HTC says it will no longer lock the bootloaders on its devices
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As we reported, late last month Motorola announced that the unlockable/relockable bootloader found on the Motorola XOOM would be made available to the manufacturer's entire portfolio of phones by late this year. And now HTC steps up with this announcement. Chou, however, did not make it clear if the new unlocked bootloader would be seen on HTC's new devices or if the decision would mean that current models would be retroactively enabled with an unlocked bootloader. A bootloader helps load a handset's operating system. A locked bootloader prevents the user from loading his own or a custom OS onto a phone and makes "rooting" a phone nearly impossible.
HTC has a couple of high-end devices soon to launch in the U.S. like the EVO 3D for Sprint and the HTC Sensation 4G for T-Mobile. The latter has been considered one of the two hottest Android devices along with the Samsung Galaxy S II. As we told you, the Galaxy S II is expected to launch on three of the nation's top four carriers this summer (all but T-Mobile) and Samsung's device already will launch with an unlocked bootloader. The coming battle in the U.S. between the HTC Sensation 4G and the carrier specific versions of the Samsung Galaxy S II will be played on a more level playing field thanks to Chou's decision, and might even have inspired him a little, to make the announcement.
source: HTCFacebookpage via AndroidGuys
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13 Comments
1. Nothing_but_love (unregistered) posted on 27 May 2011, 02:15 0 0
Thank you HTC. You made a smart decision. ^__^
8. SuperAndroidEvo posted on 27 May 2011, 08:49 5 0
Again like I always said, HTC is the only company that actually listens to its customer/fan base. It literally took 2 days to change their minds & do the right thing. I wish most other companies across all the industries, not just the mobile industry see this as an example. HTC, I have never felt better about you. HTC Evo 3D here I come with no regrets what so ever. Can't wait to see what other great phones you have coming down the pipeline! HTC, we all win! Thank you!
2. StrumerJohn posted on 27 May 2011, 02:34 5 0
Does this mean the (HTC) EVO 3D will no longer have a "locked down bootloader"??? :D I might actually get that phone then.
3. AndroidTroll posted on 27 May 2011, 05:17 0 0
It has to mean that because he said "will no longer" and those phones haven't come out yet so they have to fall under that umbrella. This is fantastic news. Now for a release date already!!!
5. remixfa posted on 27 May 2011, 07:18 2 3
Tmobile is getting the hercules. It is a galaxyS2 with a slightly bigger screen and 42mb/s connectivity. We win again. :)
13. Kaylith (unregistered) posted on 27 May 2011, 15:38 5 0
You show me a reliable spot where T-mobe actually has 42mb/s speeds and I'll show you my magical rainbow unicorn machine.
15. Display name: (required) (unregistered) posted on 27 May 2011, 18:54 1 0
your magical rainbow unicorn machine pales in comparison to my mystical flying purple spotted elephant generator
6. Knicknevin posted on 27 May 2011, 07:25 1 0
Why can't more companies take hints from HTC.
HTC Runs a fantastic overlay to the android platform that does an excellent job enhancing the various functions. They make some serious quality products... and now this, they are pretty much telling the world. "It's your device, do with it as you wish"
Shouldn't companies want to be better?
Sidenote: I wish the Sensation had a Big Red Brother.
7. jacky_luvsjrod posted on 27 May 2011, 07:33 1 0
@remixfa yea u win for now. But in a year from now if T-Mobile gets bought out by at&t will u be saying the same thing? I just wanna know will u?
10. Mark (unregistered) posted on 27 May 2011, 11:04 1 0
You, CEO of HTC, are a pimp. May others learn from your example.
14. EvoHero posted on 27 May 2011, 16:55 0 0
Thank you, HTC, for deciding that the Google business model is better than the Microsoft model.
20. Shinpachikun posted on 02 Jun 2011, 10:59 0 0
It seems as if they really would like to lock there bootloader but there too afraid to lose sales so they have no choice but to keep it unlocked. It seems like they have no control like they would want with there devices but they can't afford to lose customers and sales so they HAVE to do what there customers say and want lol.
