Friday, December 12, 2008

Unlocked Android Handset Just For Developers


If you happen to be a developer who’s aching to take a crack at the Android OS, fret no more as Google has decided to launch what they’re calling The Android Dev Phone 1. This handset is a SIM-unlocked and hardware-unlocked device that is designed for advanced developers. 

The device ships with a system image that is fully compatible with Android 1.0, so users can rely on it when developing applications. Any SIM can be used with the device and can flash custom Android builds that will work with the unlocked bootloader. Unlike the bootloader on retail devices, the one on the Android Dev Phone 1 does not enforce signed system images.


To purchase an Android Dev Phone 1 device, you must first register as an Android developer on the Android Market site, if you haven't already done so. Once you've logged into your developer account on Android Market, you can purchase the device by clicking the "Purchase" link. To accommodate demand, there is a limit of 1 device per developer account, for now.

The device currently costs Rs. 19, 571 ($399) and will be available for purchase in 18 international markets, including the US, UK, Germany, Japan, India, Canada, France, Taiwan, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Poland, and Hungary. 

Please note that Android Dev Phone 1 devices are not intended for non-developer end users. Since the devices can be configured with system software not provided by or supported by Google or any other company, end users will have to operate these devices at their own risk. 

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