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HTC Unlocks Bootloader For All of Its Devices

Posted by timothy on from the hunting-goodwill dept.

An anonymous reader writes "HTCDEV announced today: 'HTC is committed to listening to users and delivering customer satisfaction. We plan on releasing the updates that will allow you to unlock your bootloader in the coming months.' However, they do note this: 'It is our responsibility to caution you that not all claims resulting or caused by or from the unlocking of the bootloader may be covered under warranty,' and this: 'We strongly suggest that you do not unlock the bootloader unless you are confident that you understand the risks involved.' This looks like a new year gift to some."

41 of 133 comments (clear)

  1. This is good news! by americamatrix · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Congrats to HTC for actually knowing what their customers want and giving it to them.

    Hopefully some other companies follow suit as well!


    -americamatrix

    1. Re:This is good news! by bennomatic · · Score: 3, Insightful

      If other companies don't follow suit, this is a huge differentiator for HTC. Caveats aside, this will make it easier for their customers to reap the same advantages of updates that iPhone owners have had for a couple of generations. Of course, it's the same disadvantages, too. Most 3GS owners, for example, would suggest that their device's support of iOS 5 is, well, limited. Upgrading an old device to ICS may yield a similar ratio of unhappy people.

      Of course, they can always downgrade...

      --
      The CB App. What's your 20?
    2. Re:This is good news! by Severus+Snape · · Score: 2

      What their customers want (I am one) is software updates; fast with support of 2 years for top tier devices. This is a cop out, anybody interested in unlocking their bootloader can and has done without any help from HTC.

    3. Re:This is good news! by metamatic · · Score: 3, Interesting

      I'm another person with an HTC phone. What I really want from my next phone is Android without Sense UI crapping it up. Yes, I could get an HTC phone and put CyanogenMod on it, but I'd rather support manufacturers who give me what I really want without having to invalidate my warranty and mess with firmware.

      --
      GCHQ Quantum Insert installed. If only our tongues were made of glass, how much more careful we would be when we speak
    4. Re:This is good news! by Mordok-DestroyerOfWo · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I've always been happy with HTC and took it as a given that I'd have to find some way to unlock the bootloader on my own (thank you, XDA!). I figured that if a company ever trusted me enough to give me that kind of access on a competitive product I'd purchase my next phone through them. I don't think this will mean a whole lot more business for HTC, but it will make the existing ones much happier.

      --
      "Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right" - Salvor Hardin
    5. Re:This is good news! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

      Dude what? This is HTC copying what Sony Ericsson did months ago:

      http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/

      They even went further and released an ICS alpha build to the dev community before christmas!

      http://developer.sonyericsson.com/wp/2011/12/15/ice-cream-sandwich-alpha-rom-available-for-unlocked-xperia-phones/

    6. Re:This is good news! by PixetaledPikachu · · Score: 4, Informative

      I'm another person with an HTC phone. What I really want from my next phone is Android without Sense UI crapping it up. Yes, I could get an HTC phone and put CyanogenMod on it, but I'd rather support manufacturers who give me what I really want without having to invalidate my warranty and mess with firmware.

      But of course you can! Buy one of the nexus series phone, and you'll get the pure android experience and direct support from google for software updates. As for me, I recently switched from HTC Desire Z (which got stolen) to Nexus S, and I'm already missing the text reflow on the built in browser, pinch to switch browser window, the ability to force the phone to use 3G only (you need to enter certain code to get to that option on a plain android), HTC IME keyboard, and lots of other tweaks from HTC.

    7. Re:This is good news! by speculatrix · · Score: 2

      maybe what you want is G-Lite

    8. Re:This is good news! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      See, while I agree Sony did a cool thing with the Android issue...does it really negate all those douchey things they've done for years?

      They locked down the playstation so no more Linux.

      Every damn device they release uses their obnoxious memory card. It might be superior to the others it might not, but the difference is, it isn't standard. It's been around for a decade and still isn't standard. And it's expensive.

      They got hacked and basically gave no fucks.

      So I might buy an Ericson if faced with a choice, but I would probably buy the HTC. Just sayin'...

    9. Re:This is good news! by newcastlejon · · Score: 4, Informative

      SonyEricsson are not Sony, in the same way that SCEE aren't SME either. Yes, the whole brand has been tainted, but it's not necessarily because of anything the mobile phone guys did.

      --
      If God forks the Universe every time you roll a die, he'd better have a damned good memory.
    10. Re:This is good news! by SuricouRaven · · Score: 4, Informative

      "They got hacked and basically gave no fucks."

      Not true. They took countermeasures to protect against such an event occuring again. Specifically, they updated the PSN licence agreement to forbid users from bringing class-action lawsuits.

    11. Re:This is good news! by newcastlejon · · Score: 2

      Yes, I did actually know that Sony had bought Ericsson's stake in the venture, which is why I said this:

      in the same way that SCEE aren't SME either.

      All those hijinks that SCEE pulled with the PS3 and the rootkit-infested CDs that came from SME had nothing to do with with the guys happily sat way over in the corner making phones. There's bound to be a little overlap between SE and SME especially when it comes to the so-called Walkman phones, but as I said Sony's disgrace isn't a result of something that the people at SE have done.

