-
- G1 released on September 23, 2008
- Initial hacks discovered during firmware mishap
- Telnet root access hack killed with update RC30
- Firmware rollbacks possible using SD card as boot loader
- Debian Linux and LXDE, a full x-windows OS can be loaded on the G1
- G1 can be used as an automatic garage door opener
-
-
The T-Mobile G1 was introduced in September 2008. The phone features the Google Android operating system. This was the first smart phone seen to be a direct challenge to the Apple iPhone. Within days of it's arrival, hacks for the G1 began to surface online.
-
G1 Fast Facts
- Retail Price: $179
- Includes 1GB of storage, supports up to 8GB
- Available colors: Black, brown and white
- Features seamless integration with Amazon MP3 Store
Background
While the G1 uses Google's Android operating system, which is technically open source software, hackers are still trying to crack the G1's firmware in order to run different operating systems and produce software for the phone that is unofficial or lacks official support. Progress was made rather rapidly on the G1 hacks, thanks in part to a code malfunction that allowed users to enter and run Linux commands, allowing hackers access to the root directory via the telnetd program. While this particular back door was shut down during a firmware upgrade, methods have been developed by hackers that still allow users to roll back their firmware versions in order to access the root directory.
