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Google releases full Android 4.0.1 source code, includes Honeycomb too

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Re: Google releases full Android 4.0.1 source code, includes Honeycomb too

#41

Post by icarus_drowning »

blantonl wrote: post #36

I've heard so many complaints from developers about the delayed source release, however I've never known Google to withhold source code for Android. Could the slight delay in release simply be due to legal issues such as scrubbing patent issues and verification that OSS code isn't infringing?

They're probably talking specifically about Honeycomb, which started showing up in devices in Feb. 2011 according to Wikipedia, but only now is being open-sourced. So that does seem to have been withheld.

Not that missing that deserves the downvoting you're getting though.

Re: Google releases full Android 4.0.1 source code, includes Honeycomb too

#42

Post by rwolf »

drivebyacct2 wrote: post #21
pingswept wrote: post #6

In the past, I've spent a fair bit of time criticizing Google for calling Android "open source", but not releasing the source. Now that it appears that they are actually doing it, let me be the first to say that this is great. Well done, Google.

They've open sourced every version but Honeycomb and had reasons for doing so.

The only stated reason I've heard is "the code is ugly," which was found to be... unconvincing here on HN. Are you aware of another reason, specifically one which would be convincing?

Re: Google releases full Android 4.0.1 source code, includes Honeycomb too

#44

Post by fpgeek »

kennystone wrote: post #31
pingswept wrote: post #6

In the past, I've spent a fair bit of time criticizing Google for calling Android "open source", but not releasing the source. Now that it appears that they are actually doing it, let me be the first to say that this is great. Well done, Google.

Right, no coincidence a year's backlog of updates comes out on the same day Amazon ships their tablet. Good luck to Amazon with merge.

Of course it isn't coincidence. It's not like there's a major shopping season (when people often buy new electronics) that might be influencing both Google's and Amazon's schedules or anything.

Re: Google releases full Android 4.0.1 source code, includes Honeycomb too

#45

Post by zobzu »

roflharrison wrote: post #34
vladd wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What people criticized about them was the delay of an open source release to sustain their business strategy (commoditize their products' complements via open source but keep a integrated experience by proprietary early-access agreements - see also http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/StrategyLetterV.html ). This release doesn't change Google's strategy nor the fact that they will continue to release Android's sour…

Some people criticized AOSP because they believe the delayed release is unfair (a reasonable criticism). Other people (sheep) criticized them because they actually believed Google was never going to release more source or because needed an arguing point against the OS.

Actually until Google releases the source you can never be sure if they're going to release it.

They release this time.. you and I can only hope that they keep doing it in the future. It wouldn't be all that surprising if it would go closed source (except for key partners) at some point (and except for the GPL content).

Specially when any company could just rip the source, make it nicer looking and release their own version of Android and close the source on that... oh look it has a name, it's called MIUI!

Imagine if many cheap Chinese manufacturers release decent phones with it, that cost 3x cheaper than the rest, and no Google stuff inside, no control, yada yada. Well, personally I'd get one :-)

Re: Google releases full Android 4.0.1 source code, includes Honeycomb too

#46

Post by fpgeek »

roflharrison wrote: post #40
kennystone wrote: post #31

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Right, no coincidence a year's backlog of updates comes out on the same day Amazon ships their tablet. Good luck to Amazon with merge.

Interesting point, especially considering Google specifically said the source would not be available until the Galaxy Nexus was out. >year's backlog This is inaccurate, they have been releasing patches and updates for other versions of the platform over the last year. They did skip Honeycomb, which fits your Amazon theory, mind you, from the reviews I have read the Fire would not benefit greatly from ICS as they Fran…

The Galaxy Nexus is hitting stores in the UK on the 17th so the release is only a few days early. It wouldn't surprise me to find out that they got done a little early and decided to "push the button" anyway.

Re: Google releases full Android 4.0.1 source code, includes Honeycomb too

#48

Post by feralchimp »

blantonl wrote: post #36

I've heard so many complaints from developers about the delayed source release, however I've never known Google to withhold source code for Android. Could the slight delay in release simply be due to legal issues such as scrubbing patent issues and verification that OSS code isn't infringing?

Honest question from a maybe-future Android dev: is it notably more challenging to develop for Android during periods when the source is not yet public? For example, is a lot of platform doc written from the POV of someone who expects you'll just peep the code when questions arise?

Update: +1 to everyone thinking 'man, I bitch about google sometimes, but this kind of thing is totally legit and awesome'

Re: Google releases full Android 4.0.1 source code, includes Honeycomb too

#49

Post by bostonvaulter2 »

cdibona wrote: post #18
pasbesoin wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Interesting. I wasn't aware that HN checks comments across threads. Makes sense.

I guess I'll start salting my dupe comments :-)

You can salt them by including a link to the previous comment you made :)

Re: Google releases full Android 4.0.1 source code, includes Honeycomb too

#50

Post by adgar »

rwolf wrote: post #42
drivebyacct2 wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They've open sourced every version but Honeycomb and had reasons for doing so.

The only stated reason I've heard is "the code is ugly," which was found to be... unconvincing here on HN. Are you aware of another reason, specifically one which would be convincing?

The stated reason wasn't that the code was ugly, it's that it didn't translate to phones at all; Honeycomb was only ever really good for tablets. There was concern that manufacturers/homebrewers would put it on phones and that doing so would make android look like shit.
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