Google has released a special unlocked version of the T-Mobile G1 to help developers develop their applications. This version is going to run you $399 and is both SIM unlocked as well as hardware unlocked. You must first be registered as a developer to be eligible to purchase this handset; registrations fees will run you $25.
Now developers don’t have to purchase this phone from T-Mobile and wait for ages after requesting an unlock code. This development version also has a bootloader that does not restrict the device to officially signed firmware builds. It looks like this may be a way for countries to legally get their hands on one as well.
This version is currently available to Japan, Germany, India, France, Taiwan, Australia, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Finland, Hungry, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, the US and the UK. Google plans to expand the regions in the future. Although this handset is meant specifically for developers, consumers can register and have these devices shipped right to their door. Is this what it takes to get one in a country that does not currently have the G1?
[Via XDA]
I live in India as its still not available for End Users here & I am doing comp engg, I ll b having those dev work next yrs so i have planned to purchase dev phone 1.
1. Will 3g network will work on it When available......
2. will i get latest updates
3. every hardware n software ll b same or different form the End user phone?
( I know that the diff will b sim n hardware unlocked bt what does it mean by hardware locking.)
i registered myself as a developer paying 25$.. i went till the check out page but then decided to stop the buying process :
1. 399$ for the phone.. am absolutely OK with this..
2. UPS innovations - shipping charge - 224$
WTF.. 224$ for shipping to India (Rs.11000 just for shipping).. something is really wrong in this.. thats more than 50% of the phones cost.. thats a total of 623$.. thats worse..
google and htc have to do something about this ...
Also as far as this phone is concerned I know its unlocked so would you register it with any carrier and there data plan? Or is it just for development purposes?
yeah that might be a better idea. but they better open the parcel and bring it here.. otherwise there will be heavy customs duty levied..
i guess thats the resaon for the high shipping charge.. just crossing my fingers .. that htc will reduce the shipping charges or atleast reduce the phone charges for outside US developers..
ha
ha
pm me
means they ll have to remove the box packing before bringing it here.
I found 1 dev phone on ebay n its the only one there current bid price is $ 152.50 + $35.7 shipping.
shipping is ok but its hard to get it as the other two guys are not leaving it.
i love the back cover design with the little android and stuff. i would Kill to have that cover for my Black G1 !
M very eager to win the bid on ebay or get it any way.
i registered myself as a developer paying 25$.. i went till the check out page but then decided to stop the buying process :
1. 399$ for the phone.. am absolutely OK with this..
2. UPS innovations - shipping charge - 224$
WTF.. 224$ for shipping to India (Rs.11000 just for shipping).. something is really wrong in this.. thats more than 50% of the phones cost.. thats a total of 623$.. thats worse..
google and htc have to do something about this ...
Personally I think the phone should be priced lower than retail in an attempt to attract more developers to the platform.
i am just waiting.. constantly checking if they modify the shipping rates..
i understand the reason is customs duties + VAT .. but still Google can ship it as a "free sample" for developers so that shipping rates can go down.. by at least 50%
Ha Ha!
Ebay is calling your name....
( I guess it would be cool 4 the younger users )