New York — It has been a hectic week for those who are interested in Google’s Android OS has been blocked from using it because currently it is available only on the T-Mobile G1. But fortunately, if you are a developer tempted to get your creative developer hands on a T-Mobile G1 — then Google is seemingly committed to making your dreams come true as it announced the availability of a SIM- and hardware-unlocked version of the first Android smartphone.
As the name implies, the Android Dev Phone 1 is a SIM-unlocked and hardware-unlocked version of the T-Mobile G1. The Android Dev Phone 1 with a system image is being released to allow developers to create Android applications, and will ship with a bootloader that will allow the user to flash unsigned custom Android builds.
As such, it might not seem to be a good alternative for the average user, but is perfect for hobbyists who enjoy trying out custom ROMs. And, with an option to use any SIM card from any GSM provider around the world, the new Android Dev Phone 1 should offer international developers a chance to put their skills to the test in the Android Market.
Anyone interested to lay his hands on an Android Dev Phone 1, will first have to register as an Android developer on the Android Market site, which entails a one-time registration fee of US$25. And then just for US $399, plus shipping (free shipping in the US), developers in one of 18 countries (including Australia) can purchase a fully unlocked G1 Android gPhone from Google — and start coding!
As the world’s second Google Android gPhone, it is highly anticipated, and has already attracted orders from around the world. Thus, to cater to the demands, Google says it would allot one device per developer account–for now.
The news reaches from both an Engadget article on the topic and from Google’s “Devices for Developers” site.
The site notes: “When building mobile applications, it is vital to test them on real devices prior to releasing them to users. While developers can use regular consumer devices purchased at retail to test and use their apps, some developers may choose not to use a retail device, preferring an unlocked or no-contract device. This page outlines some options for obtaining developer devices.”
The device will be available for purchase in 18 international markets, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan, India, Canada, France, Taiwan, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Poland, and Hungary. And more territories are on the way, Google says.
Now with your hands as developers on the unlocked device, start developing some amazing Apps for us! Or if you are just fictitious developer simply to get hold of one of these devices, then move on and enjoy your newly found smartphone!
Moreover, with a developer-friendly G1 now available freely, the already nice-looking Android platform will likely be giving Apple and the App Store a run for their money.