LineageOS is an open source operating system for phones, tablets, and other devices. It’s built on top of Google Android, but it includes features that Android does not, giving users more control over their devices.

But now the developers of Lineage also want to give app developers new ways to tap into those features. They’re launching a new software development kit called LineageSDK.

Initially, the LineageSDK includes two new APIs (application programming interfaces):

  • Styles API – gives apps an optional dark theme automatically or allow apps to tune the overall system theme
  • Profiles API – allows apps to trigger a profile manually or automatically based on a WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC trigger to carry out a set of instructions (like adjusting the display, volume, or network settings)

LineageSDK isn’t a replacement for the Android SDK. But it does allow developers to incorporate features that are specific to LineageOS into their apps.

While I suspect it wouldn’t make a lot of sense for most custom ROMs to release their own SDKs, LineageOS is a special case. Formed by the former members of the CyanogenMod team, LineageOS is one of the most popular custom ROMs for Android phones, allowing users to replace the operating system that came with their phone with an alternative OS.

The operating system has a reputation for stability and a larger user base than most custom ROMs, which could make it worthwhile for some developers to take advantage of the new tools.

The new APIs are built into the LineageOS 15.1 builds that are starting to roll out this week and the Lineage team says it plans to launch new versions in future releases.

 

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3 replies on “Android custom ROM LineageOS launches its own SDK”

  1. Lineage OS has breathed new life into my LG G2 which was stuck on AT&T’s version of Marshmallow. There are a few small bugs here and there (audio through Bluetooth slows down comically with one of the games I play on it), but it’s been rock solid since I installed it.

    I’m sure, over time, the number of additional features bolted onto of standard Android will increase, so the SDK is an excellent idea.

    Note: When you’re shopping for a new phone, if your one of those people who likes to hang on to their phone for as long as it keeps working, it’s worth looking for one where you can unlock the boot loader so you can installed Lineage OS once the warranty period expires and/or regular Android updates cease.

    1. That is the stupidest thing I have EVER heard. In the last 5 years Android phone I have owned has been rock solid with zero stability issues and they all have had the full set of Google services and apps. I run Lineage on a couple tablets that no longer get updates and experience some app compatibilities I don’t have on the OEM devices so if anything LineageOS is LESS stable but considering the number of devices they support and that it’s always a work in progress (daily builds) that can be expected.

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