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.

Android Port For HTC HD2 Rumored To Come Soon

One of the greatest things about the HTC HD2 is that it still remains an excellent hardware release but as long it comes packaged with the dead OS (Windows Mobile 6.5) it will remain a weak contender now matter how good it may look or powerful it may be. To end that situation, some people are working tireless to salvage the phone by throwing an Android OS onto it. Previously they were stuck with errors involving the phone's Snapdragon core and the so-called HaRET tool used to boot Linux from Windows CE-based devices that have made a proper port impossible. Currently this issue has been overcome which means a consumer-friendly Android build might finally be possible. Considering that there is no proper Evo 4G equivalent from HTC in Europe still, the project should have quite a bit of value to it. Stay tuned for more info by following us on Twitter and/or subscribing to our RSS feeds.

T Mobile’s HD2 Already Sold Out In Two Weeks

Now that the iPad craze is over lets get back to the other hot device out right now, the HTC HD2. T-Mobile is in big trouble but in a very profitable way, the wireless cell phone company can't seem to keep the HTC's HD2 on its shelves long enough so that all of its costumers can get hold of one. Selling out again for a second week, customers can't seem to get enough of this smartphone. With up to up to 21,000 HD2 phones sold in a single day T-Mobile is having tons of fun despite the fact it cannot reach the customers demands.

T-Mobile doesn't know when they will have more HD2's in stock and does not know if they can keep it in stock when they do have them available. They have announced that they will inform customers when more phones are available. A T-Mobile rep was asked if the HTC HD2 "Can be upgraded to the new Windows Mobile when it comes out?" He said he wasn't sure but thought it could be sad to say but it won't be upgradable.

Though we have heard rumors of HTC HD2 getting Windows Mobile 7 upgrade. Let's see how this unveils, we hope it happens, or else our friends with HD2 will be quite disappointed.

Are you an HTC HD2 owner? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Amazon Defeats T-Mobile In HTC HD2 Pricing

We recently posted an article about T-Mobile’s big roll out of HTC HD2 cell phone which was yesterday. Most of you might have bought one or are still debating whether or not to get one due to the hefty price tag. As far as we know T-Mobile is offering this beauty with two types of plans as a way to save you some money.

Plan A: Comes with a 2 year contract and features great phone discounts, so your upfront costs are lower retailing at $449.99 with an instant discount of $250.00 which drops your cost down to $199.99.

Plan B: Has no annual contract and currently provides the best monthly rate plan. So you would pay for your phone upfront, but the lower monthly plan costs save you money over time. Suggested retail $449.99 and you pay $449.99. No discounts offered with this plan.

This device comes with features like downloadable books, TV, and movies. It also has the largest touch screen on the market which is very tempting. This Smartphone also requires a data service. There is more exciting news for those of you who have not fully made up your minds as to whether or not you would like to purchase this device.

A number of stores have discounted the HTC HD2 Smartphone down to a mere $100.00. This is great, despite the fact that this cell phone was released yesterday. Amazon has out done itself by offering the HTC HD2 for $99.99 with a two years contract. You have nothing else to worry about no mail in rebates or any of the other complications that comes with getting a discounted phone. It certainly makes the phone - arguably WinMo 6.5's last real hurrah. This is most definitely a great deal.

We have heard rumors that T-Mobile HTC HD2 was a great hit and was sold out in under four hours in all most all T-Mobile stores.