Essential phone can be rendered "unusable" by sideloading or flashing the device with the included cable that comes in the box. Essential suggests using a USB 3.0 or higher cable for these operations.
An alpha of LineageOS 15.1 was released by XDA Senior Recognized Developer codeworkx for the OnePlus 5, allowing for users to update to Android 8.1 Oreo.
The Magisk Manger tool for Android has been updated to v15.1, which fixes a critical bootloop bug for some devices. The bug has undergone thorough review and is resolved. If you're running version 15 and experiencing issues, update to 15.1.
The Razer Phone is one of the new phones of 2017 that was unexpected but welcomed with wide arms. The phone happens to be the first Android smartphone to come with a 120hz display in the western markets.
HTC has published the kernel source code for their latest plus-size flagship smartphone, the U11+, increasing the prospects of better custom ROM support on the device in the near future. Read more here.
The OpenKirin time has successfully published a working and largely stable AOSP build of Android Oreo for the Honor 8, ending the update drought that users of the device have been suffering in recent times. Read more here.
Mere weeks after the official launch of the OnePlus 5T and the unofficial OnePlus 5T TWRP build that launched days before the device itself, an official version of the TWRP custom recovery is now available for the latest in the flagship killer lineup
LG has officially allowed the unlocking of European V30 models using the fastboot OEM method, allowing for things like custom ROMs, root, TWRP and much more. If you own an Asian or US variant of the V30 though, you're not in luck.
The popular root utility Magisk has been updated to version 12.5, in beta form. This beta adds official support for the Pixel 2, the Pixel 2 XL and fixes support for the Xiaomi Mi A1, as well as making improvements to MagiskHide. Read more here.
The Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL were haunted with a modders worst nightmare: not being able to unlock the bootloader. This was confirmed to be a bug and a fix has now been pushed out to prevent the issue.