When the entire HTCDev plan was first announced Thunderbolt owners were very optimistic but now that they’ve been one of the last added I’m sure most have resorted to 3rd party hacks and unlock systems like Revolutionary to gain access to their lightning packed device. Today both the HTC Thunderbolt and the Incredible 2 can be unlocked with ease.

We know Verizon can’t be happy about the news that their 4G LTE devices are being unlocked, rooted, and everything else but it seems that HTC has either come to terms with them or are just staying true to their word and are making this option available for all their devices. With new phones like the Rezound and old phones like the Thunderbolt all getting this treatment I think it’s time to focus our attention to Motorola — who mentioned doing something similar in “late 2011″ but we’ve not seen or heard a word from the big M.

Either way head down to HTCDev.com if you’ve not already and see if your device is on the list.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : ThunderBolt

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : Verizon

Announced Date : January 06, 2011

Release Date : March 17, 2011

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 4.30 Inch
• Resolution : 480x800
• Screen Type : TFT

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 4.75 Inch
• Width : 2.44 Inch
• Depth : 0.56 Inch
• Weight : 177 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 1400 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 330 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 2.3.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• 3GP
• MPEG-4 (MP4)
• WMV

Messaging:
• SMS
• MMS

Hardware

CPU : Snapdragon

CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz

Core : 1

Ram : 768 MB

Internal Storage : 8.192 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 8 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash
• 720p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Proximity

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Network Technology:
• CDMA

CDMA Band:
• 800
• 1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 2.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Cellular location
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

We have seen plenty of news regarding Apple and patents already and this could be another major patent that we will be seeing lawsuits stem from in the near future. Apple’s lawyers have been busy, especially with Samsung phones and tablets, but things could get a bit more interesting now they’ve finally been granted a patent on this revolutionary “feature”.

Remember, this was a new feature and while unveiling the new iPhone to the world this is what we heard:

To unlock the phone, I just take my finger and slide it across. Wanna see that again? We wanted something you couldn’t do by accident in your pocket. Just slide it across – BOOM.”, Steve Jobs

For now we don’t really know what to expect from this grant, or what Apple will do with it but I have a feeling it wont be pretty. Android has a very very similar slide-to-unlock manor now, it’s still similar yet slightly changed in Ice Cream Sandwich but I’m not sure that will be enough to save it from a possible lawsuit. The course this will take on Android is unknown, but we will probably be hearing plenty here soon. For more information regarding the patents head to USPTO.gov search engine and look up patent number 7657849.

[via SlashGear]

It’s nice to see HTC continuing to add devices to the list of their unlock program but I’m sure there are more than a few users wishing they’d move along a bit faster. Currently we only have the EVO 3D, Sensation, and now the Flyer as supported for unlocking. HTC did say they’d start with new releases and make their way backwards from there so hopefully phones like the Thunderbolt, Droid Incredible 2 and more start seeing the same freedom soon.

If you haven’t seen it, feel free to look over our HTC Flyer review then head over to this post to learn about Honeycomb for the Flyer. Android 3.2 Honeycomb is headed to the HTC Flyer soon and there is even a leaked rom available for those who dare. If unlocking is your thing, use the tools at HTCdev and try out the new Honeycomb ROM and be sure to let us know how it goes.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : Flyer [WiFi Only]

Manufactuer : HTC

Carrier : NA

Announced Date : February 15, 2011

Release Date : May 14, 2011

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 7.00 Inch
• Resolution : 1024x600
• Screen Type : TFT

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 7.69 Inch
• Width : 4.80 Inch
• Depth : 0.52 Inch
• Weight : 420 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 4000 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : 1470 hours

Software

Android OS:
• 2.3.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• 3GP
• MPEG-4 (MP4)

Hardware

CPU : Snapdragon

CPU Clock Speed : 1500 Mhz

Core : 1

Ram : 1024 MB

Internal Storage : 16.384 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 5 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• 720p Video Recording

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0
• A2DP

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

[via HTCdev.com]

What you’re actually looking at above and below is the app installed on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 – this is done because the tablet has instant screenshot capabilities which made taking such photos quite easy, but also to demonstrate how capable this app is of working on any Android platform. Agile lock is available on the market [as a free download on the Android Market] or you can get the paid version as well. What you’ll get with the paid version is a trade of one dollar and fifty cents for all the options under the sun.

There’s even a bug fix for those using CyanogenMod 7 – that means these developers are in the know, if you know what I mean. This lockscreen allows for four app shortcuts to be set above the unlock ring, each of them dragged into the ring resulting in them instantly launching. This is the same as the HTC version – where it differs is in the multiple options you’ve got for the screen above the shortcuts. You can add widgets galore – widgets that can be placed anywhere WITHOUT a grid restriction like the rest of Honeycomb, mind you.

