Verizon Wireless Lies to Customers

We knew that it would happen sooner or later. Hackers have finally found a way to use jailbreak software to crack the Windows Phone 7. This means that you can now bypass the Windows Marketplace and “sideload” apps.

Unlike the software that’s available to crack iPhones, the application for the Windows phone crack is free. The company that created released it into the public domain in early December, 2010. You should be able to find it with a quick Google search.

The hack, the software, and the company are all going by the name “ChevronWp7″. The software does what’s known in iPhone parlance as a “complete crack”. It breaks the phone out of Bill Gate’s heavy handed control, and allows you to put applications that have been developed by 3rd parties onto the phone. (This process is called “sideloading”). As with most phone cracking software, all that is required is a PC or Mac and a cable to tether the phone to the computer.

Controversy

The guys at ChevronWP7 are saying that the tool is only meant for sideloading experimental apps. Obviously, though, the app will be used extensively for app piracy, the same as what’s happened with the iPhone.

Microsoft, however, is furious. Their Windows Marketplace is still growing, and pales in size when compared to Apple’s Apps Store. Microsoft fears that developers will get the sense that piracy is rampant. This would be very bad news for them, as it could stunt the development and growth of the Marketplace due to programmers being discouraged from making new apps.

“Attempting to unlock a device could void the warranty, disable phone functionality, interrupt access to Windows Phone 7 services or render the phone permanently unusable.” – This was the statement that Microsoft put out in a Press Release through their Senior VP of Marketing.

However, everyone knows that this is just posturing, as ChevronWp7 will let you restore you phone to factory defaults at any time.

Using software to hack phone was made legal in the US earlier in 2010. One problem is that it can “brick” your phone, although with most jailbreak applications, this is easily remedied. Microsoft is taking a harder line, and is reportedly developing the ability to shutdown any phone remotely, so jailbreak with care.

If you’re interested in mobile phone hacking, check out Vladimir Serrels blog on jailbreak software, and some of his other work on the best jailbreak software.