Nexus One “Too Old” for ICS? Get Real! AOSP-Based Builds Arrive for Various Devices!

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Google’s Mobile Product Manager Hugo Barra recently stated that the company had no plans to update the Nexus One to Ice Cream Sandwich, citing that the handset was simply too old to run the newer operating system. Many users felt unnecessarily abandoned, believing that a former flagship device under 2 years old could hardly be considered “too old” for updates. Having used a Nexus One as my primary device for eight months, the news made my heart sink ever so slightly.

Ironically enough, the first ICS SDK-port for the Nexus One actually had already appeared four days earlier. However, as is the case with the majority of SDK-ports, the lack of hardware acceleration made things dreadfully sluggish. Instead, AOSP builds are indeed the Droids you’re looking for.

Four days ago, we broke news of the ICS Source Code release and predicted an imminent rush of AOSP builds. We are happy to announce that not only has XDA forum member dr1337 begun the Nexus One AOSP porting effort, but several other devices have joined the tide. Thanks to the hard work by XDA forum members dizgustipated, MongooseHelix, stritfajt, jaybob413, onecosmic, Chaosz-X, and zFr3eak; the Nexus S, Droid Eris, Hero, Hero CDMA, Galaxy S I9000, Desire, and Desire HD now have their first tastes of Google’s latest treat.

Without further ado, here are the links to get started on your own device:

While none of the releases have quite the level of polish required to be made daily drivers, their mere presence just days after the source code release speaks wonders of the amazing talent housed within our development community.

If there are any other AOSP builds that I have left out, please send me a PM through the forums, and I will promptly add them to the list!