Here’s some good news for TouchPad users. HP has released the Android source code that was found in one of the TouchPads that ran Android OS out-of-the-box. The code was handed over to the CyanogenMod Team who are working on a proper port of Android OS for TouchPad.

The code has now been uploaded and though we’re one step closer to experience a flawless build of Android on TouchPad, the Wi-Fi driver is still missing. However, the good news is that the Wi-Fi driver is also based on GPL, which means HP can release the Wi-Fi driver code too but only after an ongoing investigation.

If you’re feeling itchy, you can try the Alpha ICS build for TouchPad.

Rootzwiki Forum

[Via Phandroid]

We’ve seen the Ice Cream Sandwich teaser on the HP TouchPad before but if you’re waiting for the real deal, here it is. Devs at RootzWiki have released an Alpha 0 build of the CyanogenMod 9 that is based on the Ice Cream Sandwich.

As you’d expect from an alpha build, this one too comes with its share of bugs and if you’re uncomfortable dealing with them regularly, you should stay away from this build. Anyways, some of the things that don’t work are hardware video, audio, camera, Market issues and more.

For a detailed walkthrough of what works and what doesn’t and for an installation guide, hit the forum link below.

RootzWiki Forum

[Via Android Central]

HP at the scheduled time kicked off the refurbished TouchPad sale on eBay and within minutes the 16GB SKUs were snagged up by greedy wanting consumers. The 32GB variant was up for sale for couple of hours but as of now, it too has been removed due to unavailability.

However, all was not hunky dory as consumers faced a lot of problems while trying to order the tablet which resulted in eBay and PayPal throwing random errors.

The interest in TouchPad affirms the fact that consumers want a tablet but don’t want to spend more unless its an iPad.

According to the leaked memo, HP is supposed to hold another firesale for consumers, which could probably be the one last time you’ll see TouchPad on sale from HP.

[Via TechCrunch]

Whip out your credit cards because this Sunday HP will start selling its maiden consumer tablet again at rock bottom prices. However, unlike the firesale last time, HP will sell refurbished units of 16GB and 32GB SKUs at the same prices of $99 and $149 respectively.

In addition to the tablets, HP will also sell an accessory combo of a case, wireless keyboard and charging dock for $79.

Sales begin on HP’s eBay store on December 11 at 6PM Central Time.

HP eBay Store

[Via TechCrunch]

HP today unraveled their very first Ultrabook, the Folio13. The business-centric Ultrabook boasts a thin and light design coupled with a decent hardware and battery life. The 18mm thin Folio13 comes with a 13.3-inch HD BrightView display and is powered by the latest generation of Intel Core processors with Rapid Start technology that ensures a faster boot up time.

Rest of the specs Folio13 includes a 128GB SSD, Ethernet port, USB 3.0, multi-touch trackpad, HD webcam, TPM embedded security chip to protect data and CoolSense technology to keep the notebook cooler.

HP will sell the Folio13 Ultrabook from December 7 for $899.99.

Press Release

HP may have shattered our hopes on the webOS tablet but the company is desperately trying to keep businesses interested with their Windows side of offerings. HP has announced Slate 2 that replaces Slate 500 and improves on the touch front, multitasking and enhanced security.

The 8.9-inch tablet PC runs Windows 7 OS and comes with Swype keyboard input, Intel Atom Z670 CPU, improved security tools, 3MP and VGA camera, SRS Premium sound, USB 2.0 ports and HDMI port.

HP plans to release the tablet later this month with a price tag of $699.

Press Release

HP has amended its previous decision of spinning off the Personal Systems Group (PSG). HP “completed its evaluation of strategic alternatives” and came to the conclusion that the PSG unit will remain a part of this company.

HP’s strategic review ruled that the PSG contributed heavily to HP’s portfolio and brand value and separating it as a standalone company was less beneficial than the overall benefits.

“HP objectively evaluated the strategic, financial and operational impact of spinning off PSG. It’s clear after our analysis that keeping PSG within HP is right for customers and partners, right for shareholders, and right for employees,” said Meg Whitman, HP president and chief executive officer.

Earlier last month, HP had announced to spin off the Personal Systems Group in order to concentrate more on the enterprise business.

Press Release

HP may have stopped sales of webOS-powered TouchPad but its good to see the computer company still working on the underlying software. HP has released a new over-the-air update for TouchPad that will add some new features to the webOS.

The webOS 3.0.4 brings a new camera app, adds the ability to pair with non-webOS devices, supports OGG format and some user interface improvements along with better performance.

[Via Palm Blog]

The inevitable has happened. HP yesterday announced Meg Whitman to take place of Apotheker as President and CEO. Whitman will replace the 11-month CEO Apotheker who has stepped down from the designation and resigned as a director of the company.

Coming from a consumer-business background, Whitman’s appointment would raise some hopes about HP getting back into the consumer business but the new CEO has confirmed HP will stick to its strategy announced previously. This means webOS will still be dead and the PC business will be spun off.

[HP via Bloomgberg | Img]

Nothing’s going right for HP at the moment. The latest report by Bloomberg claims that HP might replace Leo Apotheker as their CEO. The Board is weighing in the options and even might replace Apotheker with Meg Whitman, who is the ex-CEO of eBay Inc.

The Board reckons Apotheker not fit for the CEO job as since his arrival, HP has cut its forecasts three times, shelved its promising webOS and bought Autonomy Corp. for $10.3 billion for a better future in the high margin enterprise sector.

This news is obviously unconfirmed but investors are responding positively to the news. HP’s share price has eroded by 47 percent since Apotheker became the CEO.

[Via Bloomberg]