Nexus One developer supplies dry up

 

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By Stewart Mitchell

Posted on 20 Aug 2010 at 10:26

Android developers wanting to test their handiwork on Google's official developer handset will have to get in line after supplies of the unlocked company's Nexus One device ran out.

Two weeks ago, Google named the Nexus One it's official developer phone for Android developers, after calling time on public sales of the phone last month.

Developer demand surpassed expectation and anyone wanting to debug their work on the handset will have to wait until supplies are replenished.

“We think it’s a good development platform and a nice phone. Apparently, you agree. Somewhat too many of you,” said Tim Bray on the Android developers blog. “We blew through the (substantial) initial inventory in almost no time, and they’re back-ordered from HTC, who are doing a pretty good job of managing runaway success amid a worldwide AMOLED shortage.

“Everyone appreciates that it’s important to the platform to get phones in the hands of developers, so we’re working hard on re-stocking the shelves; stand by.”

Although any Android-powered device can be used as an environment for running, debugging, and testing applications via the SDK, developers apparently prefer the official handsets.

According to the Android team, developers could alternatively use the Android Dev Phone, which is available through Android Market, if logging in through a developer's account.

“Both phones are SIM-unlocked so that you can use them on any GSM network using a SIM card,” the Android blog says. “The Android Dev Phones also feature an unlocked bootloader so you can install custom system images for developing and installing custom versions of the Android platform).”