Motorola is one of the few manufacturers that are pretty open about their source code. After all, their smartphones basically run stock Android as it is. However, they almost always release the source code for the kernel shortly after a new update is made available – typically when they switch Android versions, like going from Lollipop to Marshmallow. This week, Motorola began rolling out the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update to their second generation Moto G smartphone which was released in 2014. As usual, Motorola started with India then moved to rolling it out elsewhere in the world, and it’s now available for all variants and regions. And the kernel source code is now available as well.
For end-users, Motorola open sourcing the code for the kernel won’t really affect you. This is good for kernel developers though, and those that prefer to flash different kernels on their device. Seeing as now the developers have access to the kernel source code, it means that users will have the option of flashing other kernels that are more optimized for Marshmallow. Those that want to check out the source code for this kernel, can do so by checking out the source links below.
Marshmallow may not be available to all Moto G users yet, but it is coming and coming fast. Motorola stated that soak tests for the Marshmallow update are taking a bit longer than they normally take. This is likely to make sure that there are no show-stopping bugs in the update that they are looking to push out to the Moto G. With the Moto G being the company’s most popular smartphone, ever, it’s understandable to take time and make sure the update is perfect the first time around. With the Lollipop update, Motorola rolled it out fast, but users of the Moto X and Moto G had plenty of issues, so Motorola is looking to keep that from happening this year. The higher-end Moto X has had their update for quite some time, so nice to see the Moto G getting it now. However the Moto E won’t be getting Marshmallow, unfortunately.