Turning TouchPad into a ‘TouchDroid'

A group of hackers and developers are looking to change Hewlett-Packard's TouchPad to a "TouchDroid," or running Android rather than the now defunct WebOS platform.

The call for the project went out on the RootzWiki forum and the goal is to install a customized version of Android Gingerbread 2.3 on the HP tablet computer, according to Business Insider. (Those wanting to learn more about creating a TouchDroid can also check out this Facebook page.) While the project has no prize other than critical acclaim, site Hacknmod.com offers a $450 reward to whomever can do an Android port and offers an additional $1,050 if a developer can also create hacks for WiFi, audio, camera and multitouch display.

Unfortunately, this may prove more difficult now that HP's $99 TouchPad is sold out at retailers Best Buy, CompUSA, Staples and even online at HP, Barnes & Noble and Amazon (higher priced TouchPads are available from individual sellers.) HP is quickly restocking, but the product is limited.

The TouchDroid hack will be a great boon to anyone who bought a TouchPad because of the limitations on WebOS applications and the high probability HP will kill off the platform. Without a conversion there will be little versatility, but at $99 it may be worth a gamble, right?

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