On Friday, Google announced that it would be offering a fully unlocked android device to aid programmers and developers in their efforts to create android applications and updated firmware versions. The phone comes with both SIM and hardware unlocked and a boot loader which does not restrict the device to running only officially signed versions of the firmware.

Developers previously were forced either to attempt hacks to the T-Mobile G1, or to attempt porting the software to devices not specifically designed to run android. Koolu.com began selling an unlocked version of the Openmoko Freerunner in November which is also targeted at developers.

Google has made it clear that this phone is strictly for developers as neither the software nor hardware is designed to support consumer use. The phone is available for $399 after registering as a developer with the android market, which carries an additional one time fee of $25.