Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Source Code Released

The Android Open-Source Project has announced that the source code for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is now available. This is the latest version of Android’s OS that we will see on the upcoming Galaxy Nexus, as well as other upcoming devices.

The source code released is technically for version 4.0.1 of Android, which is the exact one we will see on the Galaxy Nexus. Developers can build themselves a fully working system image for the new flagship phone using an included device build target.

This should enable developers to begin creating custom ROMs like the popular CyanogenMod out of officially available source code. Hurray for stripping out carrier customizations and returning devices to a stock Android experience.

Included with this release is the full history of the Android code tree, which includes Honeycomb. You can head on over to the post on the Android Building Google Group for the links to download.

Note that this is a big push, so may not yet be complete, make sure that you’re getting the full copy before you sync.

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich will be coming to some older devices, like the Galaxy S, as well as new products. The new OS includes improvements in font handling, a revamped interface, face unlock, screenshots, better folders and a refreshed look that removes much of the UI chrome for a more typographic look.

We took a look at Ice Cream Sandwich and the Galaxy Nexus here.