Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL forums and kernel source code are up

Google’snewly launched Pixel 3a series matches up to the photography skills of the flagship Pixel 3 series, even while being priced at only half. But besides bringing the characteristic photography acumen of aGoogle Pixel, the Pixel 3a devices also share some part of their DNA with the erstwhile Google Nexus lineup. This is because they’re easy on the pocket ( at least in the Western markets ) and should, thus, be preferred by developers as devices meant to test the latest features in Android.

This is why we’ve opened up dedicated forums for the Pixel 3a and the 3a XL. On each of these forums, you can find user reviews, and a host of tips and guides to make the best out of these two smartphones. Under these forums, you can also find a variety of custom ROMs, kernels, and other mods to improve the performance and usability of your affordable Pixel over the pre-installed version of Android. You can access these forums from the links below.

We’re also delighted to share that Google has shared the kernel source code for the two new smartphones. With the kernel source code, developers can now start building custom recoveries likeTWRP and custom kernels to kickstart the porting of AOSP-based custom ROMs.

All device makers are obligated by the GPL to provide access (upon request) to the kernel source code of any Linux kernel binaries that ship on a device. Most Android device makers fulfill this obligation by providing public access to the kernel source code on GitHub or their websites, though many device makers take their sweet time to release the kernel sources. Google is known to release the kernel source on day 1, a tradition they’ve kept with the Pixel 3a/3a XL.