Android is based on the Linux kernel, which use GPL (General Public License). Thus, it is mandatory for every OEM to release kernel sources of their devices.

Thanks to source code, developers can customize the software for these products. These customized software for Android smartphones are commonly known as custom ROMs.

Companies like Samsung are known for releasing kernel sources on time. In contrast, Chinese brands are notorious for violating GPL by not releasing the sources for most of their devices, except Xiaomi and OnePlus.

But sadly, even Xiaomi has now joined its counterparts in not releasing kernel source code for not one or two but around 11 devices launched in the course of one year.

According to FuvisionTech (via Xiaomiui), Xiaomi is yet to release kernel source code for the following smartphones.

• Redmi Note 11 / Redmi Note 11 NFC
• Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G / Redmi Note 11E Pro
• Xiaomi 12T
• Xiaomi 12T Pro / Redmi K50 Ultra
• Redmi Note 12 4G
• Redmi Note 12 5G
• Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
• Redmi Note 12S
• Redmi K60 / POCO F5 Pro
• Redmi K60E
• Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition

One thing is common among the aforementioned handsets. Most of them are powered by MediaTek chipsets, which are not friendly with developers for custom software. Because, unlike Qualcomm, MediaTek limits the availability of its chips’ source code to its customers (OEMs).

Therefore, developers are unable to develop custom ROMs for the above-listed phones. Anyway, it is fine as there are very few people who use third-party software on their handsets these days.

However, by not releasing the kernel source code, Xiaomi is now violating GPL, just like Oppo, Vivo, and others.

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• Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Review: You can even play games on it

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Last week, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 10 series for global markets. The lineup includes a total of five devices. They are yet to go on sale but the company has already released the kernel source code for the Redmi Note 10 Pro and the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max.

For those unaware, the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max announced for India is called Redmi Note 10 Pro in other markets. However, the Redmi Note 10 Pro unveiled in India is exclusive to the region as of now. All three phones have a common codename – ‘sweet’.

Their individual codenames are as listed below.

• Redmi Note 10 Pro (Global) – sweetpro
• Redmi Note 10 Pro Max (India) – sweetin_pro
• Redmi Note 10 Pro (India) – sweetin

Since these phones have identical specs except for the primary camera, they use a common kernel. Hence, they basically run the same MIUI build with regional changes.

This means custom ROMs for these three smartphones should be available in a unified flavor. In other words, they will have common custom ROM builds.

Hence, the new Redmi Note 10 Pro and the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max have a chance of becoming the most popular Redmi Note devices in the custom ROM community after the Redmi Note 5 Pro (aka Redmi  Note 5 AI Dual Camera).

In case you do not know, the Redmi Note series has always been popular in third-party software development. But that streak broke with the past few generations due to multiple devices in the series and varied availability across regions.

Now, as the same device with a common kernel is sold in all the regions with some minor tweaks and different names, we can expect more custom ROMs, kernels, and other mods once developers get access to these smartphones.

RELATED:

• Redmi K40 Review: The Budget flagship killer in 2021
• Redmi K40 Pro Review: The First True Flagship Killer of 2021
• POCO India teases the POCO X3 Pro India launch for March 30
• Redmi K40, K40 Pro could launch as Mi 11X, Mi 11X Pro in India

(Via) 

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Yesterday, Xiaomi announced Mi 11 as the world’s first smartphone powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. The handset already went for pre-order soon after the launch and is set to go on sale for the first time on January 1.  Ahead of its sale, the company has even released this device’s kernel source code.

Xiaomi smartphones have been popular in the developer community for years now. That’s because the company is known for releasing kernel source code for its handsets mostly on time. As a result, Mi, Redmi, and POCO-branded phones are well-known than any other devices in the custom ROM community.

All the smartphones from the Xiaomi group run MIUI (except Android One phones). Not all users like it and therefore, power users tend to install custom ROMs. Since the firm allows users to unlock the bootloader, in addition to releasing kernel source code and providing better hardware at affordable price tags, Xiaomi devices continue to be popular for this niche audience.

With the release of Mi 11 (codename: “venus”) kernel source code, we can expect the developers to start working on compiling TWRP recovery, custom ROMs, custom kernels, and more for this handset in the coming days.

