Google Released Unlocked Android Phones for Developers

In an attempt to lure more developers, Google released unlocked Android based G1 smartphone on Friday. Developers no longer have to enter T-Mobile contract just to test their apps on Android. This sim-unlocked/hardware-unlocked device will be sold for $399 (+$25 to register on Android Market site).

Unlocked G1 will come in dark steel case with slick patterns on the back. This phone will be available for developers in United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, India, Canada, France, Taiwan, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Poland and Hungary. There is a tiny catch though, only one phone per account will be provided to prevent these unlocked phones from entering consumer market. I don’t know how far this is going to help in isolating consumer market from unlocked hardware, but my guess is that unlocked G1s will land up in grey market real soon.

Google says “non-developers buying unlocked Android phones for personal use will face issues”. They go on to say “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.” LOL!

[Source: DailyTech]

This post was published by on December 9, 2008

About the Author: Thilak Rao works as a Social Media Expert. He is one of the first professional bloggers from India, and he loves to write, travel and click photos. Follow him on Twitter @thilak

  • http://www.seoresults.co.za/pages/seo-tips/ SEO Tips South Africa

    It sounds like a hackers paradise to me! These phones will quickly start ending up in the grey market. Having said that, I must laud Google for giving developers the opportunity to work with their product offerings like this, as it can only benefit future offerings.

  • http://www.greatpriceshere.com Nicole Price

    LOL indeed. Not that I am developer but the sheer gall!

  • http://www.gadgets4nowt.co.uk Wii

    Its great to see that Google are open things up for developers. Don’t get me wrong, I love the iPhone but Apple have been slow off the mark, almost too guarded.

  • http://www.netage.co.za Marketing

    Hahaha! Great one from Google, let’s see if they’ll get the response they’re aiming for.

  • http://freeipods.co.uk Chris

    Awesome :D hopefully we’ll see plenty more apps :P if only Apple we’re more like this :(

  • http://www.cure-acne.net Brian ” Cure Acne ” W.

    Sounds awesome, where can I signup. I have been waiting for the the G1 to become available.

  • http://www.freeplaystationthree.com Neil

    Great news for us developers

  • http://www.theblogoholic.com the Blogoholic

    Hehe, the final quote you mentioned doesn’t sound too good :D

  • http://www.paystolivegreen.com pays to live green

    Way to go for Google and developers :) This is definitely a nice way to get more developers involved and make more money off of their phones.

  • http://www.netage.co.za/web-marketing/ Marketing

    Yeah, I think this is a great opportunity for developers and more apps for Google.

  • http://www.seoresults.co.za/pages/seo-tips/ SEO Tips South Africa

    Imagine if Apple did this? How are developers developing things like the iFart app though?

  • http://pixobyte.com Nicholas | Pixobyte.com

    Wow, great news, I hope I lay my hands on them, Though I am not a Developer, Just out of curiosity

  • http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/personal/savings Savings

    Great post – Expecting to read more recent posts.