Say what you will about the Android community, but when it comes to some users, they sure like to whine. Take these new Evo 3D and Sensation users who, once again, took to HTC’s Facebook page demanding and making all kinds of threats for HTC to make good on their “unlocked bootloader promise.” What really irks me is that these people haven’t even had their device for more than a few days and rather than celebrate, they’re ready to make good on their 30 day return window.

Rather than keep quiet, HTC actually provided a response to one lucky Facebook user stating,

We are diligently working to ensure that we do this right. When everything is finalized, we will make an announcement on Facebook. Thanks for your patience.

I should note that HTC never specifically mentioned anything about the Sensation and Evo 3D in their unlocked bootloader “future device” plans. Both these devices were pretty much all shipped and ready for retailers once the announcement was made and would have cause a huge delay (and further uproar) for both these devices if sent back for unlocking. But I suppose some people are never happy and no matter what, always feel entitled to things. Keep in mind, although the unlocking process seems easy enough, I’m sure there is a chain of command that most likely involves running all the in’s and out’s of the update by the carriers first. Also, I would much rather HTC focus on prompt OTA’s involving better battery life and bug fixes for the time being.

But while the rest of the world is complaining, I will continue to wait patiently for the update all the while enjoying and showing off my new Evo 3D to the world. Take your time HTC, work on bug fixes and I appreciate your new stance towards unlocked bootloaders. For the time being, the fact that you’re working on it, is good enough for me.

Android Phone Fans

We reported yesterday that the leaked Gingerbread build for the Motorola Atrix could be unlocked. Using the files from the leaked build, Android tweakers have figured out a way to unlock everyone’s Atrix.

There are some that believe that Motorola never intended to unlock the bootloader with the Gingerbread release and there are others who say they have confirmation from Motorola that they will. We will find out for sure in the near future, but for now if you have an Atrix you can start loading custom ROM’s

Instructions after the break

Read More…

Motorola Atrix bootloader now unlocked, No need to wait for Gingerbread

Android News, Rumours, and Updates

According to Engadget it appears that HTC will be shipping yet another device with its bootloader on lock down.  The HTC Evo 3D will join that of the Thunderbolt, Incredible S and the Sensation 4G.  However, to give you some glimpse of hope, earlier today HTC stated on their Facebook page that they are in the process of “reviewing the issue and our policy around bootloaders”.  Hey, for now, we’ll take it.  Hopefully, like AT&T, HTC will listen to what the masses are saying and will reconsider their current position.  What do you think?  Feel free to plug away in the comments below.

EVO 3D, Yet Another Bootloader Shipping Locked, But HTC Reconsidering Policy After All

Android News, Rumours, and Updates

Motorola said they’d be trying to meet developers half way when it comes to encrypted bootloaders on their devices. Many interpreted this to mean that most or all of their future devices would be encryption free: this moderator at Motorola’s support forums says to not assume that and to wait for official word from Motorola as any announcements will be device specific.

Today, though, they’ve tweeted that the Motorola XOOM will indeed be hackable as it’ll employ a lockable/unlockable bootloader that’ll allow developers to access the hardware however they want.

We all assumed this would be the case considering it’s stock Android 3.0, but now there’s no question. And while I’m sure this wasn’t what you folks had in mind in your initial uproars regarding Motorola’s encryption practices (we’re sure you were talking about their MOTOBLUR phones), it’s definitely something. Let’s see what else they’ll hit us with as the weeks and months move on. [Thanks Trident, Adam!]

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Despite Motorola continually making some of the hottest Android handsets – and the pattern continues with the Atrix – some of the most passionate Android fans refuse to become customers because of a “locked bootloader”. Manufacturers locking their bootloader essentially prevents rooting, and when one YouTuber expressed their displeasure, a MOTO employee uncharacteristically shot back, saying:

if you want to do custom roms, then buy elsewhere, we’ll continue with our strategy that is working thanks.

As you can expect, this wasn’t exactly well received by the general Android-loving public. However, the haste of one employee isn’t reflective of a company and Motorola has promptly attempted to patch the problem on Facebook:

Props to the way Motorola is handling the ordeal. They could have just deleted the comments and pretend it never happened. Nope. They manned up and posted an apology. Not only that, but they also announced they’re working on a solution to bootloader annoyances that irritate so many ROM devs and rooters.

Hopefully they follow through on that last tidbit, but until then, nice job turning it around. How do you think this will play out? Just lip service to make your forget their foul-up or will they follow through on the bootloader business?

[Thanks, Trident!]

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One of of the best Droid developers in the game, Stephen Bird, recently  had a chance to dig into the Droid X system dump and confirmed what many of us had feared.  Yes, that’s right, the Droid X is locked down Motorola Milestone style, locked bootloader and all.  In fact, it is the same encryption that is locking the Droid X bootloader that is locking the Motorola Milestone bootloader.

So, what exactly does this mean? Well, basically there is a good chance that developers will get root access, but custom ROMs will be damn near impossible.  Milestone developers have been hacking the encryption for over 6 months now and have come up with very little. Custom ROMs probably will not happen I am sorry to say.

As depressing news as this is, are you still going to buy the Droid X? Would you buy a phone you couldn’t root?

Source: Android Police

NOTE: Droid X Bootloader Encrypted, Custom ROMs Probably Not Happening originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

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View full post on AndroidGuys

As we’ve always suspected, Motorola’s looking to apply a nasty (in the eyes of developers like the ones from XDA) trend to their latest handsets, and the Motorola Droid X is no exception. The bootloader’s a necessary component in being able to jump into a phone’s recovery to flash custom ROMs. While root may still be possible (some devices can attain root without having to jump into the bootloader), it would only be good for using some of those root-only applications in the Android market (which isn’t the worst thing in the world.)

Now, only time will tell if the Droid X proves to be as difficult to crack as the Motorola Milestone – the international version of the original Droid which is still being worked on as of today.

[Twitter via AndroidPolice]

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