Essential Releases Kernel Sources For PH-1, Factory Images Coming Soon

Andy Rubin founded startup Essential is doing everything to make the PH-1 take off. Although the 'Phone' (PH-1 = Ph + One) hasn't done well in terms of sales (with Essential being able to sell off only 5,000 units of the device on Sprint), Essential is trying to improve itself by holding biweekly Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) sessions on Reddit. AMAs allow for the company heads to directly interact with the consumers of the device and get their feedback. In a recent AMA, Essential promised to support custom ROM development for the PH-1 and they are finally living up to their word. Essential has now released the kernel sources for the PH-1 which should attract attention from the developers out there.

The PH-1 does ship with an unlockable bootloader but since the kernel sources of the device weren't released until now, there hasn't been any development for the device. Kernel sources are required by a developer to compile custom ROMs, kernels and recoveries for a device.

Usually OEMs release kernel sources for a device on platforms like GitHub but Essential hasn't taken that route and is instead offering it's kernel sources in the form of a ZIP file. The ZIP file consists of kernel sources along with WiFi drivers. We're assuming here that the ZIP file will be updated following each update that is delivered to the PH-1. If you are interested in checking out the kernel source, you can do so by clicking here.

Additionally, Essential has announced that the factory images for the Phone "are coming soon." They haven't provided an ETA but it is fair enough to assume that the factory images would be released in the coming weeks.

Source: Essential

[Image credit: Essential]

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.