When it comes to custom Android development then LineageOS is one of the well-known players in the domain. Notably, it is the successor of CyanogenMod and subsequently supports a huge range of devices. Since they support an optimistic approach to customize their systems without getting trapped down by heavy skins. The major chunk of information further is the release of the major update by the LineageOS team recently. LineageOS 20, is based on Android 13 respectively.
New features in LineageOS 20
Talking regarding LineageOS 20 inherently comes with a lot of new features and enhancements compared to its predecessor.
A description of its features is given below:
- Security patches from April 2022 to December 2022 have been merged to LineageOS 17.1 through 20.
- LineageOS now got a new camera app which is called Aperture. Since it is based on Google’s (mostly) awesome CameraX library. Therefore, it provides a much closer “to stock” camera app experience on many devices. Further, Massive kudos to developers SebaUbuntu, LuK1337, and luca020400 who developed this initially, designed Vazguard, and integrate it into LineageOS. While adapting it to our massive array of supported devices.
- WebView has been updated to Chromium 108.0.5359.79.
- Completely redone the volume panel in Android 13.
- Fully support Generic Kernel Image and Linux 5.10 builds with the full out-of-tree module. This is to support new AOSP conventions.
- The AOSP Gallery app has seen many fixes and improvements.
- It got many bug fixes through updates and improvements, along with a new Android TV layout.
- Web browser jelly has also several bug fixes and improvements.
- More changes and improvements back upstream to the FOSS Etar calendar app were also integrated some time back.
- More changes and improvements back upstream to the Seedvault backup app.
- The recorder app has been adapted to account for Android’s built-in features, while still providing the features you expect from LineageOS.
– The app was rearchitected heavily.
– Material You support has been added.
– The high-quality recorder (WAV format) now supports stereo, and there have been several threading fixes. - Android TV builds now ship with an ad-free Android TV launcher, unlike Google’s ad-enabled launcher. It also supports Google TV-style builds, and they are evaluating moving to it on supported devices in the future.
- Multiple Google TV features, such as the Two-Panel Settings application have been ported to LineageOS Android TV builds.
- adb_root service is no longer tied to the build type property, which allows greater compatibility with many third-party root systems.
- Merge scripts have been largely overhauled, greatly simplifying the Android Security Bulletin merge process, as well as making supporting devices like Pixel devices that have full source releases much more streamlined.
- LLVM has been fully embraced, with builds now defaulting to using LLVM bin-utils and optionally, the LLVM integrated assembler. For those of you with older kernels, worry not, you can always opt-out.
- A global Quick Settings light mode has been developed so that this UI element matches the device’s theme.
- Setup Wizard has seen adaptation for Android 13, with new styling, and more seamless transitions/user experience.
LineageOS 20 Aperture, a new default camera app
The fact is that if you have ever used the default camera app on LineageOS, probably it gives you disappointment. While “Snap”, is the fork of Qualcomm’s and its own camera app. Also, they eventually use the default camera app, called Camera2. Although it’s one of the basic apps of its kind, at the same time it’s too simple for most people’s needs. And that’s the reason Aperture is become a great deal in today’s scenario.
The features Aperture offers are as follows:
- Auxiliary cameras support (device maintainers must enable it)
- Video frame rate controls
- Full control of EIS (electronic image stabilization) and OIS (optical image stabilization) settings
- A leveler to check the device orientation angle
