HMD Global Is Yet To Release The Kernel Source Code It Promised To Release Four Months Ago

When it comes to delivering software updates, HMD's commitment is impeccable. The Finnish company updates each of its Nokia devices (including the €99 Nokia 2) with monthly security patches. There have been numerous times when Nokia devices have received security patches ahead of Pixel and Nexus devices, so HMD delivers software updates in a timely manner too. Barring the Nokia 2 and Nokia 3, HMD has updated all the devices in its portfolio (Nokia 5, Nokia 6 2017, Nokia 6 2018, Nokia 7, Nokia 8) to Oreo. The trio of Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 (2017) are already assured of an update to Android P.

While HMD's pace of delivering updates is laudable, HMD hasn't done much to win the hearts of custom ROM enthusiasts. HMD's Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas promised in September last year that the company will soon release the kernel source code for the Nokia 8. Back then, Sarvikas labeled the process of sharing kernel sources as a "WIP" (Work In Progress). It's been over four months since then and HMD still hasn't shared kernel source code for the Nokia 8, let alone the other devices.

As per the terms of GPLv2 (General Public License version 2), all OEMs which ship their devices with Android have to share their kernel sources. Android uses the Linux kernel which is licensed under GPLv2. Moreover, kernel sources help Android developers in building custom ROMs for a device.

We would unlock one model at the time. What device would you unlock first?

— Mikko Jaakkola (@MikkoLJaakkola) September 29, 2017

Unlocking bootloader is indeed in our backlog #firstthingsfirst. Please, share what you would like to do with and/or how to customize unlocked-bootloader device #whatdevicetounlockfirst

— Mikko Jaakkola (@MikkoLJaakkola) September 28, 2017

Talking about custom ROMs, HMD's Chief Technology Officer Mikko Jaakkola promised (in September 2017) to look into bootloader unlocking for Nokia devices and we haven't heard back on that too. In case you aren't aware, all Android powered Nokia devices ship with locked bootloaders and currently there is no way to unlock the bootloader for any Nokia device. For flashing custom ROMs, one needs to unlock the bootloader first and to build ROMs, kernel sources are required.

We henceforth request HMD to comply with the terms of GPLv2 and to share the kernel source code for its devices. We also request HMD to look into bootloader unlocking for it's devices.

[Featured image credits - Juho Sarvikas]

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.