HTC
is delivering on its promise of providing unlocked bootloaders for some
of its Android smartphones but it comes with a big caveat – the
official process too, could result in the warranty getting void! In
essence, what HTC is saying is its bootloaders will come locked by
default but it will provide a web tool to users later this month that
would enable them to unlock it. However, the process carries the same
risks as unlocking it on your own and could result in the warranty or
parts of it getting void. We can understand from HTC’s point of view
that once the bootloader is unlocked then it cannot control what a user
does with it (and it could lead to a bricked device) but if that’s the
case, it should not have promised ‘unlocked bootloaders’ in the first
place. Hit the break to read what HTC has to say.
Since our last update, many of you have asked how the
bootloader unlocking process will actually work, and in particular why
HTC’s most recently released devices still have a locked bootloader.
Rest assured we’re making progress toward our goal to roll out the first
software updates in August to support unlocking for the global HTC
Sensation, followed soon by the HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile and the HTC
EVO 3D on Sprint. Because unlocking the bootloader provides extensive
control over the device and modifications may cause operation, security
and experience issues, new devices will continue to ship locked but will
support user-initiated unlocking using a new Web-based tool.
So how will this work? The Web tool, which will launch this
month, requires that you register an account with a valid e-mail address
and accept legal disclaimers that unlocking may void all or parts of
your warranty. Then plug in your phone to a computer with the Android
SDK loaded to retrieve a device identifier token, which you can then
enter into the Web tool to receive a unique unlock key via e-mail.
Finally, apply the key to your device and unlocking will be initiated on
your phone.
We’re excited to bring bootloader unlocking to developers and
enthusiasts, and we feel this new Web tool will meet your needs and
continue to provide customers with the best experience. Thanks to the
community for supporting these efforts!
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