The HTC HD2 is a diverse handset. It launched in early 2010 and was one of the last Windows Mobile smartphones to hit the market. Microsoft confirmed that the handset was not eligible for an upgrade to Windows Phone 7 and the HD2 was widely regarded as the last of a dying breed. Thanks to the work of an active and talented developer community the HD2 has become of the one the most hacked handsets in recent history.
Besides its native Windows Mobile, the HTC HD2 has been treated to ports of Android including version 2.1 Eclair, 2.2 Froyo and even 2.3 Gingerbread. MeeGo has been spotted on this HTC handset as well as Ubuntu, though the latter is ported more for enjoyment than functionality. The latest operating system to hit the hackable handset is- surprise, surprise- Windows Phone 7. Microsoft may have been reluctant to bring its nascent mobile operating system to this HTC smartphone, but that did not stop developers from attempting the port.
We have already spotted a Windows Phone powered HD2 handset, now it is time for the public to get a piece of this action courtesy of a custom ROM. Developed by Dark Forces team, the custom ROM for this handset enables most of the basic functions of Windows Phone 7. Because the hardware buttons are different between the HD2 and Windows Phone 7 handsets, the ROM must remap the front buttons on the handset. The handset also lacks the Windows Marketplace, Xbox Live and Windows Live support. Though a lot is missing, the ROM does bump up the recording capabilities of the HD2 to 720P instead of the original VGA.
If you are a proud owner of the HD2 and don’t mind flashing ROMs, head on over to xda-developers and join the fun.
[Via XDA Developers and Electronista]