T-Mobile releases SIM unlock app
In its seemingly never-ending quest to be the nation’s most consumer-friendly carrier (and gain lots of new customers in the process), T-Mobile just released the new “Device Unlock” app, which does exactly what it sounds like: It unlocks phones so that they can be used with any carrier and any SIM card. (This is not to be confused with jailbreaking, rooting, or unlocking the bootloader – this all only SIM-unlocks phones.)
Currently, the app only works with the Samsung Galaxy Avant, which is a low to mid-range Android device that retails for $216 off contract. The UI seems incredibly simple, offering users both a permanent and temporary unlock solution. The permanent unlock is to be used “if you would like to permanently request that your device be unlocked,” while the temporary option is for customers who “intend to travel internationally and use another local carrier’s GSM service.”
Currently, if you try to install this on any other Android devices, you’ll be met by a screen that your device is unsupported. However, T-Mobile will most likely open this up for wider availability very soon, so it definitely won’t hurt to have it installed and ready to go, just in case.
