22 March 2012, 11:16

Sony releases source code for the Xperia S

Sony Xperia S
Source: developer.sonymobile.com Sony has released an archive of code and the tools necessary to build ROM images for its Xperia S Android-based smartphone which runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 platform. This can be used by individuals and projects such as CyanogenMod to create custom Android firmware for these phones and flash them onto the device.

Aside from the source code and tools required to build ROM images, the archive also includes a binary firmware blob and a script that adds the firmware component to the kernel and makes it bootable on the phone. According to Sony, the proprietary components are needed to optimise power consumption of the hardware. The drivers are provided by Qualcomm and their use is subject to an end user licence agreement. Other included components, such as the kernel, are made available under a variety of open source licences.

Interested users can download the source code package from Sony's developer web site. The H reminds readers that inexperienced users are not advised to flash their devices as they could unintentionally "brick" them, resulting in a complete loss of functionality.

(fab)

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