Google has officially released the source code for Android 5.0 Lollipop to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), in accordance with the open source guidelines that apply to the underlying Linux kernel - meaning fans of the mobile OS can now start pulling apart the software and work out how it ticks.
Following the upload, which began overnight, a post was made to the official Android Building Google Goup inviting developers and coders to submit their feedback, as well as detailing the major changes introduced by Android 5.0. Individual device repositories - all the files that make up Android on each individual handset or tablet - have been uploaded for all Nexus devices dating back to 2012's Nexus 7. That includes the newly announced Nexus 6 phablet and Nexus 9 tablet, but they haven't been followed up by system images, which are used to actually put the operating system on a device.
Unfortunately today's release doesn't mean Android smartphone and tablet owners are much closer to getting Lollipop on their devices - at least officially. Over the Air (OTA) updates aren't expected for Google's Nexus phones and tablets for several weeks yet, while third party manufacturers (with Motorola being the only exception) not expect to follow suit until at least December as they tweak their custom Android skins and software. So far, only HTC has confirmed it has downloaded the AOSP files and has pledged to update the HTC One (m8) within 90 days - none of the other major manufacturers have made announcements.
We have the Android Lollipop code. We'll be updating the HTC One (M8) & (M7) within 90 days from today. #HTCAdvantagepic.twitter.com/VJ0wB1jQbm
— HTC (@htc) November 4, 2014
Enterprising coders can now take the source files and explore it in minute detail, ready to built their own custom ROMs for smartphones that have been rooted and replaced with custom firmware. There's no telling how long it will take for the first custom ROMs to appear, but the talented coders over at XDA-Developers will surely start to deliver in the coming weeks and months.
