HTC HD2 Android and Ubuntu Builds Now Available

As we slowly approach the end of the Windows Mobile handset legacy, some of the Windows handsets have been spotted running open sourced operating systems shortly after their release. With Windows Phone 7 around the corner, the HD2 will surely be one of the last phone spotted running Windows Mobile, but you can extend the life of the phone by installing an OS of your choice between Ubuntu Karmic Koala or Android 2.1 The builds have been made for general consumption thanks to the folks over at XDA developers and installing them is something you should attempt to do at your own risk. Luckily, neither of them touch the phone's internal flash, so you can always just reset the phone to the comfort of Windows Mobile. If you are feeling adventurous then try them out and drop us a comment with your experience.

Note:

* None of the current releases will touch your internal flash. All changes made in Linux are stored inside files on the Storage Card. After a soft reset (press little red button under battery cover) you get back to your WM 6.5 !
* All running windows mobile programs are closed without notice when you boot Linux. Save your documents before running HaRET
* Make sure you have at least a 2.08 radio rom version. If you have an older version you might not be able to boot Linux
* Note that all of this is work in progress. Don't expect a perfectly smooth operating system yet

Ubuntu:

Ubuntu 'Karmic Koala' for HD2 version 0.1

Needs Storage Card with at least 2GB free space. Recommended is a fast Storage Card (Class 4 is ok)
This is intended to be used as a netbook/desktop type setup with keyboard and mouse connected via USB. Check this site for information on how to do this.

Be sure to read included README.txt for install instructions, features and developer information.
Quick instructions: Put the ubuntu directory into the main/root directory of your Storage Card and tap HaRET executable.
password: ubuntu
use shutdown button to stop the system cleanly

Size: 635M
md5sum: 327a4b2c17e14dd5649964fe18f837e9
Mirrors:
http://linuxtogo.org/~lgorris/hd2/hd2-ubuntu_0.1.zip
http://gamesquare.co.uk/hd2-ubuntu_0.1.zip

Android:

Global instructions: Just extract to Storage Card root directory and run HaRET executable.
Note this is not specifically designed for the hd2. It is just the hd2 kernel with random android rootfilesystems - It makes no sense to discuss usability of those builds

Android build with HTC sense (tm)
composed by DarkStone1337
http://gamesquare.co.uk/LEO_SENSE.7z

Different random build
http://media2a.com/android/Android_Boot_Test_TS.zip

Builds for Advanced Users:

zImage (latest kernel build)
http://linuxtogo.org/~lgorris/hd2/zImage

HaRET (bootloader)
http://www.netripper.com/leo/haret-p...D8250-ONLY.exe

startup.txt (bootloader configuration)
http://linuxtogo.org/~lgorris/hd2/startup.txt

rootfilesystem (initrds etc.)

Let us know how it goes in the comments section below, and stay tuned for more news and info by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.

Innoversal's Pixel Qi-Based Tablet Expected To Launch In September

Innoversal, a new company in Taiwan which was looking to change the world, found itself hosting a striking 10.1-inch device that grabbed our attention. Pixel- Qi-based prototype devices were what the company was messing around with but the highlight was the expansive 3Qi capacitive touchpanel, with a 1024 x 600 resolution, and the ability to save battery life by flipping the backlight off in broad daylight. The current build was relying on three ambient light sensors to determine whether the backlight would be on or not, but after asking the company to implement a dedicated toggle on/off switch along with the border before shipping out, the company agreed. Innoversal will be shipping the product under its own branding in Taiwan, but is certainly open to selling the design to other major manufacturers who wish to slap their own logo on the device. If everything goes well, we can expect to see the device take off in September (globally), with a 16GB + 3G / WiFi model retailing for between $5430 and $550.

