Nokia X can run Google apps and services if hacked

Nokia announced it's Android device, Nokia X less than a week ago. The main objective for the phone is to avoid Google's services and promote Microsoft services such as OneDrive, Skype and Outlook. After just a few days of its revealing, hackers managed to get root access to phone's filesystem. Kashamlaga from xda-developers converted his Nokia developer handset to run Google apps in simple 5 steps., suggesting Nokia has not locked down the device too heavily. Apps like Gmail, Google Now, Google Maps and Hangouts appear to be working.

It is not surprising that the Nokia X is able to be hacked to run Google apps as it is Android. When The Verge reached out for comment from Nokia, they stated that that they are actually happy about it. This is only the beginning progress to a full replacement of the Android OS. We are hoping to see a Cyanogenmod version on this device.

The Nokia X is made to completely replace Google services with Microsoft services, they even have their own app store to avoid using Google Play Store.

@KashaMalaga This is awesome! Very excited to see progress is being made - we actually really like @xdadevelopers
— Nokia Developer Team (@nokiadeveloper) February 28, 2014