developeredition
Latest
Samsung's Galaxy S5 now comes in a tweaker-friendly Verizon model
Fancy a Galaxy S5 on Verizon, but still want the freedom of tweaking your smartphone to your heart's content? Today's your lucky day. Samsung has just released a Developer Edition of the Android smartphone that's built for Big Red's network. The device is largely identical to what you'd find in the local carrier store, including branding. You're just getting an unlocked bootloader that will make it easier to install unofficial firmware. This special GS5 is also expensive at $599 contract-free, but that's what you'd shell out for the regular Verizon model on similar terms -- if you're already willing to pay full price, you might as well get more control over the device you buy.
The new HTC One is available in Google Play and Developer editions
Do you lust after the machined-aluminum body of the new HTC One, but hate locked bootloaders? Would you rather vanilla Android instead of Sense? Well, good news: It'll be available in both a Developer and Google Play edition. The Developer version is the same device you're able to get from your carrier, more or less, except that it'll be SIM unlocked and you'll be free to flash whatever software or ROM you want. The Play Edition obviously forgoes all that Sense business, and instead will ship with a relatively unmolested copy of Android 4.4.2. We say relatively because it will be able to take advantage of the One's Duo Camera, which requires tapping into HTC's APIs. Both will be available for pre-order today, March 25th, with the Developer edition selling for $650 direct from HTC's site, while Google will be hawking the Play edition for $699. Update: The Google Play Edition of the HTC One (M8) is available right here.
Motorola lets unlocked Developer Edition handsets keep their warranties, reinstates old ones
If you're one of a few who obtained a Developer Edition handset, you're likely the type who'd want its bootloader unlocked so that you could tinker with it as you so please. Unfortunately, requesting such an unlock code would often void your warranty, which seems rather strange and unfair. Motorola has thankfully seen the errors of its ways and has recently agreed to let anyone who's purchased a 2012 or 2013 Developer Edition handset -- that includes the recently released Moto X -- to keep their warranties even after requesting an unlock code. Further, that warranty is actually retroactive, which means warranties that were previously voided due to the unlock request are reinstated as of today. And if you've messed things up beyond repair, Moto has agreed to post return-to-factory software images for those Dev Edition handsets to let you make a fresh start. It's good news all around for developers keen on dabbling with Motorola's latest, which hopefully means better things for Google's P&L sheets. Interested parties can head on over to the source link below for more on the company's changes to its Developer Edition program.
HTC One gets bonus Google Drive storage as Sense 5.5 update rolls out abroad
Google is taking a page out of Dropbox's book and offering free extra storage for certain HTC One handsets. The HTC One Max got 50GB of storage space out of the box, but we've been tipped that those with the handset's smaller sibling will net an additional 25GB of room in the cloud, all thanks to the international Sense 5.5 (and Android 4.3) update that readers have already started receiving in Europe. These expansions are in addition to the complimentary 15GB of Drive space available to all Google users, bringing the allotted storage totals to 65GB and 40GB for the One Max and One, respectively. There are a few caveats, though. According to Mountain View, the HTC One Developer Edition isn't eligible for this due to its unlocked bootloader. Furthermore, you can only activate this promo once per Google account, which rules out gaming the offer to get even more space. Got all that? Good -- there's a quiz later. [Thanks, Jakub]
GSM Moto X dev edition brings unlocked bootloader on AT&T, T-Mobile for $650
A couple of days ago Motorola introduced the Developer Edition of its new Moto X for Verizon and as promised, it's followed up with one for GSM networks. If you're into running custom software, this is the one to buy if you want a Moto X on AT&T (it's also compatible with T-Mobile's LTE) thanks to its unlocked bootloader. Otherwise it's the same as the earlier model, with "Developer Edition" branding on the back and 32GB of storage inside. You'll have to live without Moto Maker customizations, but picking this one out of the sudden rush of Developer Edition models available may be the toughest part.
Moto X Developer Edition for Verizon now available for $650 (update: GSM and Droid Maxx details)
If you've been pining for the freedom of the Moto X Developer Edition, you can now pick one up. Motorola has started selling the Verizon model for $650; the company also lists a GSM version, although it's currently out of stock. Regardless of which version you buy, you'll get the same ROM-friendly unlocked bootloader, 32GB of storage and that unmistakable Developer Edition imprint on the back. That's a lot to pay for a Moto X that you can't even customize, but it may be worthwhile if you simply have to tinker with a smartphone made in the USA. Update: Motorola has since mentioned that the GSM version will be available on Friday; a Droid Maxx Developer Edition is launching today. And if you're a Sprint customer, you don't have to worry -- your version already has an unlocked bootloader.
Moto X 32GB Developer Edition teased, 'coming soon' with unlockable bootloader
Motorola is getting in on the Developer Edition trend too. The Moto X's "ways to buy" page has been updated to include a version of the flagship handset with an unlockable bootloader and 32GB of storage, as noticed by Droid Life. What's more, the dev edition will sport a custom look with a gloss black face, white crosshatch battery cover and "DEVELOPER EDITION" engraved on the lower back portion. You might be able to achieve similar results yourself with the Moto Maker, though. It's also worth noting that the Moto X was available with the aforementioned unlocked bootloader on Sprint, U.S. Cellular and T-Mobile, but perhaps this could open up the unlocked love for Verizon and AT&T. We've reached out to Motorola for pricing and availability info and were advised that an update will be coming "soon."
Samsung Galaxy S 4 Developer Edition for Verizon now shipping for $650
Samsung's online listing for the Galaxy S 4 Developer Edition is back, and now you can actually follow through on a purchase. The device, currently available for Verizon customers, can be yours for the princely sum of $649.99. This isn't the Google Edition running stock Android that we first heard about at I/O; instead, the Developer Edition includes the TouchWiz UI and Android 4.2.2, but ships with an unlocked bootloader, letting you play around with custom ROMs and the like. Add it to your cart at the source link below.