You’ve gotta go grab this app right now. It works right out of the box to replace whatever lockscreen you’ve got, or you can easily shut it off, and it works on every Android version under the sun from what we can see at the moment: [Agile Lock on the Android Market] – go forth and unlock!

The decision reflects DOCOMO’s desire to meet the needs of customers who want to use unlocked wireless devices on other operators’ mobile networks by simply switching SIM cards, such as using a DOCOMO handset as a local device overseas.

Users can simply take their device to any Docomo store in Japan and sign a waiver agreeing that some services and features may be disabled when another operator’s SIM cards are used. They pay the $38 (3,150 yen) unlocking fee, and they’re done. NTT Docomo also advises that some phones may not be compatible with the Docomo network and vice versa and users are encouraged to confirm basic compatibility when they visit the Docomo Store.

What a great idea. Cellphone users are always trying to move beyond the exclusive 2-year contracts that lock them into a carrier they’d rather not be with in order to get the phone they want. Most just jailbreak or root their phones, but you know what? They really shouldn’t have to, especially if they pay full price for the phone. If more companies stood behind their product and focused on customer service, like NTT Docomo is doing, then maybe more customers would bring their phones to them, rather than lure them with subsidized deals that not only anchor them to a two year contract, but make them pay more for the phone than if they had just bought it off contract. Frankly, we applaud Docomo for making the move!

NTT DOCOMO to Remove SIM Lock from New Mobile Devices
— Also will provide SIM cards and micro SIM cards —
Products & Services

TOKYO, JAPAN, March 11, 2011 — NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that customers may request to have the SIM lock capability removed in principle from any DOCOMO wireless device newly marketed on or after April 1, 2011.

The decision reflects DOCOMO’s desire to meet the needs of customers who want to use unlocked wireless devices on other operators’ mobile networks by simply switching SIM cards, such as using a DOCOMO handset as a local device overseas.

To have SIM lock removed, the customer must take their device to any docomo Shop in Japan and sign a waiver acknowledging that certain services and features of the device and network might be disabled when another operator’s SIM card is used. The unlocking fee is 3,150 yen (tax included).

Also from April 1, DOCOMO SIM cards (“FOMA™ cards”) and micro SIM cards (“docomo mini UIM cards”) will become available on a subscription basis for people who wish to use a non-DOCOMO device on the DOCOMO mobile network or a different SIM card in their DOCOMO device. The cards will be free and customers will pay normal subscriber fees. People wishing to obtain a SIM card also must visit a docomo Shop with their mobile device.

DOCOMO devices may not operate with certain non-DOCOMO SIM cards even after SIM-lock removal, and certain non-DOCOMO unlocked devices may not operate with a DOCOMO SIM card. Basic compatibility can be confirmed when people visit any docomo Shop.

About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO is the world’s leading mobile operator and provider of advanced mobile services. The company serves over 57 million customers in Japan, including 48 million using i-mode™, the world’s most popular mobile e-mail/Internet platform, and 55 million using FOMA™, the world’s original 3G mobile service based on W-CDMA. As a leader in the development of cutting-edge mobile technologies, DOCOMO is continually expanding the role of mobile phones as versatile and highly personalized “lifestyle tools” for everyday life, including with a wide range of innovative services for mobile payments, GPS, mobile TV, multimedia content and much more. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. For more information, visit www.nttdocomo.com.

FOMA and i-mode are trademarks or registered trademarks of NTT DOCOMO, INC. in Japan and other countries.
FOMA service is only available in Japan.

The Samsung Galaxy S 4G is available for $150 with a two year contract from T-Mobile. It’s got a Super AMOLED screen, and runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) under Samsung’s TouchWiz. It’s 5MP camera can also shoot 720p HD video. Check out our hands on here.

[via XDA Developers]

The clever souls over at xda-developers have come up with a tool to extract said-codes from the .BAK files in which they lurk, and have put together a full guide on how to use it.  Since you don’t need to root the Galaxy S in order to unlock it, and there’s also a relock system, you can even restore the phone to as-delivered condition should you need to send it back to your respective carrier.

As ever, doing any modifications of this sort leaves you facing the risk of a bricked handset, but so far reports on the process seem positive.  It works on both the US versions of the Galaxy S – e.g. the T-Mobile Vibrant and AT&T Captivate – as well as the European Galaxy S model.

