The Nook Color e-reader from Barnes & Noble is rumored to be on track to get Android 2.2 Froyo next month, according to a report from Engadget. Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android Marketplace will not be available on the NOOKcolor however, which will instead get an application store that is run by Barnes & Noble. Nevertheless, there is a great amount of excitement by hackers--as in geeks--due to the relatively affordable $249 cost of a Nook Color.

And even with Android 2.2 being one step behind Android 2.3, the ability to run Android at all means consumers will be able to get a tablet computer on the cheap. Of course, the really hardcore hackers have already successfully crammed Froyo onto Nook Color and on Android Market--and yes, that includes Angry Birds.

I took a quick glance at the installation steps, and fully agree that the unofficial upgrade is certainly not for the faint of heart. So unless you're thoroughly comfortable with the intricacies of Linux (or Unix) system administration, wait for the official release, which is just one month away.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at The Register
- check out this article at PC World
- check out this article at CNET News

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