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Motorola PHOTON 4G won't come with unlocked bootloader out of the gate, after all

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By Daniel Petrov

Published: Jun 10, 2011, 2:44 AM

Motorola PHOTON 4G won't come with unlocked bootloader out of the gate, after all

Asked directly if the newly announced high-end Motorola PHOTON 4G world phone for Sprint will be available with unlocked bootloader, which will simplify developers' efforts to create custom ROMs for the Android handset, the company answered the following:

"Motorola has recognized the passion around this topic in our communities. As we’ve previously communicated, it is our intention to include the unlockable/relockable bootloader in software releases starting in late 2011, where operator and channel partners will allow it. However, this feature is not included in the software found on PHOTON 4G...

It will not contain the unlockable/relockable feature; additional details beyond that will be available when the product comes to market. As you mention, our intent is to enable this feature on devices later this year and we will share updates on that as they become available as well."

So it looks like even with the latest and greatest handsets from Motorola, unlocked bootloaders will be no-show until any firmware or OS updates in late 2011, which could as well mean in time for Android Ice Cream Sandwich. Oh, well, a bit more headaches challenges for the custom ROM crowd until then.

source: DroidLife

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Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena from 2010 to 2025, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.