DFT releases "Freedom ROM", independence for all supported HTC devices

Just a few days ago we had the very first custom ROM for the HD7 come from ansar of XDA-Developers fame, which included the nice perks of instant update to Mango and a built-in Chevron unlock. Now DFT (the ones behind the tools that make all of this possible) has decidedly one-upped ansar's effort and have revealed their own "Freedom ROM". While the latter only supported one specific European type of the HD7, DFT is promising that all of the devices their HSPL/RSPL tools support can flash this ROM meaning every HTC Windows Phone except the Sprint Arrive and Verizon Trophy.

What are you getting out of the deal?

• Mango build 7713 (a build ahead of developers)
• ChevronWP7 unlock
• Clean stock ROM (no carrier apps)

Not too shabby if we do say so ourselves. It's pretty much the same thing as ansar's work, just available for more devices. So if you're ready to give the adventurous new world of Windows Phone hacking a try, check out the official thread over at XDA-Developers Forum.

Via: Windows Phone Hacker, WPCentral
Source: XDA-Developers

First Custom ROM crashes the scene, allows HD7 to upgrade to Mango Beta seamlessly (Update: Now Available!)

Exciting news Windows Phone fanatics! DFT's hard work to create the RSPL/HSPL tools for custom ROMs on HTC Windows Phones appears to have finally paid off. ansar.ath.gr over at XDA-Developers says he's created his (and possibly the) first custom ROM for the HTC HD7. It's not just a useless 'proof of' thing either, as Ansar has promised his ROM will allow the HD7 to upgrade to Mango Beta 2 directly through Zune! Also the ROM jailbreaks the HD7 to allow sideloading of apps (presumably for NoDo only unless you follow steps to preserve it). Very cool stuff.

Here's the full message from the thread:

Dear forum members,


YES!!!


I successfully created my 1st custom ROM for the HD7 Windows Phone with the new HSPL by cotulla

I used as a base this ROM:

RUU_Schubert_HTC_Europe_1.69.401.01_Radio_5.54.09. 21_22.33b.50.10_NoDo_by_ansar

The custom build is has the ability to be unlocked and to upgrade to MangoB2 thru zune

In my next build i will try to include mango and dfrouter for those not sync to zune

Thanks to my giant friends ervious, mamaic, bepe and cotulla

I hope to upload it today and some day to create an hspl too!!


Till next version enjoy!!

Regards, ansar

As you can tell, he's just as excited as you are to share this incredible milestone with the world. So where is the ROM? Ansar has promised to upload it and release it later today so we'll be watching for that download link. Stay tuned!

Update: It's available now! Click on the source link to go get it! Also just a note, the 'unlocking' of the device means it is jailbroken, not that the SIM is unlocked. Sorry about the confusion and we've corrected the article.

Source: XDA-Developers Forum

DFT releases Custom ROM tools for HTC Windows Phones, enters unknown territory

Some huge news out of the Windows Phone development world today: the Dark Forces Team (DFT) have released RSPL/HSPL tools for a slew of HTC Windows Phones. For the common Joe that may not mean much, but these tools should be the gateway for developers to create custom ROMs for Windows Phone. The tool currently supports the Pro 7, Mozart, Surround, Trophy and HD7 and specifically does not support Verizon's Trophy or Sprint's Arrive (we're assuming AT&T's HD7S is supported since its identical to other HD7's).

While Windows Phone doesn't suffer from the normal symptoms (like uninstallable carrier apps) that usually inspire custom ROMs to be developed, there are still plenty of arguments in favor of this happening. Those perks include being able to flash updates instead of going through the somewhat laborious process of backing up your phone's contents, adding new customization options like new accent colors, changes to the operating system's behavior, and more.

However, these are only the tools to create custom ROMs so it may be a while before we get to see some really cool new stuff available for download. Still, this is exciting new territory for Windows Phone and we cannot wait to see what kind of creative changes and additions inspired developers can come up with.

Via: Windows Phone Hacker, WPCentral
Source: XDA-Developers