Google has issued an update for the unlocked version of the Android phone, which is made specifically for developers.
The company said on Monday that owners of the Android Developer Phone 1 (ADP1) will now be able to get the 1.1 version of the Android software. Google already issued the 1.1 update for retail devices a few weeks ago.
The update contains several bug fixes for issues that involve the alarm clock, device sleep, POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) email, and email notification. It also adds new features such as the ability to save MMS (multimedia messaging service) attachments and voice search.
Google also worked out a compromise when it comes to access to paid applications for developers. Instead of blocking all users of the unlocked ADP 1 from reaching the paid applications on Android Market, Google will only block those applications, regardless of whether they are free or paid, that use Google's copy protection.
The argument is that, unlike the consumer version, which is sold exclusively for T-Mobile's network, the open device that developers use allows users to copy applications. And because Google can't enforce protection even for copy-protected applications on the open device, the company is blocking access to all copy-protected applications.
"Many developers are concerned about the unauthorised redistribution of their applications, so they make use of the copy-protection feature (known as 'forward locking') which prevents applications from being copied off devices," Dan Morrill, developer advocate for Android, wrote in a blog. "However, developer phones like the ADP1 allow for unrestricted access to the device's contents, making it impossible to enforce copy protection."
Morrill explained that, as a result, "the market application on such devices is not able to access copy-protected apps, whether they are free or paid. If you choose to add copy protection when you upload your application to the Android Market, then you won't be able to test it on the ADP1's Android market client".
