Microsoft appears to be taking a unique approach to Windows Phone 7 hackers, actively embracing those who jail break its operating system instead of suing.
Company staff met with hackers last week to discuss how to encourage development of third-party applications that run on its latest mobile OS, but which don’t go through the firm’s approval process, a spokeswoman told Wired.com.
The firm is keen to tap into a rich seam of home grown applications that will benefit developers as well as its new handset software, the site said.
One hacker, credited with being the first to break the software, was even given a t-shirt and a free handset.
The approach is in stark contrast to Apple’s strict controls over iOS applications, or the vendor’s unsuccessful attempt to have the breaking of its iPhone ruled illegal in 2009.