[via TechTicker]

As well as being SIM unlocked, the Developer G1 is also hardware unlocked, giving access to the root folders usually off-limits to consumer G1 handsets.  That’s where the paid-apps issue comes in: such applications are saved to a private folder on the G1, inaccessible to regular owners but not to developers, rather than encrypted with any sort of DRM.  That would allow users to copy the files and store them elsewhere, take advantage of the 24hr refund policy in the Android Market, and then replace the files from the backup to use the software again.  Google’s preventative stance appears to be based on the possibility that the Developer G1 could be used to spread pirated copies of paid-apps.

Bizarrely, though, it means that developers behind paid-apps are unable to even see their own software in the Market.  Meanwhile, unofficially unlocked T-Mobile G1 handsets are capable both of browsing paid-apps and accessing their supposedly-private files.  Google is yet to officially comment on the situation, aside from confirming that the change in policy was a recent one.

Employees over at Google didn’t experience a swell in their paycheck, but rather a “Dream Phone.” How many presents can you buy your family with a T-Mobile G1? Of course these G1s are not just your everyday run of the mill handsets, these have a special “droid” on the back to sweeten the deal. You can probably expect a lot of these “special edition phones” on Ebay in the next few weeks. This must be Google’s way of converting their team.

Google did manage to at least make these handsets unlocked so that team members can use any carrier they would like. There are a few countries that Google’s legal team could not “work their magic.” These countries include India, China, Brazil, Korea, Israel, Russia, Argentina, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Turkey, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Chile, and the Ukraine. The employees in those countries will receive the cash equivalent (about $400) in their December paycheck. Google has even attached a Q&A to the letter for anyone who has any more questions.

The full employee letter:

Googlers,

The holiday bonus is a Google tradition – it’s a great way to thank everyone for their hard work. In the past, we’ve done this in cash. This year, we’ve decided to give Googlers a different kind of present – a Dream phone (this is the same device T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) markets as the G1). We’re really excited about getting the phone to more Googlers in more countries, and also seeing all the cool new things you do with it.

Shipping these special edition phones in such a short time frame (they were designed especially for Googlers with a ‘droid’ on the back) and making sure they would work anywhere in the world was no small feat. So a big thank you to the Android and Legal teams for making this happen. While these phones do not have SIM cards, they are unlocked so they can be used with the network provider of your choice. Plus – thanks to more fancy footwork from the Android team – they’ll work immediately as WiFi devices!

Sadly, despite all our best efforts, there are some countries – India, China, Brazil, Korea, Israel, Russia, Argentina, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Turkey, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Chile, and the Ukraine – where even our legal team could not work their magic. Googlers in these countries will receive the cash equivalent of the phone in their December paychecks, which is about $400 USD. Overall though almost 85% of Googlers globally will be able to receive the phone – including the United States, Western and Central Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Japan.

The holiday gift team in your office will be sending out an email with logistical information on distribution shortly. We know that some of you are already on your holidays – don’t worry – your phones will be waiting for you when you come back! For more information, check out the FAQ here.

Some of you will of course be wondering why we decided to change from a cash bonus to the Dream phone. Here are the reasons. First, we’ve never developed anything like the Android software before and this represented a unique opportunity to celebrate that achievement. Googlers globally have been asking for the Dream phone and we’re looking forward to seeing all the different things that you do with them. This is a chance for us to once again dogfood a product and make it even better! Second, as we discussed in our email this week, the current economic crisis requires us to be more conservative about how we spend our money. We felt that giving the Dream phone would be a great holiday present – something we could all celebrate.

Thank you for all that you do to make Google the company that it is. We hope that you will enjoy using your Dream phone in 2009 and have a very happy holiday!

…and the Q&A that followed:

Q: What is the holiday bonus for 2008?
The holiday bonus is a Google tradition. In the past, we have chosen to make this a monetary gift. This year we decided to try something different: on December 19th, we will begin distributing free Dream phones to Googlers worldwide.

Q: I already have an Android phone. What happens to my holiday bonus?
These phones are a personal gift. We hope you will put them to good use! Please do not resell them as this is against Google [policy link removed].

Q: Why did we decide to give Dream phones as our holiday bonus this year?
The launch of Android was one of this year’s highlights for the company. When the Android phone was announced, Googler interest was extremely high – we had scores of TGIF questions, misc threads, and just general buzz about how Googlers could get a phone of their own. After seeing the amount of interest in the Android phones from Googlers, we agreed that every Googler should have one.

Q: Will all Googlers get phones?
It was a huge task to ensure that the phones would work around the world and we want to thank the Android team and Legal team for making this happen. We’re proud to say that almost 85% of Googlers globally will receive Dream phones, including Googlers in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Japan.

Q: I’m not getting a Dream phone because I don’t live in an eligible country. Do I still get a holiday bonus?
Yes, Googlers who live in countries where it was not currently feasible to distribute Dream devices will be getting a cash equivalent gift in your paycheck in December. This includes people in India, China, Brazil, Korea, Israel, Russia, Argentina, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Turkey, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Chile, and Ukraine. For more information, please see [removed].