That said, Xiaomi has confirmed to launch the Mi 11 globally soon. We believe the phone may debut in international markets within the first quarter of 2021 itself. Additionally, the world’s third-largest smartphone maker is also reported to unveil Mi 11 Pro after Spring Festival (mid-February) in China.

UP NEXT: MIUI 12.5 announced: All new Features, Supported devices, & Rollout details

(Via)

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The OnePlus Nord N100 and OnePlus Nord N10 5G are the brand’s most affordable new smartphones. Unlike the company’s other devices, these two are limited to certain regions like Europe and the US where it is yet to debut. Surprisingly, the latter handset even made its way to Singapore a few hours ago. Before that, the kernel source code for both these phones went live.

OnePlus smartphones are popular among developers and custom ROM users. The company is known for releasing kernel sources on time. Hence, the brand has published the code of its latest budget smartphones on time.

With the help of this, developers can start working on custom recoveries like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), followed by custom ROMs, custom kernels, and mods. The new Nord duo could become popular in this niche community, thanks to their affordable price tags. 

However, we don’t think they will be as famous as certain Xiaomi smartphones that are sold worldwide. The popularity of Nord N100 and Nord N10 5G may boost if the brand extends their availability.

Nevertheless, we can expect the development to be steady as these two phones will be only receiving a single major update to OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11.  With regular custom ROM releases, customers of these handsets can continue using the phone for years rocking the latest Android version and security patch.

UP NEXT: Official: The OnePlus Nord N100 has a 90Hz refresh rate

(Via)

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OnePlus was part of the Android 11 Beta program with the OnePlus 8 series. The company released four builds as part of this initiative, which was later followed by two OxygenOS 11 Open Beta builds. In other words, the brand is yet to release a stable build. But ahead of it, OnePlus has already uploaded the Android 11 kernel source code for OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro.

OnePlus is known for updating its smartphones to the latest version of Android quicker than most OEMs. Also, it’s mobile operating system OxygenOS is loved by users and media around the world, thanks to its resemblance to stock Android with extra features. 

However, the Chinese smartphone maker shocked everyone by revamping its Android skin design with the release of OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11. Although it retains all the features and brings the most requested AOD option, it now looks more like Samsung’s One UI than stock Android.

EDITOR’S PICK: Certain OnePlus Nord users are facing an automatic factory reset bug

That said, OnePlus is yet to reveal the Android 11 update timeline for its devices. Currently, as mentioned in the beginning, the update is available in the form of Open Beta for OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro. Surprisingly, the company has now already released the Android 11 source code for this duo even before seeding out the stable update.

This means developers can now offer relatively bug less custom ROMs to power users of these two devices. Above all, the brand may release the OxygenOS 11 stable release for the OnePlus 8 series anytime now.

Further, the next in the line to taste Android 11 should be OnePlus Nord as the company had recently started recruiting testers for the Closed Beta program. Also, we cannot rule out the possibility of the OnePlus 7T series getting the update second.

UP NEXT: Pete Lau: OnePlus 8T will be the first non-pixel Smartphone to launch with Android 11

(Via)

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Every Android OEM is supposed to make the kernel source code of their device public. With new Android updates, the code is tweaked to support the latest software and the device’s hardware. So when the company rolls out a new Android update, it is mandatory for them to share the updated kernel source code. That’s what Xiaomi has done for Mi 8 SE, Mi 9SE, Mi 8 Lite, Mi 9 Lite, and Mi Max 3.

Xiaomi recently updated the above-listed handsets to Android 10 and since these devices use the same family of Qualcomm chipsets, their updated kernel source code was released together.

For instance, the Mi 8 SE, Mi 9 SE, and Mi 9 Lite are powered by Snapdragon 700 series, Snapdragon 710 and Snapdragon 712 to be exact. Hence, Xiaomi has unified the Android 10 kernel source code of these three handsets. The Mi CC9 Meitu Edition, which is the original Mi 9 Lite also shares the same source tree.

On the other hand, Mi 8 Lite and Mi Max 3 feature the same Snapdragon 660 chipset. Therefore, kernel source code for their Android update have been unified now.

