Android 2.2: Froyo keeps Nokia’s N900 ticking

The N900 is a device that really fell between the cracks. Nokia abandoned Maemo, its “mobile computer” operating system, in favor of MeeGo – and the N900 fell behind with it. But the N900 is still a very nice handset. For those who want to keep using the hardware, you can now install the latest version of Android.

What’s the story?

There’s a group of programmers out there working on an independent project called NITDroid. This stands for Nokia Internet Tablet Droid, and the coders have just recently released their masterpiece. Android 2.2, known as Froyo, is now installable on the N900. It’s a dual boot install, so you can keep Maemo 5 on there and choose whichever one you want at boot up.

It’s not quite perfect yet, though. While the hackers have gotten Froyo working on the N900, there are certain things that it can’t use on the device yet. For example, you can’t make phone calls:

Working:
•    Sound
•    Touchscreen
•    Keyboard
•    WiFi
•    SD card access

Not working yet
•    Charging
•    Phone calls
•    Accelerometers
•    Unlock/Lock switch on the right side
•    Microphone
•    Camera

Ouch. Not only can you not make calls – you can’t charge your phone unless you’ve booted to Maemo. This is a very early release though. These functions will be added in time, along with apps including E-Buddy Messenger and an IRC client.

Thanks to Maemo.org for the story

What we think?

This seems like more of the same for the N900, to be honest. It has always been a DIY enthusiasts phone. Nokia itself ran a program called PUSH – which was entirely about what hackers could achieve using the little phone-shaped computer.

So should you go ahead with this Froyo install? I’m going to say YES. Seeing as Nokia has relegated Maemo updates to “whenever necessary”, I would imagine you’ll be getting much more regular device and OS updates from the NITDroid project than you will from Nokia. Just check out their mission statement:

To have another OS for the NITs
To be able to dual boot into Android or Maemo
To get all features working on all versions of devices
To provide an alternative to Maemo
To benefit from the features Android has