      FWIW I didn't buy SE phones before and I certainly won't now. Before it was because I didn't care to use MS (that and I "upgraded" from a T68M to a T68i and saw the way the wind was blowing), but now it's because I won't have anything with Sony written on it. It's hard luck for the guys who had no part in it, but that's life.

      --
      If God forks the Universe every time you roll a die, he'd better have a damned good memory.
    12. Re:This is good news! by aztracker1 · · Score: 2

      Except being owned by the same umbrella company that *IS* a big media conglomerate... as if none of their technology decisions have been driven by the parent company in favor of the Media side of things.

      --
      Michael J. Ryan - tracker1.info
    13. Re:This is good news! by PixetaledPikachu · · Score: 2

      the ability to force the phone to use 3G only (you need to enter certain code to get to that option on a plain android)

      What code are you refering to? There is an check box option on the Nexus S to turn off 4G just like you can turn off wireless, BT, airplane mode etc..

      I'm on GSM network. On the DZ you can switch between GSM(Edge, 2G)/WCDMA(HSDPA, 3G) auto switch, GSM only, WCDMA only, or turn off mobile data completely. On vanilla android you can only switch between WCDMA/GSM, lock it to 2G, or tun off mobile data. Option for forcing the phone to stick on WCDMA can be accessed via hidden menu called "Phone info". To get to the "phone info" menu, either type "*#*#4636#*#*" or create the shortcut using app such as Any Cut

    14. Re:This is good news! by initialE · · Score: 2

      The moment their masters find out what they gave away instead of selling (it doesn't take a lot of persuasion if you know the correct marketing speak) you're going to see a lot of corporate turnover. That's why, even though you're not Sony, as long as you have to answer to them, the taint will get to your product sooner or later. And that's a good reason to avoid buying anything attached to their brand.

      --
      Starbucks, Harbuckle of Breath.
    15. Re:This is good news! by stephanruby · · Score: 2

      Caveats aside, this will make it easier for their customers to reap the same advantages of updates that iPhone owners have had for a couple of generations.

      I hope not.

      If Android tried to match the iOS development cycle in speed, we'd all still be on Android 2.0.1.

      That's not a good analogy.

  2. In other words, we hate updating software by blahbooboo · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Like most hardware manufacturers, they are trying to get out of updating and maintaining software since it's a loss for them. Unlocking lets the whiners who notice or care about updates go play and leave HTC alone to abandon the handsets after ~12 months post release. It's the real challenge Android has versus WebOs, Windows Phone, and iOS. (Yes, I know get a Nexus, but Google abandoned their first phone already too)

    1. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by InterestingFella · · Score: 2

      And what exactly is the limiting factor? What new features of Android limits the release of new versions to the device? There isn't one. The OS haven't changed that much the features wouldn't run on older phones.

    2. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by oakgrove · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Like most hardware manufacturers, they are trying to get out of updating and maintaining software since it's a loss for them.

      So, you're saying HTC is using this as an excuse to not update their software? Last I checked if an OEM doesn't want to update, they just don't. They don't need to throw any bones. You're reading way too much into this.

      Unlocking lets the whiners who notice or care about updates go play and leave HTC alone to abandon the handsets after ~12 months post release.

      So people that want to use their devices with their own software are "whiners" now? I thought they were paying enthusiastic customers who might or might not have a trusted opinion their less tech savvy friends and family might be relying on to make future smart phone purchases.

      It's the real challenge Android has versus WebOs, Windows Phone, and iOS.

      Normal people don't care about updates or unlocked boot loaders. Do a poll of the next 100 Android users you see and see how many of them even know what version of Android they are on and if there is a newer version than what they have. You will find that the vast majority don't know and will be more annoyed by the question than anything else because they just don't care. Updated competitor handsets is not what Android has to worry about. Android has the formula down pat. Give the customer the features they want at the price they are willing to pay. That's it. In that arena, only windows phone has a hope of competing in any time soon if they can get the price of the handsets down with some cheap SOCs. Until that happens, Android will reign supreme as it has for a while now and the dominance will only accelerate because the formula ain't changing anytime soon.

      --
      The soylentnews experiment has been a dismal failure.
    3. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by mounthood · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Like most hardware manufacturers, they are trying to get out of updating and maintaining software since it's a loss for them. Unlocking lets the whiners who notice or care about updates go play and leave HTC alone to abandon the handsets after ~12 months post release.

      Divide and conquer: complain when it's locked; complain when it's unlocked. If their update process is the problem, why are you complaining about unlocking the boot loader, which lets you update when you want? Your problem isn't fixed by this change, so you're complaining about this change?

      I want to *own* and control the hardware I buy. Unlocking is about more then just an update schedule.

      --
      tomorrow who's gonna fuss
    4. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by Yetihehe · · Score: 2

      USB Host mode (you could connect some usb h/w to your phone). Not every older phone supports it and new software may not help if usb chip doesn't support this. That is the case in my Samsung Galaxy 551.

