Google has new program to sell Android phones directly to developers. The Android Dev Phone 1 is both SIM-unlocked and hardware-unlocked. SIM-unlocked indicates you can use it on any GSM carrier you want. Hardware-unlocked indicates you can run any system you want on the phone, not just officially signed ones. No a lot more need to worry about safety patches taking away your root access.

The device is $399. You will need to purchase it through the Android Market as a registered developer (a $25 fee). We wonder how long before the unsigned bootloader starts getting flashed to T-Mobile phones.

Two new Android phones have surfaced recently which may verify just as friendly: the Kogan Agora pro and the QiGi i6.

UPDATE: While shipping is complimentary in US, it is exceptionally expensive anywhere else. Yes, we gotten one.

[via Techmeme]

[photo: tnkgrl]