Home › News ›

HTC to Unlock Bootloaders on Future Android Phones

May 26, 2011, 8:59 PM by Eric M. Zeman
updated May 26, 2011, 9:01 PM

HTC today announced via a post on its Facebook page that it will no longer lock the bootloaders on its Android devices. Unlocking the bootloaders will make it easier for customers to root their devices and install custom system software. HTC CEO Peter Chou said, "There has been overwhelming customer feedback that people want access to open bootloaders on HTC phones. I want you to know that we've listened. Today, I'm confirming we will no longer be locking the bootloaders on our devices. Thanks for your passion, support and patience." HTC didn't provide specifics on which phones will ship with unlocked bootloaders, nor if the policy will apply to devices already in customer hands.

Engadget »

Related

Google Intros Pixel Buds Pro

May 11, 2022
Google today announced the Pixel Buds Pro, the company's first wireless earbuds with ANC (active noise cancellation). Like most competing buds, they offer a Transparency Mode that lets you hear your surroundings if you wish.

Android 13 Will Bring Improved Privacy, Personalization

Feb 10, 2022
Google today released Android 13 Developer Preview 1, with several new features that consumers can expect to see in Android 13 in the second half of this year. First, a new " photo picker " will let the system sit between apps and the user's content library, enhancing privacy.

iOS 16 Revamps the Lock Screen

Jun 6, 2022
Apple today announced iOS 16, the next version of its core software for iPhones. The new OS features a major revamp of the Lock Screen with new personalization, including font & color options, and widgets that are similar to complications on the Apple Watch.

OnePlus' First Foldable Aims High

Oct 19, 2023
OnePlus has launched the OnePlus Open, its first foldable phone. The flagship-class phone has top-end specs, going head-to-head with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Google Pixel Fold in both design and features.

Google Making Maps Location History Private, Even from Police

Dec 15, 2023
Google is changing how Maps stores your location history, moving it on-device by default and encrypting it when saved to the cloud. This change means even Google can't access that data, which also means Google will no longer be able to respond to "geo-fence" warrants from police wanting to know who was in a given area at a given time.

more news about:

Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

tjobrien21

May 31, 2011, 11:46 AM

Nice, but...

Nice, but will the carriers just lock 'em back before giving us the phones?

island-guy

May 26, 2011, 9:54 PM

Wonder how warranties will come into play now

This is huge. Motorola has the death grip on their devices and here HTC does this....i'm just wondering how they're gonna change their policies regarding the warranty on their products. Definitely gonna turn more heads with this

Jayshmay

Stupid qustion for you. Does having an unlocked bootloader make rooting easier?

Thw evil controlling ass carriers probably won't allow this.

...

T Bone

The only reason the license says anything about voiding the warranty is because the devlopers are trying to cover their asses, they are worried that if someone roots their phone, and something goes wrong, they will blame the developers.

Realistical...
(continues)

...

timmy23

My best guess will be that they will have a huge disclaimer that says that any irreparable damage done to the device because of rooting, flashing custom ROMs, over/underclocking the processor, etc. will completely void the warranty. It is easy to do ...
(continues)

crackberry

May 26, 2011, 11:51 PM

I'm thanking Eric Lin.....

...... Even if he had nothing to do with it 😎

phatmanxxl

The ceo got a call that chuck norris was on his way

motodude69

WernerCD

May 27, 2011, 3:56 PM

Why?

Why announce this AFTER I get a motorola phone? **** on a shingle...

Page 1 of 1