Back in early December, the developers behind ChevronWP7, agreed to remove the unlocking/jailbreaking app that allowed for sideloading apps. At that time, the developers of ChevronWP7 issued this statement:
Through this discussion, we established a mutual understanding of our intent to enable homebrew opportunities and to open the Windows Phone 7 platform for broader access to developers and users.
To pursue these goals with Microsoft’s support, Brandon Watson has agreed to engage in futher discussions with us about officially facilitating homebrew development on WP7. To fast-track discussions, we are discontinuing the unlocking tool effective immediately.
It appears that meeting is taking place as early as tomorrow. Long Zheng tweeted that both he and Rafael Rivera are in Seattle for the scheduled meeting with Microsoft. The first Windows Phone 7 Update will effectively break ChevronWP7, but it will be interesting to see if Microsoft has any plans to support homebrew.
UPDATE: Looks like this meeting is taking place today as per Long Zheng.
I wonder how serious MS is in discussing this topic. This meeting my be as simple as a personal C&D discussion with what to expect legally if it doesn’t. I hope not; many good apps are out there that will never see the light of day if something isn’t agree to with Homebrew apps and MS.
We certainly wouldn’t have that many people in the room from the right team if this was a simple C&D meeting. The Chevron team has been acting in good faith, and as stewards of the community. So far so good. Lots of good discussion, and great feedback.