14 DAY TRIAL // After managing to make the iPhone run the latest Android 2.2 Froyo operating system, enterprise hackers did it again, this time with Nokia's N900 smartphone. Even though this is not a complete build optimization, as you won't have access to GSM signal, SD card mounting, or the process of automatically obtaining an IP over WiFi, Froyo does work on the N900. Ported by the guys over at Daily Mobile, the demonstration can be seen in the movie below, where we are presented with the basic functionality of the operating system, as well as the fresh browser integrated in Froyo.
The porting process required a modified build that added WiFi access, but you will have to manually fill in a specific IP so you can browse the Internet. Besides the charging level of the battery, there's no other information shown regarding the battery, like status and such. This is probably related to the same issue encountered and explained at the beginning of the movie, where the Status bar is not showing any icons for some reason.
When you access the Music folder in the main menu, you will get a message saying that you don't have a memory card inserted, even though that is not true. Still, the phone is able to play music files if you have compatible files already copied in its memory. Playing through the headset is also flawless.
The most interesting thing about the new portation is the amazing speed of the browser integrated in Froyo, even though the device doesn't benefit from any 3D acceleration. Using the Wi-Fi connection, it loaded pages, which hadn't been previously loaded, in about 3 seconds, 4 at most.
If the browser has the same performance on other devices too, this will probably be the fastest on the market. I do not recommend trying to install the Android 2.2 Froyo on N900, as there's no full compatibility, but yes, it can be done.