Kernel source code plays an important role in the development of custom ROMs. Since Xiaomi has been releasing them in a timely manner (now), its devices are the most popular in the developer community.

UP NEXT: Kernel source code for OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro is now live

(Via)

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The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro went official last month. They are already on sale in various regions. Also, both the handsets in the series have received multiple updates fixing various bugs. Now, their kernel source code is out as well.

Normally, OnePlus is quick to release kernel source code for its devices. But the company took more time this year with the OnePlus 8 series. Anyway, it is out now and interested developers can already start fiddling with it.

On the other hand, the code names for these handsets are too boring.

• OnePlus 8 – instantnoodle
• OnePlus 8 Pro – instantnoodlep

Don’t know why OnePlus went with ‘instantnoodlep’ for the OnePlus 8 Pro. The previous generations had different and better codenames for each model.

That said, now as the kernel source code is out, we can expect developers to begin compiling custom recoveries like TWRP and more. Since OnePlus is popular in third-party development like Xiaomi, we will likely see a number of custom ROMs, kernels, and mods in the near future.

But there might be a delay this time around due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. OnePlus is yet to start sales in its biggest markets like India. Also, as most countries are under lockdown, there are fewer chances of developers receiving their units on time.

UP NEXT: OnePlus 8 Pro’s Black Crush issue will be solved via a future OTA Update

(Source)

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Realme X50 Pro launched as the company’s second 5G smartphone in February 2020. It packs all the important features in a value flagship device. The phone has been announced for a number of markets but it is currently on sale only in China due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Now, after two months from its launch, bootloader unlock for the Chinese version of the device is finally live along with kernel source code.

Almost all the smartphones sold in the world come with a locked bootloader. This avoids tampering of the device with unauthorized apps or firmware by resellers. But some OEMs like Realme offers official bootloader unlock method for power users to try aftermarket third-party firmware.

Realme X50 Pro, the brand’s newest device now supports bootloader unlock on the Chinese variant. The unlocking procedure is similar to the older devices. The users have to first enable OEM Unlock in the Developer options and then install an app to apply for unlocking. 

Once their application gets approved, they will have to click on the In-depth Test option which will boot the device into bootloader. Finally, they will have run a fastboot command ‘fastboot flashing unlock’ followed by confirming on the phone to unlock the bootloader.

Unlocking bootloader on Realme smartphones is much easier than Xiaomi. The users do not need to wait for weeks as it can be done within a few minutes. Once a device becomes eligible for the purpose, the company announces it on Realme Community with a step by step guide. Also, the kernel source code for the handset is made public at the same time.

UP NEXT: Bootloader Unlocking does not Void Warranty of Xiaomi and Redmi Devices

(Via)

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Redmi K30 Pro is the latest flagship killer from the house of Redmi. This phone is the direct successor to the last year’s immensely popular Redmi K20 Pro. Though it is only the second generation flagship smartphone by the brand, it packs everything one needs in a premium device without shelling out more penny. Now, it is expected to get even better with third-party software development as the company officially releases its source code on GitHub.

Xiaomi is well-known for being developer-friendly since the beginning. This applies to Redmi as well because it still comes under Xiaomi even though it was termed independent in late 2018 before the launch of Redmi Note 7 series.

Due to this, Xiaomi smartphone users have been enjoying using a variety of custom ROMs based on new iterations of Android whenever releases. In fact, most enthusiast smartphone users buy Xiaomi products for this reason apart from bang for buck hardware they offer.

The Redmi K30 Pro runs Xiaomi’s MIUI Android skin, which although is feature-rich in its own way, is still not a cup of tea for everyone, even in its 11th generation. But thankfully, as Xiaomi has released kernel source code for the device, we can expect developers to come up with custom recoveries, custom ROMs, mods, and what not as an alternative to MIUI 11 that the device comes with.

