We've seen Android running on the Nokia N810 before, but it's never been as easy as it is now for everyone (even Linux dummies like me!) to get it working on their own Internet Tablets. While the original method certainly wasn't for the faint of heart, the newly developed Android Installer (released July 1) makes putting a very functional Android onto Diablo-running N810s as quick and easy as installing an application.
The first thing you need to do is download and save the android.img.bz2 image file on the N810 (internal memory or miniSD card; 110MB free space required).
Then download, save, and install the android-installer.deb file (Settings -> Application manager -> Install from file).
Reboot the device and launch Android through the Extras menu.
Ta-dah! This fantastic Android port includes a working touchscreen, fully functional browser, contact integration, maps, and some developer tools.
The only way I've been able to close Android, though, has been to reboot the N810. I seriously can't find the exit button/command. Anyone know where it is?
[ITT via Random Musings (thanks, Martin!)]
What can you do with Android installed that you can’t do with the default OS?
The link to the deb file doesnt seem to work.
Has it been taken offline?
Well, I don’t believe that Android was ever meant to be closed. After all, it was supposed to be the sole operating system on a phone or PDA. That said, I’m sure some hacker or developer will open up the closability (issat a word?) and you’ll be cool.
What about us N800 users?
@ MikeN: Nothing yet. It’s more of a “ooh, look!” kind of thing right now. Once there’s an abundance of Android apps out there, though, it will likely be able to do quite a bit more than the N800/N810 because of how many developers are involved.
@ rahul: The link is working now. The URL was changed at some point (it’s still listed incorrectly at ITT) because of a typo. It can also be downloaded here.
@ Raggamofyn: Good point. I just expected it to function like Garnet VM, where it runs sort of like a standard app.
@ Brian: I haven’t tried it on my N800, but I think everything should mostly work. One of the developers tested it on a Chinook-running N800 and said it only “works sort of,” so I don’t know how it would be with Diablo. I didn’t read the entire ITT thread, but it’s worth a look if you want to see how N800 users are getting on with it.
I flashed my N810 to Diablo to make a clean start.
Then I downloaded “android.img.bz2″ and “android-installer.deb” to my clean device. When I try to install “android-installer.deb” it just says “Unable to install android-installer”.
What am I doing wrong?
@Markus make you have both files in the same directory, e.g. /media/mmc2/
great! will this ever be working on N770? by the way, have you tried to use camera or WLAN on N800 after installing android?
can i get the list for which symbian devices does anroid installer is supported.
This is some exciting stuff! We are two students writing our thesis about Google Android and we would like to try out our app on Nokia N810! I have some questions, though:
- is the GPS module working? (e.g. is the current position being correctly updated in the Maps app?)
- is the network connection stable? (e.g. are you able to surf the Web in a normal way?)
- how about the speed, the responsiveness of Android on Nokia N810? Do you find it usable?
- any chance of porting the newest RC15 of the SDK?
Thanx a lot for your effort and the great tutorial!!
I tried installing this on my Nokia N800 and all I see now is 1 pixel in the top left corner of the screen with a low bandwidth hum ????
Wow, don’t do this ON the web browser of an N800. This site will grind your tablet to a halt, and the .DEB file will open as a text file. Download it with wget or something.
Did some juggling on my memory cards (1gb in the external slot, 32mb as extended virtual memory on the internal slot), and did a “clear device”, just to be on the safe side. Was able to start it, but it doesn’t seem to recognize the touch screen, and is pretty slow, but I guess you can say it’s running.
After a couple of attempts I got this running on my n800, but as with Bill no touch screen – although you can navigate with the buttons. Seemed to run fast enough and the apps seem to work okay, although not much use without a keyboard!
Has anybody worked out how to exit without shutting down?
As great as it sounds, it crashed my N810. After installing Android Installer, I did a reboot. Then, only the Nokia logo appears for a few seconds and the device switches off.
Now, I guess, the only solution is to find a way to reflash the device through USB.
Anyone with the same problem?
Yep, same here
I think, it has something to do with the words “onto Diablo-running N810s”?! Do we have to have this diablo? I tried it on a standard N810.
Now I have to go to the support to reflash my N810.
ok, problem was old firmware.
IMPORTANT: before testing android you MUST upgrade to the new firmware (diablo is the name for the firmware)
- download updater from nokia.com
- install updater
- start updater
- plug in USB
- hold HOME-key and start the n810
- as soon as the usb-logo appears stop holding the key
- follow the instructions from the updater
than you have a working N810 again
Whats the point of having a new OS that has to sit on top of another OS? All this allows is for lazy programmers to use Java to write programs that J2ME wouldn’t normally allow. Symbian kicks ass, even Windows Mobile is better that this.
Hey, how do I get actual android programs to run within my android system that I have running on my N810?
does it matter? its google!!!
:D
I saw LStrike’s post about updating to diablo
I’m confused about ” -plug in USB”
On my N810 there is only a micro USB port. No USB2.0 port.
Please explain what you mean for an old newbie
Thanks
Rich
Rich, You need an adapter to convert from micro usb to standard male usb to connect to your computer to flash the N810
what about the new Nokia N900? can i isntall it on it?
the installation process is the same?
if i can installet on it, can I undo this? can I uninstalled?
its just that i dont want to broke my n900, i really love it, but it doesn’t have an aplicacation for read kindle books from amazon.
thank you…
does it works with nokia n8
guys pls help me
i want to install it on n8
popdipak@gmail.com
hey! I installed it on my n800 and it worke fine but the only thing i cant do…….open android????
The installation was ok…but if i click on android in the extras menu it doesent work,…..
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds great but is that working the big Question MARK!!!
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You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a nice day. Bye
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