Googles Launches Unlocked Android Phone

Devices for Developers

When building mobile applications, it's 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.

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T-Mobile G1

The T-Mobile G1 device makes an excellent development device. You can write applications in the SDK and install them on the G1, then run them as users would, using the same hardware, system, and network.
For more information about obtaining a G1, visit the T-Mobile G1 site.

Android Dev Phone 1

The Android Dev Phone 1 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 you can rely on it when developing your applications. You can use any SIM in the device and can flash custom Android builds that will work with the unlocked bootloader. Unlike the bootloader on retail devices, the bootloader on the Android Dev Phone 1 does not enforce signed system images. The Android Dev Phone 1 should also appeal to developers who live outside of T-Mobile geographies.
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 done so already. 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 $399 (USD) (including free shipping in the US), 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. We will continue to expand this program into new geographies over time. Check this page for updated information.

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 operate these devices at their own risk.

For more information about obtaining an Android Dev Phone 1 device, see the Android Market site.

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The phone remains true to HTC's stock design and carries a three-megapixel camera, GPS, Wi-Fi and quad-band GSM with EDGE for data. It's not known whether the Dev Phone 1 supports 3G outside of T-Mobile USA's network.

Buying the phone requires a one-time $25 registration as an Android developer as well as the $399 price of the phone itself. Google is careful to note that it will ship the handset only to one of 18 countries (including Canada and the US), that it limits the phones to one per developer, and that regular users may not get the support they would for the T-Mobile G1

Google created the Linux-based OS to compete against other mobile operating systems such as Microsoft Windows Mobile, Nokia Symbian, Apple's iPhone and RIM.

The move should prompt extra sales to consumers who do not want to buy the T-Mobile-locked G1.