Today CM9 Alpha has been officially released for the Nook Color by XDA Developers. The CyanogenMod 9 alpha 0 still has a few things to be corrected such as the microphone, hw composition, hw video decoding (basically all TI ducati features are not working), Bluetooth, and FM radio. But the latest release now runs smoothly on the B&N Nook Color device.
Understanding the CM9 Alpha Release
Due to the ROM still being in Alpha stage, the developers will not be providing any support for it in its current state. However, if you have the appropriate skills, you are free to give the new CM9 Alpha a go. XDA Developers explain:
“Let’s emphasize that– THIS IS AN ALPHA, RELEASED FOR YOU TO PLAY WITH AND GET A SENSE OF WHAT’S TO COME. **AND SOME THINGS DON’T WORK. *REALLY. *IF YOU ARE EXPECTING ANYTHING CLOSE TO PERFECTION, WALK AWAY FROM YOUR COMPUTER, LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR AN HOUR OR SO, THEN COME BACK.”
The CM9 Alpha release is a significant milestone for the Nook Color, a device that was originally designed as an e-reader but has since been repurposed by the developer community to run various versions of Android. The CyanogenMod team has been instrumental in extending the functionality of the Nook Color, allowing users to experience a more versatile and powerful device.
Features and Limitations
While the CM9 Alpha brings a host of new features to the Nook Color, it is important to note the limitations that come with this early release. The microphone, hardware composition, and hardware video decoding are not yet functional. These features are crucial for tasks such as video playback and voice recording, which means users will have to wait for future updates to fully utilize these capabilities.
Bluetooth and FM radio are also non-functional in this release. Bluetooth is essential for connecting wireless peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headphones, while FM radio is a feature that some users might miss for listening to local broadcasts. Despite these limitations, the CM9 Alpha offers a glimpse into the potential future of the Nook Color as a more fully-featured Android device.
More information and downloads of the new CM9 Alpha for the Nook Color can be found over on the XDA Forums.
Community and Future Development
The release of CM9 Alpha for the Nook Color is a testament to the vibrant and dedicated community of developers and enthusiasts who continue to support and enhance older devices. The Nook Color, which was first released in 2010, has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to custom ROMs like CyanogenMod. These ROMs breathe new life into the device, allowing it to run newer versions of Android and access a wider range of apps and features.
As the development of CM9 continues, users can expect more stable releases with additional features and fewer bugs. The community-driven nature of CyanogenMod means that users can contribute to the development process by reporting bugs, suggesting features, and even contributing code. This collaborative approach ensures that the software evolves to meet the needs of its users.
Source: Talk Android
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