HP Touchpad Gets Android 5.0 Lollipop (video)

Despite its short-lived commercial lifespan, the HP TouchPad continues to see action in the developer community. A new port of Android 5.0 Lollipop has recently been made available for the legacy device, which originally debuted in 2011 before being discontinued by HP just two months later. That sudden discontinuation led to massive clearance sales, which helped the tablet find a second life as a favorite experimental platform for hobbyist developers.

A developer known as "flintman" recently introduced a beta version of Evervolv 5.0 on the XDA Forums. Evervolv is a custom Android ROM, and this latest iteration utilizes the source code from the newly released Android 5.0 Lollipop. Because this release is in its early stages, it remains somewhat unpolished. Current testers report that the system feels sluggish and the integrated camera is not yet functional. However, Bluetooth connectivity is reportedly working, and optimization is expected to improve performance in future updates.

For users interested in trying the firmware, installation details are hosted on the XDA platform. Given its current instability, the Lollipop port is largely recommended for enthusiasts who enjoy troubleshooting. Those seeking a more reliable experience on the TouchPad can still access older, stable versions of the Evervolv ROM, such as those based on Android 4.4 KitKat.

The hardware itself has historically faced durability issues. Many users reported that the plastic casing was prone to hairline fractures, particularly near the charging ports. Additionally, software support was famously limited during its official run. While the TouchPad was considered a bargain at its $100 fire-sale price point in 2011, technology has significantly progressed. By 2014, modern budget tablets offered similar or superior specifications with native Android support for only a slightly higher investment, making the TouchPad more of a nostalgic curiosity than a primary daily device for most consumers.