the JingPad A1 can also run Android apps using WayDroid. Now, Jingling Tech, maker of the JingPad, is offering more choices to users in the software department as the company has opened up bootloader unlocking on the device, published a dedicated Android ROM, and also released its sources.
Xiaomi 12’s kernel source code is now available immediately after launch
The Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, and 12X, the newest fleet of devices from Xiaomi, now have readily-available kernel sources. Start tinkering now!
The Xiaomi 12 series was launched in China today with an impressive set of specifications. The regular Xiaomi 12 and its "Pro" variant are powered by the Qualcomm’s latest flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, while the more affordable Xiaomi 12X goes with the Snapdragon 870 chipset. If you’re planning to buy one of them for the sake of aftermarket development, then you will be happy to know that the company has already published the kernel source code for the Linux kernel binaries that ship with each phone’s respective Android builds.
OnePlus Nord 2 kernel sources updated, now in sync with the next build
OnePlus has updated the kernel sources for the OnePlus Nord 2 and they're now in sync with the upcoming OxygenOS A.15 release.
Shortly after OnePlus launched the OnePlus Nord 2, the company published the kernel source for the device. The original release was based on OxygenOS A.07 and, while OnePlus has released several software updates to the Nord 2 since, it had not added a single public commit corresponding to the subsequent updates on its official GitHub repo. This has had a significant effect on third-party development for the device. Thankfully, OnePlus has finally taken notice and updated the kernel sources for the OnePlus Nord 2.
OnePlus Nord 2's latest update fixes root vulnerability, but kernel sources remain broken for months
OnePlus is rolling out a new OxygenOS update for the OnePlus Nord 2 that silently fixes the root shell vulnerability. Read on to know more!
It’s fair to say that the OnePlus Nord 2 comes with a number of surprising elements. While one of those surprises is the inclusion of a MediaTek SoC, another recently came into the picture in the form of a security vulnerability. The vulnerability allowed an attacker, just with physical access to your device and a computer at hand, to gain access to a root shell without even needing to have USB debugging left on. Thankfully though, the OEM has been relatively quick to address the issue by issuing a quick update.
Google uploads factory images, device tree, kernel source code for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
Factory images, kernel sources, and device tree for the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro are now live! Head on over for links.
Earlier this month, Google launched the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro, the company’s first flagships powered by its own Tensor silicon. The devices had been at the receiving end of far too many leaks, and for the most part, the launch event didn't unveil any major surprises. The Pixel 6 series is slated to reach consumers from today onwards, and Google has now uploaded all the tools, files, and documentation needed by aftermarket developers interested in running custom software on the phone duo.
Microsoft releases Surface Duo 2 kernel sources and factory image
Microsoft releases Surface Duo 2 kernel sources and factory image, getting the ball rolling on third-party development for the device.
Microsoft unveiled its second Android smartphone -- the Surface Duo 2 -- late last month. Although the device looks a lot like its predecessor, it packs some significant upgrades. The Duo 2 features larger displays, Qualcomm's latest flagship SoC, better cameras, and a bigger battery. The phone runs Surface Duo 2 UI based on Android 11 out of the box, which comes with a bunch of preloaded apps and some useful features to help users make the most out of its unique form factor.
Google Pixel 5a factory images and kernel source code are now available
The Pixel 5a is the latest mid-range offering from Google, and you can now download factory images and the kernel source code for it.
Google finally took the wraps off the Pixel 5a last week, but the Mountain View giant slacked off a bit and did not give us direct download links for OTAs and factory images right after the launch. If you have already managed to score one for yourself, we have good news for you, as Google has now released the initial set of factory images for the device that can be used to restore Android 11 to its stock form on your new toy. Apart from the stock firmware, Google has also uploaded all the tools, files, and documentation needed by third-party developers interested in running custom software.