HP has repeatedly stated that while the company is discontinuing webOS hardware including smartphones and the recently launched HP TouchPad tablet, that the webOS operating system will continue. HP is hoping to find a partner to license the software for use on other products — and we may still see software updates for existing webOS devices.
But if you’re not convinced that there’s a future for webOS, there may still be a future for the HP TouchPad tablet if you manage to get your hands on one before the company ships its final tablet.
The HP TouchPad has a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual core processor, a 9.7 inch, 1024 x 768 pixel capacitive touchscreen display, and it’s selling for less than the price of an Amazon Kindle this weekend (if you’re lucky enough to find one). The hardware is pretty good — especially for a device that can now be had for as little as $99.
If you only plan to surf the web, watch videos, or read eBooks, it might not matter that there aren’t as many third party apps for webOS as there are for Android and other platforms. But there’s no reason you couldn’t chuck the webOS software and install something with a little more support and a wider selection of third party apps.
Right now there’s no really good way to replace webOS on the HP TouchPad. But there may be soon.The folks behind the popular CyanogenMod Android distribution have released software that lets you install Android on the tablet. And hackers are already playing around with early versions of Ubuntu Linux on the tablet.
While you won’t get official support from HP for Ubuntu or Android anytime soon, if either project seriously takes off, there will probably be hundreds, if not thousands of independent developers and users working with the software and forming an unofficial support group. More importantly, while there are only a few hundred tablets apps for the HP TouchPad running webOS, there’s already a much wider selection of third party apps for Ubuntu and Android. Installing an alternate operating system could be a way to breathe new life into the tablet, whether you spent $99 or $599 to buy it in the first place.
Android update
As of October 13th, 2011, anyone can download and install Android for the HP TouchPad using CyangenMod’s tools. The software is still a little rough around the edges, but for the most part it works. You can follow our step-by-step guide for installing CyanogenMod 7.1 on the TouchPad.
Previous updates:
On September 7th, the CyanogenMod team posted a video showing Android 2.3 Gingerbread on the tablet, with support for hardware graphics acceleration and multitouch input.
On September 17th, a second video was posted showing even more features, including working WiFi and accelerometer functions and partially working audio.
A few days later on September 20th, another video was posted showing HD video playback, WiFi, Audio, and 3D gaming.
Early builds will be based on Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread, but eventually we may see tablet-optimized software based on Google Android 3.x Honeycomb. Of course, depending on how long that takes, it may just be easier to skip Honeycomb and move onto Ice Cream Sandwich — the upcoming version of Android which Google is building for both smartphones and tablets. While Google hasn’t released the source code for Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich source code is expected to be made available.
A competing team of developers called TouchDroid had also been working to get Android up and running on the HP TouchPad, but the team disbanded following a series of internal struggles between team members and the revelation that TouchDroid only managed to get touchscreen drivers working for the tablet by stealing code from CyanogenMod without giving credit where it was due.
Linux update
I’ve put together some basic directions for getting Ubuntu Linux up and running. I haven’t been able to test these yet, and the process certainly isn’t for beginners. Some areas are still rough around the edges. But users report that this method will allow you to install Ubuntu as well as a number of apps including web browsers, office software, bittorrent clients, and graphical user environments.
The on-screen keyboard words — but it doesn’t currently disappear if you’re using a Bluetooth keyboard. Developers are working on a fix for that problem though.
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52 Comments on "HP TouchPad afterlife: Hackers bringing Android, Ubuntu to HP’s tablet"
Damn it HP, why did you kill it before it was globally available?!
why couldnt i have just been next to a canadian bestbuy when this went into effect yesterday?
I was. Hee hee hee.
Tri-booting this would have saved HP from disgrace.
Imagine where they SOLD it with tri-boot of Ubuntu, Android, and WebOS and over time, after app developers got to play with it, and they built up a store for WebOS (where folks still had access to the Android stuff they already got too). Then HP would have had a chance.
Still do, a lot of geeks ran to these outlets and got em today, everyone I checked is SOLD OUT.
PS – I didn’t get one, but almost pulled the trigger. I just can’t see having a tablet, without Pixel Qi direct sunlight usable screen. And for me, 7 inch is what I am looking for. Waiting for ZTE light 2 that actually has ZTE out with a YouTube Video (so it’s waiting in the wings ready to go I would assume).
See:
This is a fairly new video.
Too bad ubuntu sucks dick.
Enjoy your Windows XP on your iPad1
I bought one today at $99. This thing doesn’t compare to a 1st gen iPad let alone the iPad 2. They killed it off in disgrace because they simply couldn’t compete. Now, that being said, I’m really looking forward to an android 3.x port 🙂
Picked up one each online from OD and sams club. Spent hours hitting F5 on the slick deals forum. Hopefully at least one order will ship.
The fact that this can be converted into an android or win 8 tablet makes the deal incredibly hard to pass up. Even the semi-decent Chinese knock offs cost more than this.
I got two of the 32 GB version this morning!! 😉
aw fuck you dude haha, wish i could have found one at any of the stores in my area, this would be so dope if they get ubuntu or android or even fuckin windows 8 rollin on this, fuck!!!!
ditto
ditto x2 🙂
ditto x3 kaka
where?
St. George, Utah Best Buy still has 16gb available but I just bought one of the last 32gb… also accessories are at 1/2 price.
damn, I work at BestBuy.. and this is the first that I am hearing about this.. bet there wont be any tomorrow..
I should have bought all 12 !!! Dammit I only purchased 1 :
where?
Walmart
You need to physically go into the store. DO NOT CALL!
1st rule of slick deals, never call!
http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/HP-TouchPad-Tablet-with-16GB-Memory-WiFi-12GHz-Black/e/886111788637
Just bought a 16Gig’r. Where else should we watch for ROM/Root news? What about Joli OS? Chrome OS?
I picked up a 32gb model. Its a great media player, reader, and web browser, if you use it for nothing else. Already have an iPad in the house, but it’s often hogged the the toddler.
Looking forward to developements with porting android onto it.
What a DREAM it would be for it to Tri-boot webOS, ubuntu, and Android. That would own.
where
barn and noble
We’ve got an iPad(2) in the house and it, too, is also hogged by the toddler! I lucked out on a $99 Touchpad, earlier today, and can’t wait to get it!
Toddler throws down the iPad and lunges right for the touchpad now. Of course
I’m pretty sure that’s just bc mommy is holding it. It doesnt have Netflix, or Toy story, so it doesnt hold his interests near as long.
you are one kool nerd
Hah- I didnt think “kool” would ever be used to describe my nerdiness. Thank you 😉
GRUB would probably be able to do that.
Why stop at HP touchpad? A lot of Android tablet are not selling well either. May be we will see some Android tablet firesell soon at slightly higer price. That would probably the only way they can take a bite off iPad