HP has just released the now defunct Touchpad’s Android kernel source code to the masses – despite the fact that the 9.7″ tablet arrived at the market last summer with HP webOS 3.0 in tow. This just goes to prove that HP probably mulled over the idea of an Android-powered Touchpad in the past, but probably ditched this thought as they concentrated on webOS 3.0 software instead.
Since the accidental Android drama, HP has decided to release the kernel and General Public License (GPL) for its tablet, much to the joy of the hacking community. HP officials claimed that they were under no obligation to release any source code for the Android software, as it was never meant to roll out to the public in the first place. It seems that this kernel has been gathering dust for nearly one year already, and will not even come with Wi-Fi support. Hopefully the brains behind the CyanogenMod Android software for the HP TouchPad will be able to churn something workable down the road.
