When it comes to releasing kernel sources, some manufacturers have a better track record than others. Android’s use of the GPLv2 license requires that all sources be released in a timely manner, but we continue to see violations. They’re bad for the affected devices because they hinder development, but they also harm Android and the open source community’s integrity, which is why we’ve requested multiple OEMs to comply with the GPL and release kernel sources in the past.
Motorola, which is owned by Lenovo, generally releases kernel sources for its devices on time — but the company’s occasionally slipped. The Moto Z2 Force‘s sources were released in September, two months after its launch. It’s the company’s newest flagship phone, and the Verizon and T-Mobile variants of the device recently received an update to Android 8.0 Oreo. That necessitated another release of kernel sources, and Motorola’s compiled, publishing the Android Oreo kernel source code for the Moto Z2 Force.
The Moto Z2 Force still has a relatively small development community, due in part to difficulties with the phone’s A/B partition system. It has still yet to receive an official TWRP build, and custom ROM development is a bit lacking. However, that’s a separate issue from GPL compliance — Motorola’s done the right thing in releasing updated kernel sources quickly, and here’s hoping that other phones in its lineup receive the same treatment.
Thanks to XDA Member XirXes for the tip!
Source: Github
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