Google's Nexus S gets rooted on the day of its release

SMARTPHONE OUTFIT Google has had its Nexus S smartphone rooted within a day of launch.

The Samsung made device is the only smartphone to run Android 2.3, the latest version of the popular Linux-based operating system. Judging by the speed at which hackers managed to root the Nexus S, Google didn't put too many obstacles in their way.

Rooting allows developers full access to the OS and its file system, enabling modification and even custom installations of Android. It's not all that surprising that the Nexus S got rooted so quickly. After all, Google uses the smartphone as a reference device for developers to showcase what is possible with the latest release of its Android operating system.

Google has confirmed that the bootloader in the Nexus S is unlocked, the same as in the Nexus One smartphone. Although no one doubts the ability of the clever chaps at XDA Developers who rooted the Nexus S to unlock the bootloader if they must, it does mean that they can get on with other tasks.

The steps required to root a Nexus S aren't particularly hard, although it's far different from the graphical installs Iphone users have become accustomed to.

The race is on for the popular Cynogenmod Android distribution to incorporate support for the Nexus S in its next release. The distribution supports a number of Android devices, modifying a wide range of features from low level drivers all the way up to user interface tweaks.

At this point it is uncertain whether the Nexus S will enjoy sales success commensurate with Samsung's Galaxy S or HTC's Desire, but the ability to hack the device should make it a hit with tech savvy users and developers. µ