CyanogenMod modders run Android hack firmware on HP TouchPad

The Android-modding team CyanogenMod has successfully run its famous aftermarket firmware on HP’s webOS-based TouchPad tablet PC. CyanogenMod is a slight conversion of Google’s Linux kernel-based Android OS. The modding team announced that it was on efforts to bring a multi-boot solution for HP TouchPad. HP has recently discontinued the production of TouchPad and other webOS smartphones due to the sluggish performances in the market.

CyanogenMod Android hack runs on TouchPad

Talking to Android gossip blog RootzWiki, CyanogenMod team said that the team wanted to create a multi-boot solution for the tablet from HP. With the modding, end users can run webOS, CyanogenMod or any other operating systems on the tab, the team hoped. But the modding procedure is not still finalized. The team is still working on to run the firmware in its perfection on the device.

With the HP’s halt of the sales of TouchPad, CyanogenMod team has been finding it hard to get enough development devices. The team has requested for spare TouchPad units for the progress in modding the device. HP has stopped the production of the tablet due to the market failure. In coming days, the team will be finishing the modding in its full sense.

The Android-modding team started its activities on HTC’s flagship Android smartphone, the Dream in 2008. The team developed a mod of the Linux open source-based Android and successfully ran it on HTC Dream. Later, the modders attempted to get the software on every Android device that hit the market.

The modded firmware is indeed a slight conversion of the Android OS. The modders took advantage of Android’s open source factor. Anyone with expertise in programming can customize Android OS into their own style. But with the large popularity of CyanogenMod aftermarket software, major members of the team left for new pastures.

The original founder of the mod Steve Kondik was hired by Samsung Electronics. One another key player of the team Chris Soyars left for GrooveShark, a music application maker. The Android-modding team got its strength deteriorated over the period of time. As a result, there came out no more upgrades for its firmware. But with the new development in modding HP TouchPad, the team has attained some vigor. We can now expect more improvements and updates for the CyanogenMod aftermarket software, analysts predict.

TouchPad is the first tablet PC from HP. The company launched the device touting as a big competitor to Apple iPad. Thanks to HP’s own webOS on the device, many analysts went on to compare HP TouchPad with Apple iPad, because both the companies own both the hardware and software. But beyond some good reviews, HP TouchPad could not make any impact in the market mainly because of its lack of applications.

Via: Wired