hubertlepicki.com

Motorola support is not very useful so far, but let's give them a chance. I have requested sources for Linux kernel used to build Android 2.1 in Motorola Milestone phone they distribute in Poland. Looks like the sources are not available to download from Motorola's site.

Why?

Because I have a right to obtain sources of GPL licensed software they distribute. And I want to play with that a bit as I am a software developer myself. Lack of kernel sources is problem for people who want to build their own kernel modules, find out what modifications Motorola made etc.

Can I request that?

Yes. I am a customer who bought Motorola Milestone with GPL licensed software pre-installed. This software was licensed to Motorola by third parties (thousands of Linux kernel developers, and Linus Torvalds himself). The license requires Motorola to release sources they used and very likely modified of that software to their customers. I'm one of them.

Any more issues with the phone?

The hardware is great. It's certainly good product. However, it's locked down unlike Motorola Droid, which is more or less the same device but distributed in USA. I can't demand Motorola to unlock the device (I can ask them for, but that's not obligatory for them). They certainly not follow the spirit of Free Software, but I can't see them breaking any licenses doing that.

Whad I already did?

I have tried contacting Motorola via various channels, support forums/groups and direct customer and developer contact.

What will I do when a source is released?

I will spread the word that Motorola is following the terms of GPL and they are the good guys.

What will I do when a source is not released?

I will spread the world that Motorola is not following the terms of GPL and they are the bad guys. In this case, gpl-violations.org might be a good place to start looking for justice. I will also return the phone, demanding refund, as the product might not be following it's specification, according to Polish law.