The Android Dev Phone (ADP) is a SIM-unlocked and bootloader unlocked Android device that is designed for advanced developers. While developers can use regular consumer devices purchased at retail to test and use their apps, some developers may choose not to use a retail device, preferring an unlocked or no-contract device.
The Google Nexus series was the de facto successor of Android Development Phones,[1] with the Google Pixel series coming after.
On December 5, 2008, Google announced the Android Dev Phone 1, a version of the HTC Dream.[2] The Android Dev Phone 1 was a SIM-unlocked and bootloader unlocked device that was designed for advanced developers. The device shipped with a system image that was fully compatible with Android 1.0. It was possible to use any SIM in the device and one could flash custom Android builds that would work with the unlocked bootloader.[3] Unlike the bootloader on retail devices, the bootloader on the Android Dev Phone 1 did not enforce signed system images. The Android Dev Phone 1 also appealed to developers who live outside T-Mobile geographies. The device itself cost $399 (USD) (including free shipping in the US).[4] Google stated that "The Android Dev Phone 1 devices are not intended for non-developer end-users. Because the device can be configured with system software not provided by or supported by Google or any other company, end-users operate these devices at their own risk."[3][5]
Applications developed for distribution on Google Play allow the developer to enable copy protection which prevents the end user from copying the application from the phone. Because the Android Dev Phone allows unrestricted access to the OS, this copy protection is disabled. If the developer enables copy protection on their application, then the application does not appear on Google Play for the Dev Phone.[6]
The device was available for purchase in 19 international markets, including United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, India, Canada, France, Taiwan, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Egypt and Hungary.[3]
The Android Dev Phone 2 was a hardware unlocked version of the HTC Magic.[7][8] The Android Dev Phone 2 was a SIM-unlocked and bootloader unlocked device that was designed for advanced developers. The device shipped with a system image that was fully compatible with Android 1.6. It was possible to use any SIM in the device and one could flash custom Android builds that would work with the unlocked bootloader. Unlike the bootloader on retail devices, the bootloader on the Android Dev Phone 2 does not enforce signed system images. The Android Dev Phone 2 should also appealed to developers who live outside T-Mobile geographies. The device itself cost $399 (USD) (including free shipping in the US)."[5]
The device is available for purchase in 21 international markets, including United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, India, Canada, France, Taiwan, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Austria, Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Egypt and Hungary.[9]