Thhe purchase will snag you one of the best power-saving mobile displays as of right now, a 1.66Ghz Atom N450 processor, an integrated SSD (16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities), an SDHC card slot, 8 megapixel camera, 3.5mm headphone jack, a SIM card slot (for 3G data), USB 2.0 connectivity, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and a 6-cel (5300mAh) battery. The device will supposedly sport Windows 7, Android, Ubuntu, and Chrome OS, with the last 2 being on display at the show. The working display model was also very lightweight and sturdy so this is definitely a tablet everyone should be looking forward to. Check out the video below:

Sony Sued For Removing Other OS Option

 

On April 1st, Sony's PS3 3.21 firmware update removed the ability to run other operating systems on the device. This ticked off a lot of users, considering if the users opted out from upgrading it knocked off their ability to log on to the PSN.

Sony has been handed a class action lawsuit for removing the 'Install Other OS' option from its PlayStation 3 console. In the lawsuit, plaintiff Anthony Ventura argues that "Sony's decision to force users to disable the Other OS function was based on its own interest and was made at the expense of its customers." Ventura also alleges deceptive business practices "perpetrated on millions of unsuspecting customers."

"On information and belief, contrary to Sony's statement, the 'security concerns' did not involve a threat to PS3 users, but rather reflected Sony's concerns that the Other feature might be used 'hackers' copy and/or steal gaming and other content," the lawsuit reads.

The lawsuit would cover anyone who purchased and kept a PS3 (not PS3 Slim, which never supported other OSes in the first place) from its November 2006 launch to when the update was first announced on March 28th, and damages sought are over $5 million.

Sony Kills "Other OS" Support With New PS3 Update

PS3 Firmware 3.21 will be available this Thursday. It will disable the “Install Other OS” feature that was made available on the PS3 systems prior to the current slimmer models by iPhone hacker George Hotz. This feature enabled users to install an operating system.

On the PlayStation Blog, SCEA director of corporate communications and social media Patrick Seybold said the move was due to "security concerns". Though no specific concerns were named, the move comes almost exactly two months after Hotz, who famously unlocked the iPhone, announced he had hacked the PS3's operating system. Sony's PSP has suffered from similar exploits, leading to widespread piracy on the portable.

Seybold emphasized that the v3.21 firmware update is optional for current PS3 owners with Linux on their systems. However, consoles that do not have the update will no longer be able to log onto the PlayStation Network, play games online, use online features of games, play newer Blu-ray discs, or play copyright-protected videos from media servers.

For most of you, this won’t have any impact on how you use your PS3. If you are one of the few who use the “Other OS” feature, then you can choose not to upgrade your system. However, doing so will result in missing out the new features listed below:

• Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat.
• Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later.
• Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings).
• Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later.

If you currently use the “Other OS” feature and you wish to update to system software 3.21, make sure you back-up any data stored within the hard drive partition used by the “Other OS,” as they will not be able to access that data following the update.

Hotz has vowed to fight back and restore Linux support on the PS3. He said, "The PlayStation 3 is the only product I know that loses features throughout its lifecycle. Software PS2 emulation, SACD playback, and OtherOS support are all just software switches you can flip. It's unbelievable you would go and flip one, not just on new boxes you are shipping, but on tens of millions already in the field".

GreenPois0n: Possible Jailbreak Software for iPad\OS3.2

iPad is not even out yet, and we’re already getting news from the iPhone\iPodTouch jailbreak community that they are working on a jailbreak software for the iPad.

p0sixninja of the Chronic Dev Team has posted a screenshot of GreenPois0n, the jailbreak software for Windows, Mac and Linux. The team is said to begin work on jailbreaking iPad with GreenPois0n as soon as iPad is out. p0sixninja, in a tweet, has asked for donation to get him an iPad so that he may bring us an iPad jailbreak solution.

We have already shared the possibilities of a jailbreak solution for iPad. If you already have a jailbroken iPhone\iPodTouch you can only imagine the possibilities, just think of ProSwitcher on your iPad for Multitasking, Winterboard for customization, SSH to gain root access, Yourtube to download youtube videos, Google Voice, so on and think of SMS/calling feature in jailbroken iPad 3G model. These are a few of the features that Apple is yet to offer to iPhone\iPodTouch users, iPad is no different

iPad jailbreak depends on how Apple patches exploits used to jailbreak. Apple keeps on changing hardware and securing software to make it harder and harder for hackers to jailbreak firmware. It was apparent when Apple patched the 24kpwn exploit in newer iPhone 3GS and iPod touch model. Since the new exploit found after 24kpwn exploit was patched, users have been stuck with tethered jailbreak.