A few days back, MIUI camera app from the then-latest MIUI 11 beta build clearly suggested the Redmi K30 Pro will launch under POCO brand in India. But yesterday the brand’s general manager C Manmohan denied the device being launching as Poco F2, however, he did not mean the product to not launch at all. Maybe, the device will be rebranded as something else for the country like Poco X2 Pro.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi exec clarifies software detecting LPDDR5 on Redmi K30 Pro 6GB RAM version is inaccurate

(Source)

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After a wait for over a year, including uncountable leaks, rumors, and certifications, the new Poco device is finally here. The company launched Poco X2 at an event in New Delhi. The newly launched smartphone offers competitive specifications at an aggressive price. It is the rebranded version of Redmi K30, which was launched last year in China.

Along with the specifications, Poco X2 and Redmi K30 have a lot in common. They share the same Kernel source code, same custom MODs, custom ROMs, and a lot more. It would be beneficial for the third-party developers to craft custom ROMs and MODs for multiple devices with the same source code. Surprisingly, the Poco X2 bootloader can be unlocked just after three days than the usual week’s time.

Must See: Poco X2 vs Redmi K20: Specs Comparison

It seems Xiaomi has started moving on to Samsung’s policy of diversity across different countries. In the past, Xiaomi had launched different devices sharing the same specs. The smartphones like the Poco F1, Mi 8, Mi Mix 3 are some excellent examples of rebranding in the past. The interested users can grab the kernel source code of Poxo X2 by visiting the GitHub here.

Poco X2 features a 6.67-inch display with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The display sports 120Hz refresh rate for better gaming performance and sports full HD+ resolution. Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G powers the device while Adreno 618 GPU is present for graphics. The liquid cooling technology will further enhance the gaming by cooling the device 300% faster.

It available in three storage variants of 64GB + 6GB, 128GB + 6GB and 8GB + 256GB. In Optics, the smartphone features a quad camera consisting of a 64-megapixel camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. There’s a dual front camera module with a 20-megapixel primary and 2-megapixel depth sensor.

A 4500 mAh battery with 27W fast charging is present in the smartphone along with a headphone jack.

Related: As POCO X2 launches, POCO F1 production stops; gets pulled off Mi.com

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OnePlus’ popularity among smartphone enthusiasts is not just because of its value for money smartphones. The company is also known for its incredible support towards the developer community. Staying true to its popularity, OnePlus has released the kernel source code for the newly announced OnePlus 7T.

The availability of the kernel source code opens up the possibility of building custom ROMs, porting new features to older OnePlus devices and a variety of other customization options. The company has released kerne source for all of its previous smartphones, but it’s refreshing to see the code being available on the OnePlus 7T almost immediately after launch.

OnePlus’ OxygenOS is one of the best implementations of Android today. The OxygenOS 10 based on the latest Android 10 version is already being rolled out to OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro models. Older models like the OnePlus 5T and the 6T are also scheduled to receive the latest update in the coming months. The company is also actively working towards improving the overall OS with the help of user feedback. For example, recently, OnePlus committed to changing its policy of aggressively killing background apps and promised to promote custom ROMs for EOL (End of Life) devices.

UP NEXT: Here’s Why OnePlus 7T doesn’t Feature Wireless Charging

(Sources: 1, 2; Via)

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If you’re looking to install third-party modifications, or play with TWRP custom recovery, and use AOSP ROM on these devices, then your wait is over as Xiaomi has released Kernel Source code based on Android Pie for both Mi 9 SE and Mi 8 SE. The kernel source would allow developers to create custom ROMs, recoveries and other MODs. Under GPL license, it’s mandatory for companies to publish kernel source of every change they make to Android Linux’s Kernel.

Additionally, Xiaomi Mi 8 SE was launched last year with Qualcomm Snapdragon 710, and recently it received Android Pie update. On the other hand, Xiaomi Mi 9 SE was unveiled last month with Android 9.0 Pie and Snapdragon 712 on board.  both, There are indeed a few improvements in Mi 9 SE over its predecessor as it carries an improved chipset and Quick charge 4+ support. Xiaomi has bound kernel source code of both the Mi 9 SE and Mi 8 SE devices under the same branch due to their relativity.

All concerned users can get the source code of these devices from the source (GitHub repository) below. You can get Mi 9SE source code under the name of “grus”, and the Mi 8SE’s under “sirius”.