Samsung Galaxy S 4 Developer Edition coming soon to AT&T and Verizon
Samsung will be releasing developer editions of the Galaxy S 4 for AT&T and Verizon, according to the company's site. At least for now, the phone will only be offered in Black Mist, and internal storage is listed as 16GB. It's not clear exactly when the devices will come to their respective carriers, but they likely won't be offered with a subsidy when they do. For those considering purchasing Sammy's latest flagship handset, this offers an alternative to the several variants across service providers, not to mention the stock Jelly Bean version announced at Google I/O. Hit up the source link for more info.
HTC One $649 64GB Developer Edition pre-orders start at 10AM ET, ship later this month
Last month HTC announced the SIM and bootloader unlocked Developer Edition of its new One would be available at the same time as regular carrier versions, and it's held to that promise. Tonight it tweeted pre-orders will begin the morning of April 5th at 7AM PT / 10AM ET, a day after AT&T's list opened and the same day as Sprint. While there was no mention of ship or regular sale date, Android and Me reports being told by company reps at today's Facebook event that sales will begin April 19th, which it confirmed to us in a subsequent tweet. We're sure you'll cherish the hours / days left to decide if parting with $649 is worth having that 64GB metal-backed wonder (no, it is not transparent, this is just a rendering) to yourself without the phone company's interference.
HTC One Developer Edition announced, $649 with SIM and bootloader unlocked
HTC is getting into the Developer Edition trend -- a compromise necessary since CEO Peter Chou's plan to stop locking bootloaders entirely didn't stick -- as it's announced tonight that a variant of its new One that will be available with both SIM and bootloader unlocked. Due to arrive in the US at the same time as the standard carrier versions, it will keep the same powerful specs and slick design (no, the case is not transparent) we loved in our review, but without the restrictions. One thing it's missing? AWS HSPA/WCDMA access, which should limit its opportunities on T-Mobile until it rolls out LTE service. The price is $649 up front and it will ship in "limited quantities," so we'd figure that's just one more thing to keep in mind before the next Galaxy S is announced on Thursday.
Samsung to release Verizon developer edition Galaxy Note II
Samsung gave devs an unlockable version of its Verizon flavored flagship, the GSIII, mere months ago, and now the Korean firm has seen fit to do the same for its phablet. That's right, folks, you'll soon be able to get a dev edition 16GB Galaxy Note II with all that amazing VZW branding you know and hate love. Of course, while the product page is live on Sammy's site, it hasn't announced availability or pricing for this freed Note II, but we do know it'll have that beautiful 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED screen and come with Android 4.1. So, it appears we won't be getting everything we wanted for Christmas this year, but it's nice to have something to look forward to.
Samsung Galaxy S III Developer Edition for Verizon Wireless now available to order
Ever since the bootloader of the Galaxy S III for Verizon Wireless was cracked wide open, there's much less of a clamor for the Developer Edition of the handset from Samsung. That said, the unsubsidized smartphone is now available to purchase -- for backorder, anyway -- directly from the manufacturer, which gives all owners the ability to easily unlock the phone's bootloader and thus delight in the world of custom ROMs. As of now, only the Pebble Blue variant is available, but purchasers may choose from the 16GB ($600) or 32GB ($650) versions. We still maintain that Verizon Wireless gave its subscribers a pretty raw deal with the Galaxy S III, as all other carriers left it to the owner's discretion of whether to unlock their phone's bootloader. We wouldn't expect Big Red to change its tune any time soon, but you can take solace knowing that the hacking community and manufacturers have your back.
Mobile Miscellany: week of September 10th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, C Spire Wireless activated its first LTE networks and we discovered strong indication that Isis will leverage the GSMA's SIM-based NFC standard for its mobile payments system. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of September 10th, 2012.
Galaxy S III Developer Edition for Verizon appears on Samsung's website
Fans of unlocked bootloaders rejoice! It looks like the landing page for the Galaxy S III Developer Edition for Verizon is now live on Samsung's website. As you'll recall, Verizon is the only US carrier to sell the handset with a locked bootloader -- something that's not sitting well with us, developers, custom ROM aficionados and other tech enthusiasts (you know who you are). Thankfully, Samsung recently announced it would offer a special version of the handset with an unlocked bootloader on its website for $599. While there's still no info on availability, you'll at least be able to purchase the 32GB model in blue at some point soon. No word on the 16GB or white options, or whether the $599 pricetag applies to this blue 32GB version. We'll keep you posted when we find out more -- in the meantime, follow the source link below for the details.
Samsung brings out Galaxy S III Developer Edition for Verizon, answers the call for an unlockable bootloader
We didn't have too many reservations about the Galaxy S III for Verizon in stock form. Anyone who's been eager to load new firmware, however, has been up in arms over the particularly locked down bootloader that Big Red (but no other US carrier so far) demands. Enter the Galaxy S III Developer Edition. The new, direct-from-Samsung variant will have all the CDMA and LTE a Verizon subscriber could want, but with the option to unlock the bootloader for as much customization as serious Android fans might stand. As you'd anticipate, the catch is simply who takes the hit if something goes wrong: brick the phone and you're likely looking at an expensive phone call to Samsung rather than a trip to the local Verizon store. Regardless, those who like Verizon's network but don't believe its claims about 'dangerous' unlocked phones can get the best of both worlds soon -- as long as they're willing to spend the $600 off-contract once the Developer Edition is ready in the near future. Check after the break for Samsung's official Q&A on the subject.
