Learn More About Android Source Code
If you’ve ever had a chance to build a ROM from source, no matter if it was AOSP or some other distribution, you might have noticed that the source tree has a lot of folders. Some of them are responsible for keeping device-specific parts, while others are used to coordinate the whole process of building.
If you ever wanted to know what is kept inside of these mysterious folders, you should definitely read a guide written by XDA Senior Member #Superuser. The folder structure will no longer be a mystery, as most folders are described. #Superuser also described the build-specific parts to help you better understand the process of inheriting the source on various configs.
Folder structure isn’t all that’s covered in this guide. Basic build commands are also presented in detail, so even beginners can find something to read about. Every moment is good to learn something new, so if you use Linux or Mac, you should definitely try to build a ROM from source and analyze the folders.
If you are new to the development world, you should definitely give this guide a shot. The best thing you can do is to visit the original thread and read it carefully while syncing source.
HTC One Android 4.4 update reaches carrier certification
Owners of HTC‘s flagship One smartphone will soon be in for a much awaited sweet treat. The company has revealed that the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the device has finally entered the carrier’s testing and certification process along its journey to end users.
HTC has put up a web page that details the status of various Android updates for some of its more popular smartphones, with a particular emphasis on Android 4.4 for its HTC One family of devices. Progress is split into various stages, such as Evaluation, Development, Integration, Certification, and final Push to customers, in that order. Here we can see that Android 4.4 for the carrier-branded HTC One is already at the Certification stage, which HTC expects to be finished next week.
The company has been surprisingly very candid about its process in pushing out Android updates. Last December, it released an infographic that detailed what it goes through to deliver updates to users. To some extent, it’s easy for HTC to divulge that process since it somewhat subtly shifts the blame of bottlenecks and delays to carriers.
HTC’s Android update page also reveals other interesting information. The HTC One mini from AT&T and HTC One max are also in the process of getting an Android 4.4 update but are still in the integration stage. The Droid DNA a.k.a. HTC Butterfly as well as the Desire 601 announced last September are also in queue.
Story Timeline
- HTC lays down Android 4.4 update schedule for HTC One and DROID DNA
- HTC One Google Play edition getting Android 4.4 Kit Kat
- HTC Infographic shows the Android update process, how carriers slow it down
- HTC One max and mini Android 4.4.2 updates tipped for January or February
Sony Z1S kernel source code now available
Sony has done the world a favor today, releasing the kernel source code for their newest handset. The Xperia Z1S, which is only available through T-Mobile, launched at CES to much fanfare. A powerful device that should keep us all satiated until the Xperia Z2 comes out, Sony is encouraging custom ROMs and other tweaks be made to it.
This move toes the line in a recent about-face from Sony. Whe they got back into the smartphone game full time, they adopted the customization community in short order, a pleasant change from what other OEMs tend to do. The Japanese OEM unlocked bootloaders, and released kernel source codes as needed. There was no digging or tweaking; Sony was making it easy on us.
T-Mobile, on the other hand, may not be. Reports suggest they’ve asked Sony to lock the bootloader for the Z1S, effectively ending the customization parade. Though unconfirmed, it would be nearly devastating should Sony do so. The Xperia Z1S is only available via T-Mobile, meaning no other carrier even has a variant we could use. Of course, we could get the device outright via Sony, but most consumers go through carriers for devices.
For now, and hopefully for the foreseeable future, the kernel source code is available from Sony. We really enjoy the Z1S, and have no issue with Sony’s take on Android, but we also like the option to switch it up. It’s also doubtful that Sony would give in to T-Mobile, but you just never know.
VIA: Android Police
Story Timeline
- Sony Xperia Z1S Mini FCC filing discovered with Anami codename
- T-Mobile Sony Xperia Z1S hands-on
- T-Mobile Sony Xperia Z1S arrives for online sales
- T-Mobile Sony Xperia Z1S review
- Sony Xperia Z1s available from T-Mobile, starting today
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“Free 5 pack of TecTiles with purchase (a $14.99 value) will be added to your order automatically”
The Galaxy Note II Protective Cover Plus case is a precision designed cell phone case that protects the device without sacrificing style. Galaxy cases also feature one of the sleekest android phone case designs, allowing for both function and fashion.
Also available in: Black , White