backporting Archives

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

GrapheneOS Isn’t Happy With Google Over Pixel’s Widening Head Start

Google's September 2026 Pixel Update Bulletin includes patches that affect standard Android platform code, relevant to both Pixel and non-Pixel devices, which have not been included in the regular monthly Android Security Bulletin. GrapheneOS has noted that Android 17 QPR1 introduced new developer APIs not present in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for the first time since Android Honeycomb, with one new package and modifications to sixteen others. GrapheneOS is backporting Pixel firmware and drivers from QPR1 onto Android 17 but lacks permissions to distribute this work. Additionally, there has been a delay in Google’s compliance with a GPL source request, with access granted over two weeks after the initial request. Starting in 2027, Google will require all Android app developers to register with them and provide legal identification and signing key evidence, complicating the process of sideloading unverified apps. GrapheneOS and other organizations are advocating for the Keep Android Open campaign against these developments, which may restrict competition and tighten Google's control over the Android ecosystem.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

LineageOS announces browser flashing, Android 17 plans, and new supported devices

LineageOS has released its "Summertime updates," introducing a new browser-based flashing tool for installing LineageOS directly from web browsers, supporting Fastboot, ADB, and Samsung’s Odin protocol. The Updater app has been redesigned with a Material 3 aesthetic and now displays the Android Security Bulletin (ASB) level for each update. The update process has been optimized to stream A/B OTA packages by default. LineageOS has adapted to Google’s Android 16 security patching model, focusing on quarterly releases while continuing to test and integrate monthly security patches. Development on LineageOS 24 has begun following the release of Android 17. The default Gallery app has been enhanced with features like Motion Photos and improved video playback, while other applications such as Seedvault, Etar Calendar, and the Twelve music player have also been updated. The update expands LineageOS support to new devices from Samsung, Motorola, Sony, and Xiaomi, with a full compatibility list available in the official announcement.

Winsage

December 9, 2025

Latest Steam Client Beta backport keeps Windows 7 and Windows 8 gaming PCs on life support — unofficial solution gives a lifeline to legacy users

A community of gamers continues to support legacy platforms despite Steam discontinuing support for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1. Eazy Black has unofficially ported the latest Steam Client Beta (from December 4, 2025) to these unsupported operating systems, particularly effective on 64-bit versions of Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 and Windows 8.x. Recommended updates for optimal performance include KB976932, KB2999226, and either KB3080149 or KB4474419. Windows 7 users now represent 0.05% of the gaming community on Steam, while Windows 11 has a 69.2% market share, and 30.66% of Steam users remain on Windows 10, reflecting a 2.17% decline from the previous month.