Let’s see which one of jailbreak\unlock guru’s from The Chronic Dev Team, iPhone Dev-Team, GeoHotz or any other hacker succeed in jailbreaking iPad first.

If you still haven’t jailbroken your iPhone\iPodTouch yet, please refer to our guide here.

Gnome Gmail: Gmail and Linux Integration Made Easy

If you are a savvy Linux user, and you use Gmail as a preferred email app - you might be one of the many who are annoyed with the minor snags that make the app unappealing, like - no coverage for right click file sending and complex mail links. Gnome Gmail does a much better job of integrating Gmail on Linux platform.

Download a DEB (Ubuntu/Debian) or RPM (Fedora/openSUSE) package from the site, install it, and then head to your Preferred Applications preference (in Preferences, under the System menu in Ubuntu). Set Gmail as your "Mail Reader," and now it should really respond like a desktop client—on email links in every browser, when you right-click a file and select "Send to," and with full functionality when email links include cc: or pre-written subject lines.

Google Apps users, you're not left out in the cold—hit the Configure link when you're asked to sign into Gmail on a right-click Send To action, and you can add your Google Apps login and make it the default.

Gnome Gmail is a free download for Linux systems running a Gnome Desktop.

iPassword

1Password 3.0 out of beta

from TUAW by TJ Luoma

1Password 3.0 is available today for Leopard and Snow Leopard users, with a bunch of new features. Top of the list is 1PasswordAnywhere, which allows you to view 1Password data from any other computer --Windows, Mac, Linux, whatever -- with a modern browser like Safari or Firefox. (It should also allow you to use 1Password passwords on Mac browsers where the tool is not fully supported, such as Opera or Google Chrome.)

I've been using the 3.0 betas since Snow Leopard was released, and they have been completely stable. It is also possible to sync your 1Password keychain data over Dropbox so that all of your password information is available on all of your Macs. (Dropbox users: you may want to read this article about slimming 1Password backups if you store your 1Password backups on Dropbox. It dropped my backups from 21MB to 1MB.)

For those who aren't familiar with 1Password, let me tell you, it does more than just store passwords. It will generate them for you so you don't end up using the same lame password on a whole bunch of sites because it is the only one you can remember. All you have to remember is the password for 1Password (hence the name!). It will also manage multiple logins on the same page. My favorite feature? It will store credit card information and autofill forms for you with your billing/shipping address. I use this all the time, and whenever a website asks me if I want it to save my credit card information, I can say "No" and not have to worry about their security being compromised and my credit card information being exposed.

Another new feature is the Vault for storing software licenses, as well as file attachments. iPhone sync has been redesigned, and 1Password items can now be edited in the browser. (See all new features here.) This is a very worthy "new version" release packed with a lot of bang for your buck.

Which brings us to the "How much does it cost?" information. Agile is having a sale on upgrade licenses as part of the release:

• If you purchased 1Password 2 on or after February 1, 2009 you get a free upgrade to 1Password 3. For bonus points: your current license should "just work" in the new version.
• If you bought a license for any previous version of 1Password before February 1 (even if you got it through a bundle deal like MacHeist) single user license upgrades are $19.95, and Family 5-Pack licenses are $29.95. Note that this price is only good through November 30, 2009.
• For new users can try a fully-functioning 1Password 3 demo for 30 days. New single licenses are $39.95, and Family 5-Packs are $69.95. A 30-day money back guarantee is offered.

1Password is an essential addition to my life on the web. I bought my upgrade as soon as it was available. 1PasswordAnywhere is going to solve the biggest hurdle to using secure passwords everywhere (since I sometimes have to use Windows). The folks at Agile are very responsive to support requests, both via email and on Twitter, so your money is going to support active Mac and iPhone developers.

If you haven't tried 1Password before, now is a good time to check it out.

TUAW1Password 3.0 out of beta originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]