Nookdevs have torn apart the Nook, found that the Nook’s Android OS is stored on a 2GB microSD card (making hacks easier) and rooted the Nook.
Getting root access lets you do a lot of things like disabling B&N updates and possibly even misusing the AT&T wireless connection (although there are chances that it doesn’t enable access to anything other than B&N’s eBook Store).
The components NookDevs found in the Nook include -
Samsung S3C6410 Processor Synaptics TM1369 Touchscreen controller Internal 2GB Sandisk microSD card for internal storage
- 3 Partitions
- sdb1: system: ext3 250MB
- sdb2: ???
- sdb3: internal memory: ext3 1313MB
Sierra Wireless MC8777V wireless modem in data only mode
The Samsung S3C6410 processor seems to be around since early 2008 and was used in some tablet/MID type device then. There’s a chance it has a part to play in the sluggishness of the Nook – it’s not my area of expertise though and I might be mistaken in thinking a late 2009 device shouldn’t be using an early 2008 processor.
The version of Android is 1.5 Cupcake. That is another problem as Android 2.0 would have been a better choice – that’s what Droid has.
What will this mean?
The OS being on the microSD card and being able to get root access means that it should be easy to add a browser and other Android applications.
- B&N will probably not be too happy about all the hacking – Hey, they can always hope someone fixes the sluggishness and figures out a better way of using the touchscreen.
- One interesting thing about the processor is that it has a lot of video capabilities – that certainly points at using the LCD screen to play video.
- Overall, it does make the Nook much more interesting for the technically inclined.
B&N are busy working on fixes for the speed issues - they might have to throw in something to prevent hacks and better secure their system.
Filed under: Barnes Noble Nook Tagged: | nook ereader
