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Google releases source code for Ice Cream Sandwich

Release will allow modders and developers to create ports for other devices as well as custom firmware.

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A treat for modders and developers, Google has released the source code for Ice Cream Sandwich.

The source code for Android 4.0--the latest version of the mobile operating system--was released today as part of the Android Open Source Project, Jean-Baptiste M. "JBQ" Queru, a software engineer in the project, said in a blog post that urged patience.

"Since this is a large push, please be aware that it will take some time to complete," Queru said. "If you sync before it's done, you'll get an incomplete copy that you won't be able to use, so please wait for us to give the all-clear before you sync."

The code is actually for Android 4.0.1, the version of the mobile OS that will ship with Samsung's Galaxy Nexus, Queru said.

The move means developers can begin working on ports for other devices, as well as custom firmware for Android 4.0.

Directions on downloading the code are available here.