Q: I do live in an eligible country. Can I opt for the cash equivalent gift instead?
Only those Googlers in countries where it was not currently feasible to distribute Dream devices will be getting the cash equivalent gift. All other Googlers will receive a Dream phone.

Q: Can I resell my phone?
Googlers should not resell any item given to them by Google. Please review our Personal Transactions policy [removed].

Q: Will I be able to take my SIM from my Google managed Corporate Mobile device (BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM)) and use it in my new Dream phone?
No, this is against policy and Google could incur significant overage charges. Placing a Blackberry SIM into a Dream device may cause the data plans to be disabled and break data for both the Dream and the Blackberry. Please review [link removed] for more info.

Q: Are there tax implications to this?
Google is covering the taxes for this gift; there will be an extra payroll run before the end of the year to cover the taxes. If you have further payroll or HR-related questions about this gift please email [address removed].

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]

Unlocking the G1 is very quick and easy, in fact anyone who can make a phone call can unlock their G1 with no trouble at all. Unlock-TMobileG1.com offers unlock codes for $22.99 USD. After placing an order including your IMEI code you will receive an eight-digit unlock code for your device.  Your IMEI number can be found by pressing *#06# in the dialer, or by going into your settings, selecting “About phone” and then selecting “Status”. The IMEI number then can be found about half way down, it is 15 digits long.

After you receive your unlock code you insert a non-T-Mobile SIM card and the G1 will prompt for an unlock code, enter the unlock code provided to you and hit unlock. You will then know the device is unlocked with a notification that reads “Network Unlock Successful”, it is as simple as that. We have found that with an AT&T SIM card the device would make and receive calls as well as send and receive text messages. Upon switching the SIM cards, the Gmail account was automatically signed out, when we entered the correct log in information it still would not log in. Needless to say the Android Market did not work either due to the fact that the Gmail account is needed. However this does not mean that it will not work, all tests have been done with the default network operator settings.  We want to thank our sponsors over at http://www.unlock-tmobileg1.com/ for helping sponsoring this contest.

To enter our contest, members must submit a photo showing their loyalty to Android Community in a creative way.  Some examples are: putting an Android Community logo on their car, wearing the AC shirt at a large event, carving an Android Community sculpture or even if you are fearless, getting an Android Community tattoo.  More information can be found here.

A user has sent over this video for us that demonstrates that the unlocking process actually works.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob32_fp24ag[/youtube]

The guys over at Love For Biz were able to convince a T-Mobile store in their area to sell them one after sales were not so good for the area. They report that there is no need for a store activation, the phone can be activated from home if you wish. The hard part is persuading a T-Mobile employee to sell one to you without a contract. Here are the steps to activating a T-Mobile G1 without first having an activated SIM card. (Note you will need to borrow and activated SIM card for only a few minutes.)

1. Insert friends activated T-mobile SIM into G1 along with battery
2. Power on and wait for setup screen
3. Go through setup process to link any Gmail account
4. Go to Settings > Wireless Controls > Wi-Fi Settings > Enable Wi-Fi
5. Connect to nearby Wi-Fi network if one is available
6. Optional: Stop the phone from syncing with Gmail account by going to Data Synchronization and unchecking Auto-sync, Gmail, Calendar, and Contacts
7. Once done, take out friends SIM card and insert unactivated SIM that came with G1

You may also use a prepaid T-Mobile SIM card to activate the G1. We do not see T-Mobile taking any measures to prevent this process as customers are paying the full price for the phone. Another thing to note, if you would ever like to change the Gmail account that was used to setup the G1 a soft reset is required and the process must be followed again.

Photo courtesy of Android Community member heyitsnan.

[Via Love For Biz]

And while this all has been confirmed as of this morning we also learned that the G1 would be locked to T-Mobile. And while it’s pretty standard these days for phones to be locked to specific carriers, it still raises some questions. For instance, can you truly have an “open” piece of software if it is officially restricted to just one carrier?

There’s already a thread going about the subject in our Forums and many seem to think there will be an iPhone-style rush to unlock the G1 in the coming days and weeks. Does this mean there will be a G1 Dev Team, too?

And while a mad dash to unlock the G1 still remains to be seen, the fact that we even have to have this conversation is a tad bit unsettling. After all, isn’t the entire point of an Open Handset Alliance to maintain an open attitude and allow for the free exchange of ideas for the betterment of the final product? That’s what I took it to mean, anyway.

What do you think? If the G1 is locked to T-Mobile can Android be truly allowed to grow to its fullest potential? Or am I just overreacting?