Google has launched a version of the HTC Dream specifically for developers that wish to field test applications on actual hardware without relying on the SDK emulator or access to T-Mobile service.
The Android Dev Phone is notable for featuring completely unlocked GSM/UMTS hardware and an unlocked bootloader with Android 1.0 for development access to desired hardware on the device while featuring the same specifications as the consumer version without the carrier lock or restricted bootloader as found on the T-Mobile G1.
While Google touts that the T-Mobile G1 can be used for development in its retail form, it should be noted that this device is not recommended for consumers without some knowledge of firmware programming and image creation as the device ships with support for unsigned application execution and open firmware writing capability for loading different Android builds.
All that is required in order to purchase the device is a $25 application fee for the Android Marketplace along with registration information, and the device can be purchased directly from Google for $399.99 with a strict limit of one per individual or organization.
A total of 18 countries including the US, UK, Germany, Japan, India, Canada, France, Taiwan, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Poland, and Hungary will receive access to the hardware with future expansion planned to other countries down the line.
Whats NOT stated is that this phone does not have GPS support.
,Michael Martin
http://www.googleandblog.com/
Reply do my email I sent regarding the GPS topic.
The handset does have GPS and the track order button is to be used once the order ships. Thank you
Android Dev 1 Customer Service Team
If this is coming directly from the provider then I stand corrected.
I believe at first they were to be without GPS, apparently this was overruled in the end.
,Michael Martin
http://www.googleandblog.com/
I would gather that the Developer Phone would have the same hardware as the commercial version with the only difference being the open bootloader and unlocked GSM/UMTS radio, especially since the killer app for the device besides Android itself is the GPS transceiver and compass.
Michael, I would suggest doing more research next time before making such assumptions instead of operating from poorly sourced rumors.
Mea Culpa.
I did my due diligence on that as the initial feature list did NOT include GPS and when alerted that it was not it was LATER added.
This was the initial feature list of the phone:
Hardware Features
* Touch screen
* Trackball
* 3.2 Megapixel camera with auto focus
* Wi-Fi
* Bluetooth v2.0
o Handsfree profile v1.5
o Headset profile v1.0
* 3G WCDMA (1700/2100 MHz)
* Quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
* QWERTY slider keyboard
* Includes 1GB MicroSD card (Can be replaced with up to 16GB card)
* Included in the box
o HTC Android Dev Phone 1
o USB Cable
o AC Adapter (with US plug)
o Stereo Hands-Free Headset
o Battery
o Getting Starting Guide
o 1G Micro SD Card (inserted into Device)
,Michael Martin
http://www.googleandblog.com/
Living in Canada I plan on having have a Rogers data plan, and I’ve looked around to find that Rogers doesn’t offer 3G on the 1700/2100 bands. Is there a way of getting 3G on the 850/1900 bands, or is that a hardware issue?
DIRECT FROM A GOOGLE ANDROID ENGINEER – The G1 / And Dev Phone 1 only has 3G hardware for 1700 and 2100 MHz, which means that no amount of software will change that.
,Michael Martin
http://www.googleandblog.com/
Hi,
I am from India.
Since its available in India I want to know if I can use my SIM on this phone?
If yes I also want to know if I can use only GSM or only CDMA sim?