Google Android’s unlocked version is available for developers for $399 (+one time $25 registration fee)
. The Android Dev Phone can be used in any of the compatible networks (unlike G1)
The device ships with a system image that is fully compatible with Android 1.0, so you can rely on it when developing your applications. You can use any SIM in the device and can flash custom Android builds that will work with the unlocked bootloader.
This is a move to tap the ever growing developer interest in building mobile apps (for iPhone as well as Symbian).
..developers will also be able to distribute paid apps in addition to free apps. Developers will get 70% of the revenue from each purchase; the remaining amount goes to carriers and billing settlement fees-Google does not take a percentage. We believe this revenue model creates a fair and positive experience for users, developers, and carriers. – blog
Essentially, the real price of unlocked phone is $399 + $25 + shipping charges (on an avg., it will cost you $500)
If you are a mobile developer/startup in India, would you be interested in trying out your hands @ Android? Do you see a big opportunity in Android market (vs. iPhone/Symbian?).
Do share your opinion.
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I’m very much looking forward to getting one from my cousin. Giving out an unlocked phone is a good strategy from Google’s part. They should have done the same with the T-Mobile G1s.
To me, Android is a much more attractive platform than iPhone SDK.
Why? What makes you think so? iPhone has a larger CPM (so you can easily monetize)
Well, it depends very much on the business model of the application. I think Android is more technologically capable and it’s architecture excites me.
@Gubbi: Yeah, I do see a couple of reasons why you say that. But if you realise what might happen in the future, you might not be that interested. Because Android is a open source OS, you will find so many open source (if not open source, freeware) solutions for almost every commercial product out there. And most probably, I see it as a parallel to Linux in PC business. How many commercial applications do we see that support Linux OS and how many do we see for OSX and Windows?
If we draw a similar comparison, I would say iPhone apps are more commercially viable as the AppStore is a platform where everyone is actually trading their apps for money. But the Android Market platform is more like showcase for developer brilliance, though we might see commercial apps. This is just my point of view.
How many commercial applications do we see that support Linux OS and how many do we see for OSX and Windows?
It’s no more a race to build applications. It’s to build services and grab as many users as possible. Especially so in the case of mobiles.
In the SAAS sector, the more the Open Standards the better.
Indeed it’s a great point that you have made here. But, for a SaaS model, we should already have a cloud app working model and Android would be a supplement to the app rather than as a major cloud puller. And it again depends on the kind of app you have!
Am I missing something here?
I agree that it depends on the kind of app and that it would be a supplement. Some applications are very well suited for a mobile interface and dynamics than for PCs or laptops. And I believe Android gives more ability to exploit the mobile environment for such kind of applications.
I think as mobile environment is getting more and more enriched, developers are looking increasignly towards mobile presence than for desktops.
For non-SAAS applications, there would be lots of duplicate/similar apps anyway, whether it’s a proprietary platform or open.
No, it will cost you more than that. Mobile India says it will come to $649 as the shipping to India is $225 Details here… http://mobile.broadbandindia.com/2008/12/google-android-phone-cost-649.html
I’ve ordered one. It will cost $624 including shipping and import duties.
I would like to know if i ended up getthing this phone is there a way to convert it to the regular G1 from tmobile. im not a delevoper but i would like to get this as a gift for my wife? because she loves the phone so much? would that b possible? to mayb intalled the facotry OS on it
Hi,
I am resident of India. But right now i am in US. I am planning to buy a Google Dev Phone 1. But I will be using it in India once i am back to India after 2 months.
If I buy it in US, can I use it in India? My suspect is on 3G band currently used in India (BSNL/MTNL) or soon to be used (by airtel / vodaphone).
Can any one clarify this?
just want to know can I acess market With international sim card . In asia through. Gsm,3g , Edge or wifi ? i m in cali rite now . I m. Traveling india I would like to know that . so i can take my g1 with me get sim unlocked and use their pre paid sim ? do bsnl provide apn setting ?
PHONE IS NOT WORKING WITH AIRTEL ONCE ITS LOOSE NETWORK THAN ITS NOT COMING BANK WITHOUT MANUAL SEARCH
PHONE BATTERY ONE WORKING ONT EVEN FOR ONE DAY
How much it cost in INR?