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Google Releases Android 4.1 Source Code

Posted by Unknown on from the getting-better-each-time dept.

Unlike previous releases, where months passed between Google announcing a new version and the code being released, Google has made good on their promise to release the source code to Jelly Bean in record time. Unfortunately, the gitweb instance on kernel.org is still down so you'll have to download the entire thing to take a peek. Hopefully the Cyanogenmod team will find time to start on a community enhanced version soon.

5 of 211 comments (clear)

  1. Number one thing i want from Cyanogen by Daetrin · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Is an option to add back the settings/menu button. I like having the settings always in a known and easy to reach place rather than depending on the app author to place it someplace convenient. And i wouldn't mind having the search button back either. Really the bottom button bar ought to be much more configurable than it is.

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    1. Re:Number one thing i want from Cyanogen by AbRASiON · · Score: 4, Insightful

      MOD THIS GUY TO THE 'N TOP.
      TO.THE.TOP!

      I've been ranting about this for months, it's difficult to put into words my thoughts on this without sounding like a raving lunatic or a badly broken record.
      I am _sick_ of companies making stupid decisions with their user interfaces.

      Why on EARTH would we want a nice, consistent location for a button to now become a random location on the screen? and what makes them think three odd little dots represents 'settings' or 'menu' clearly? WHAT?

      I do not exaggerate when I say one of the PRIMARY reasons I switched from Apple to Android was the complete and utter logic of having nice, consistent buttons for routine functions. Back, menu, home seem logical to me. I also NEVER, EVER use the multi-task button, why would I? The OS handles it all perfectly for me, when I hit home it minimises the application (so to speak) and when I re-open the application, it's where I wanted it. Furthermore, holding down the home key (Samsung) seems logical to multi-tasking to me, not a dedicated button.

      I am extremely, extremely baffled and pissed off at this completely and utterly idiotic move and it's also one of the primary reasons I got the Galaxy S3, possibly one of the last Android phones with a logical button scheme.
      Sadly, I'm only one person whining about this but by god does the Google engineering group who decided on this change need a mighty fucking slap with the logic bat.

    2. Re:Number one thing i want from Cyanogen by TheInternetGuy · · Score: 5, Insightful

      It's essentially ALL the options and customization you didn't realize you needed, but once you've got it, you'll never go back to vanilla.

      But will my camera work?

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      If my comment didn't sound as good in your head as it did in mine, then I guess we all know who's to blame
  2. Google support of third party mods by toejam13 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I am actually surprised that Google does not have a dedicated development team working in co-operation with an independent mod group such as Cyanogenmod.

    It is fairly clear that one of the greatest problems with Android is with version fragmentation. Mobile carriers have been very sluggish or outright hostile regarding major firmware upgrades on their handsets. It would be preferable for Google to ensure that carriers are contractually obligated to support OS upgrades for at least four or five years. But until that happens, throwing resources at the issue through a back door would be a nice thing.

  3. Re:No kidding by Jethro · · Score: 4, Insightful

    That's why I always buy Nexus phones. Unlocked. Costs more but I keep 'em going for a few years.

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    In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is kinky.