Motorola’s Moto X (2014) and Moto G (2014) have been available for weeks, but it comes as a surprise that Motorola has been slow to release the usual mandatory kernel source code. The 2014 Motorola Moto G was announced and released in early September, available for order through the Motorola website and the Motorola Moto X was released at the end of October 2014. Despite the release of both devices, the kernel source codes have only today been released. Both kernel source codes are available on Motorola’s development GitHub today, after being confirmed by a Motorola employee in the comment section of the wider MSM kernel.
If you’re unaware, the kernel is a Linux-based baseline software that runs underneath Android, which allows it to interact with mobile phone or tablet hardware. Android uses an open source software that requires manufacturers to publish the source code publicly for everyone to inspect and modify if they want to. For those who understand and enjoy updating hardware or loading new ROMs for specialized and customized features, the ability to source the code and modify it is a dream come true. Although, a phone or tablet usually needs an unlocked bootloader for a custom kernel to be flashed, which unfortunately rules out AT&T and Verizon users.
Kernel files assist ROM developers. By providing kernels that are low cost, have a wide availability and software that is very close to stock Android already, it is expected that the Motorola devices will be popular among those who enjoy fitting custom ROMs to their devices. Motorola is currently offering the initial kernels for the Moto X 2014, codenamed “Victara” and the Moto G 2014, codenamed “Titan” as standard browsable GitHub and downloadable ZIP or TAR files. It is expected that Motorola will post updated versions if and when new software is released, but the Android 5.0 update will need a new kernel.
So, if you’ve been hanging out to download a new ROM on your Moto X or Moto G, now’s your chance with the release of kernel source codes available now!