• Read More: Redmi GM confirms Redmi Note 7 Pro won’t have NFC, recommends the Mi 9SE instead

After a community backlash last year, the Chinese smartphone maker recently announced the decision to release the kernel source code quicker than before. In the past, the company has fallen short of their commitments, like when they revealed the Kernel source code of Mi Pad 4 after a wait of over three months.

(source, via)

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Lenovo-owned Motorola has now officially released the kernel source code for the Moto G6 and Moto G6 smartphones. The kernel source code for the third model of the Moto G6-series, Moto G6 Play was released in April earlier this year.

With this, developers will now be able to use the source code and create some custom kernels as well as custom ROMs that the customer can flash onto their Moto G6 or Moto G6 Plus smartphones. The Android 8.0 Oreo kernel source code for both the Moto G6 and Moto G6 Plus can be found on GitHub.

The Moto G6 comes with a 5.7-inch display with Full HD+ display along with Gorilla Glass 3 on both sides. Under the hood, the device is powered by Qualcomm‘s Snapdragon 450 processor, 3GB/4GB of RAM, and 32GB/64GB of expandable storage.

There is a fingerprint scanner below the display that can be used to control the device using gestures. There’s a 12MP f/1.8 primary camera sensor and a 5MP secondary camera for capturing the depth of field information. On the front side, there’s an 8MP snapper with its own LED flash.

It runs Android 8.0 Oreo operating system out of the box and is powered by a 3,000mAh battery with support for TurboPower fast charging.

On the other hand, the Moto G6 Plus features a 5.9-inch MAX Vision Full HD+ display with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Under the hood, it is powered by Snapdragon 630 processor and comes in 4GB/6GB RAM variants with 64GB/128GB of storage.

There’s also a microSD card slot, which enables users to further expand the phone’s storage up to 128GB. This one too comes with dual camera setup at back, boasting a 12MP f/1.7 rear camera and a 5MP secondary camera.

Read More: Motorola Patents a Foldable Design That Fixes OLED Deformities Arising From Constant Opening

It comes with an 8MP front-facing snapper with an LED flash for taking selfies and video calling. Running on Android Oreo operating system out of the box, the smartphone is powered by a 3,200mAh battery.

(Sources – 1, 2)

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Lately, HMD Global has been releasing the source codes for its Android phones. Just a few weeks ago, it released the kernel source codes for the first-gen Nokia 6 and the Android Go Nokia 1. They have now been joined by the Nokia 8 flagship.

The released kernel source code will allow developers create custom ROMs for the Nokia 8. The kernel source code is available for download here and is less than 200MB in size.

There are still six more Nokia devices from HMD Global whose source codes have not been released.

Razer has also released the source code based on Android 8.1 Oreo for the Razer Phone. This is impressive as it is coming just a week after the device was officially updated to Android 8.1 Oreo. Back in December, it released the source code based on Android Nougat.

The gaming hardware manufacturer has also released the factory image for the update. While most people should have already gotten the OTA, those who haven’t can proceed to download the factory image and install on their device. However, you have to unlock your bootloader before you can do so.

READ MORE: HMD Global Is Bringing Back The Nokia X, Launches April 27

Razer warns that when flashing the factory image, owners should not use the cable that ships with the phone as it doesn’t support data transfer.

(Sources: 1, 2)

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After over two months after it released Android 8.0 for the Mi A1, Xiaomi has released the kernel source code for the phone.

The release of the kernel source code is good news for those developers willing to create custom ROMs based on Android Oreo for the phone. The source code is available on GitHub.

The Mi A1 is Xiaomi’s first Android One Phone. It is actually the same phone as the Mi 5X but with stock android instead of MIUI. The phone has received positive reviews since its launch and is one of the most recommended phones in the $200 category.

The Xiaomi Mi A1 has a 5.5” FHD display, a Snapdragon 625 processor and 4GB of RAM. It is available in 32GB and 64GB variants with expandable storage.

READ MORE: Xiaomi Blackshark Gaming Phone Geekbench Listing Appears with SD 845, 8 GB RAM

It has dual 12MP rear cameras and a 5MP front facing camera. There is a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB-C port, and a 3080mAh battery under the hood.

(Source, Via)

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