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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.

5 of 134 comments (clear)

  1. Important points by L4t3r4lu5 · · Score: 4, Informative

    - 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.

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    Finally had enough. Come see us over at https://soylentnews.org/
  2. Re:device not banned by BiggoronSword · · Score: 5, Informative

    I could be mistaken, I haven't tried this, but perhaps this is the firmware colonslash is referring to.

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    interactive hologram, or it didn't happen.
  3. Re:device not banned by colonslash · · Score: 4, Informative

    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.

  4. Unlocking the phone by goaliemn · · Score: 4, Informative

    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.

  5. Re:device not banned by alphamerik · · Score: 5, Informative

    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.