      --
      Extreme Programming - Redundant Array of Inexpensive Developers
    5. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by Imagix · · Score: 2

      Installing on SD card wouldn't be convenient.

      What's your point? I wouldn't have a problem installing on the SD card that came with the phone. Heck, it's never _left_ the phone, might as well be welded to the mainboard.

    6. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by swb · · Score: 2

      I'd agree that handsets need a longer lifespan, but it seems like the handset hardware development moves pretty fast and the software seems to follow, using up the capabilities of the new hardware that I'm not sure what the workaround for this is outside of totally remaking handset software so that its modular enough to jettison high-performance features to run on older hardware.

      My sense is that it's kind of a fact of life in the smartphone world that whatever you have now is kind of obsolete 12-18 months later, at least if you expect all the features for the current OS release to work on older hardware.

    7. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 2

      Last I checked if an OEM doesn't want to update, they just don't.

      And then they get a lot of criticism from a very small percentage of the user base. This move costs them very little and allows them to all but eliminate the criticism. And still not pay for updating Android.

      I wonder what Netflix will do.

      --
      My God, it's Full of Source!
      OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
    8. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by AdamJS · · Score: 2

      Actually, they did abandon it. The day before they said (officially) that the N1 wouldn't be getting the update, was one in which they STILL touted the "If it supports X, it will be able to use ICS" and "of COURSE the Nexus One will be getting the update!" line.

      And then there's the whole redirection with HTC (go to him! No, go to him!) regarding customer support, even with actual Android issues.

    9. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by hansamurai · · Score: 2

      What's Netflix have to do with anything? Their app runs fine on my Evo 4g with Cyanogenmod 7.

      --
      Reviewing just the first hour of video games.
    10. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 2

      What's Netflix have to do with anything? Their app runs fine on my Evo 4g with Cyanogenmod 7.

      Netflix won't stream HD content to devices that don't have a locked bootloader (see the stories about the recent B&N tablet). The HD streams have much fewer blocking artifacts, not just higher resolution. HTC makes some tablets that could use this.

      --
      My God, it's Full of Source!
      OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
    11. Re:In other words, we hate updating software by chrb · · Score: 2

      Every manufacturer abandons old phones. There is no phone that will get manufacturer supported updates forever (I will be very surprised if MS is still supporting updates for all of the existing WP phones in even 5 years). Once you accept that fact, the question becomes: how long do you personally require updates for? If you actually do require updates beyond the manufacturer's support period, then you will need to rely on community software, and so far only the Android community is doing that. If you don't require updates beyond the manufacturer's support period, then you can rely on that.

  3. @Motorola - hope you're paying attention! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Hopefully Motorola will also be "committed to listening to users and delivering customer satisfaction" and do the same.

  4. Let's hope this becomes a trend by Mithent · · Score: 2

    Let's hope that other manufacturers also do this. (Right now, I'm looking at you, Asus, though I'm sure my gaze will wander...)

    1. Re:Let's hope this becomes a trend by Microlith · · Score: 2

      I know, let's hope us having control over our own hardware becomes a trend, rather than the obvious reality it should always have been.

  5. All devices? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    That includes Windows Phone devices too? Or this is one more example of /. "journalism"?

    1. Re:All devices? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      What's a "Windows Phone"?

    2. Re:All devices? by beano311 · · Score: 3, Informative

      Actually, it doesn't even include all of their Android phones either, take a look at the link. The Amaze 4G, EVO 3D, EVO 4G, EVO Design, EVO View 4G, Flyer, MyTouch Slide 4G, S710d, and Sensation are the only phones listed. Also worth noting is that you have to register a developer's account and send your device ID to HTC to get the proper unlock file back. While allowing users to unlock their phones is great, I'll stick to the traditional method of using third party tools.

    3. Re:All devices? by Atzanteol · · Score: 2

      News that matters. Nobody cares about Windows Phones.

      --
      "Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge"

      - Charles Darwin
  6. Man up, Motorola by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Now, if only Motorola can do the same, I'd be a lot happier with the Atrix I'm posting this from. (I love the gigantic battery in this thing, but I don't want to be stuck with Gingerbread on a premium phone that's only a few months old).

    1. Re:Man up, Motorola by mlts · · Score: 2

      The Atrix has a method of unlocking the bootloader. The Atrix 2, on the other hand, it is still locked, and only yesterday did a FXZ flash appear, so someone who soft-bricked their device can restore it.

      I wish Motorola would follow suit.

  7. Not ALL devices, also, leaves a record by kav2k · · Score: 5, Informative

    All devices? It only applies to "All HTC Android devices launched after September 2011". Also, tho process means they will have a record of a certain device requesting such unlock, possibly affecting warranty.

  8. Good job HTC by milbournosphere · · Score: 3, Informative

    I'll be in the market for a phone in the next few months...I'll remember this.

    1. Re:Good job HTC by swanzilla · · Score: 4, Funny

      I'll be in the market for a phone in the next few months...I'll remember this.

      +1 Fascinating

      --
      0 = 1 + e^(Alt something)
  9. Their unlock process calls home by friend+function · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It worries me that their unlock process calls home for an auth token.