Peter Chou, HTC’s CEO and frequenter of Facebook, has been clear about his company’s upcoming bootloader unlocking policy: with great power comes great responsibility. With an upcoming web-based tool, enthusiasts will be able to use the Android SDK to generate an unlock code for their respective device that, once entered, will void “parts or all of your warranty.” Devices sold by carriers will come with locked bootloaders, and security must be explicitly compromised; the vast majority of customers will never want or need theirs unlocked.
It was quite clear that there wouldn’t be some consequences to the procedure, which once completed allows access to the deep depths of an Android device’s software, for flashing of custom ROMs and kernels, often pushing the hardware to the brink of its allowable speed. Most people who are used to Android rooting are all too familiar with bricked devices and lost data from unsuccessful software flashing, so it’s likely HTC are just covering their backs with this policy. Full excerpt after the below:
“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! “
