An app to allow Windows Phone 7 users to jailbreak their devices is due for launch, according to reports.
Windows Phone 7 Device Manager, created by developer Julien Schapman, is expected to be released after Microsoft's first Windows Phone 7 update.
It will allow users to side-load their homebrew applications, as well as manage applications and create device backups.
Schapman has created a jailbreak tool for Windows Phone 7 before, in the form of ChevronWP7, but Microsoft has managed to find a fix for the bug which allowed the unlocker to work.
"My unlock method is similar to that of ChevronWP7 in the way they both use a fake registration server, but my method is different and more reliable," said Schapman, in an email to WinRumors.
"For example it automatically detects when a WP7 is plugged in and will check if this is a registered developer phone, if not it will register it once and for all, so the device will never re-lock like with ChevronWP7."
It seems the ChevronWP7 team, rather than working against Microsoft, has been in touch with the Redmond giant to help users get their own creations on Windows Phone 7 devices.
The developers met up with Microsoft recently, according to a blog posting, to discuss homebrew support.
"We discussed why we think it's important, the groups of people it affects, its direct and indirect benefits and how to manage any risks," the ChevronWP7 blog read.
"With that in mind, we will work with Microsoft towards long-term solutions that support mutual goals of broadening access to the platform while protecting intellectual property and ensuring platform security."
The two sides have even agreed to collaborate on supporting homebrew developments once ChevronWP7 is prevented from working, following the next update.
Microsoft has not yet revealed when the update will arrive, but it is expected to be issued within the next two months.
"We appreciate Microsoft's outreach, genuine interest and involvement in this matter and we hope the community can understand we're working towards a win-win scenario," the team added.
