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]
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