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Google Dev Phone 1 Banned From Paid Apps
ScrewMaster points out an short article according to which purchasers of the G1 Android phone's developer-oriented variant will be out of luck if they want to buy apps from Google's application store. "Google is not going to allow programmers who have purchased the Dev Phone 1 to purchase paid apps from the Android Market. I just signed up as a G1 developer, and was about to plunk down the $399 for a Dev Phone 1, but now I'm going to have to think about it. I know that Google is interested in preventing (cough) 'piracy,' but does this seem like the right way to go? I know the Dev Phone 1 is primarily a developer's tool, but I would like to actually use the thing, and not have to spend another $180 from T-Mobile for a regular G1 just for the privilege of buying software." I hope this isn't true; the unlocked G1 looked like a pretty cool phone, especially (being unlocked) for travel to countries where pre-paid SIM cards are the norm.
- Google allows you to return apps up to 24 hours after purchase for a refund.
- The Dev phone allows total access to the restricted location where purchased programs are stored. It is restricted to prevent copying.
- It is entirely possible to copy the contents of the restricted folder on the Dev phone once a program has been purcahsed, then return the app.
- It can then be distributed and modified at the Dev's wish, against the licensing terms of the app.
It is the wrong way to go about it, but let's be honest; The only thing which they can test with purchasing is the install mechanism, and they can do that anyway. They already have their app.
Finally had enough. Come see us over at https://soylentnews.org/
You're banned only from using apps where the apps are only available from the Google store, and which cost money.
Wrong! Any application can be marked, "protected", including free applications. Some free applications are marked protected.
The rest of your post is non-sense as it is based on incorrect assumptions.
From what I can tell, this article isn't true! I have a developer phone and have purchased apps within the last week, and right after I read this, I went and purchased another app. So don't know why the guy thinks developer phones can't. Peace, -Nick
I could be mistaken, I haven't tried this, but perhaps this is the firmware colonslash is referring to.
interactive hologram, or it didn't happen.
I could be mistaken, I haven't tried this, but perhaps this is the firmware colonslash is referring to.
Yes - that's the link. I installed the no device checks version. For those not reading the entire thread, this lets me see paid apps on the Android Market with a developer g1.
Like it's been said before in the comments, it is only the default dev phone firmware that cannot download paid apps. the phone itself is not locked out from downloading.
this firmware for example will allow paid app downloads. http://andblogs.net/2009/02/new-adp1-update-official-with-google-voice-and-more/
google developers DO NOT need to spend more money than the average consumer
T-mobile will unlock the G1 for you. If you've been a customer for more than 90 days, they will provide the SIM unlock code for you. T-mobile is the best at doing this.
I confirm this story is bunk, and anyone who is carrying this story should be ashamed (I am looking at you Engadget and Slashdot).
Go and download "holiday_devphone-userdebug 1.1" image, paid apps will show up fine because it has the features of the Tmobile g33 firmware required to see paid apps. I shouldn't need to google that for you...
The thing is, the ADP1 does not come with support, the original ADP1 firmware does not update automatically. As a developer and ADP1 owner one should be able to keep up with the news and figure this stuff out for oneself.