LockedBootloader
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LG Optimus G comes with locked bootloader, might not be cause for panic
We're fans of the LG Optimus G, although the custom ROM lovers among us might want to tamp down their expectations after this. We've confirmed comments to Android Central that the late 2012 flagship has a locked bootloader much like the Optimus 4X HD and Optimus Vu that went before it -- any serious experimentation with a typical carrier variant could at least require jumping through some hoops, if it's possible at all. It might not matter much for the sort who cares about bootloaders, though. If statements by other LG staffers are more than just wishful thinking, there could be a Nexus variant of the Optimus G next week that's as good as a blank slate for modders.
Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablets are likely to be hack-resistant
If you were counting on getting all imaginative with the firmware on a new Fire or 7-inch Fire HD, you might want to check out a recent forum post over at XDA. Written by user kinfauns with input from another XDA regular called pokey9000, it concerns evidence that -- unlike the original Kindle Fire -- both of these devices come with more sophisticated protection, including locked bootloaders and the use of "high security" features offered by Texas Instruments' OMAP processors. Such discoveries probably won't inspire the same degree of outrage as certain other locked devices, considering how Amazon is understandably focused on its own ecosystem and advertising, but they might still count as a disadvantage against the pure Android Nexus 7. The XDA thread ends with only the merest hint of hope -- the potential for a workaround similar to what's been used on the Nook Tablet -- but it's hope nonetheless.
Atrix HD continues locked bootloader tradition, may be set free... eventually
Motorola's record on the whole smartphone bootloader thing is a tad spotty. The world has been promised unlocked bootloaders and, sometimes, the manufacturer has delivered. After the phones have already been on the market for some time, of course. Continuing that trend, will be the recently revealed Atrix HD. The 4.5-inch AT&T-bound phone will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors, the Atrix 4G and Atrix 2, by shipping without the ability to touch the kernel. Of course, that means that not only are custom kernels out the window, but so are custom ROMs as a whole. There is some good news, however. Moto indicated via its Twitter account that an unlock tool would be coming, saying "our goal is still to provide a way to unlock the bootloaders on our devices to those who wish to do so, more details to come." So, that's gotta be worth something.
Verizon support blames Samsung for locked bootloader in Galaxy S III (updated)
Verizon cleared up its stance on locking the bootloaders in phones using its network earlier this year. In short: it encourages OEMs to do so, to keep its network humming along as Big Red feels it should. Well, it seems that VZW Support is telling a different story, as it's laid blame for the Galaxy S III's closed bootloader squarely at Samsung's feet, claiming that it's locked "per the Manufacturer." Now, that doesn't explicitly state that VZW had no part to play in denying users access, but it surely seems like this is a game of PR pass the buck to us. Of course, as we reported earlier, there's a workaround to be had by rooting the GSIII, which revealed a vulnerability allowing non-stock ROMs to be flashed to the device. But it's only a partial workaround, as the kernel's signed and implementing a full custom ROM experience is neither for the unskilled nor the faint of heart. We reached out to both Verizon and Samsung for comment on the matter, but have yet to hear back. While you wait for official word, feel free to check out the ongoing conversation at the source link below. [Thanks, @supercurio] Update: Seems that Verizon's still singing the same tune it was back in February, claiming that unauthorized software brought by open bootloaders could harm the overall network user experience: Verizon Wireless has established a standard of excellence in customer experience with our branded devices and customer service. There is an expectation that if a customer has a question, they can call Verizon Wireless for answers that help them maximize their enjoyment and use of their wireless phone. Depending on the device, an open bootloader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers. It is always a delicate balance for any company to manage the technology choices we make for our branded devices and the requests of a few who may want a different device experience. We always review our technology choices to ensure that we provide the best solution for as many customers as possible.
Verizon Galaxy S III has locked bootloader (but it's been rooted anyway)
Based on Samsung's hacker-friendly track record, you'd generally expect one of it smartphones to come with an unlocked bootloader, making it easy to update or tweak with unofficial ROMs. That's not the case with Verizon's imminent version of the Galaxy S III, however. As the folk at XDA know only too well, this particular iteration of Sammy's flagship comes with a sealed bootloader, which makes it resistant (though not impervious) to hackery. Of course, Sammy has nothing to gain from snubbing the modding community in this way, so it stands to reason that VZW pushed the Korean manufacturer to supply them with a locked bootloader -- despite the fact that all other variants have been left open. We've reached out to Big Red for comment, but in the meantime a clever soul over at Rootzwiki claims they've already found a workaround for root access. (At this point, though, we'd better provide our usual disclaimer: be very careful before you poke around in there, because going up against a locked bootloader can be risky. The apparent safety of modern life is just a shallow skin atop an ocean of blood, guts and bricked devices.)
Verizon lets loose its stance on locked bootloaders in letter to the FCC
All sorts of Android manufacturers have had to answer for the locked bootloaders in their devices, and now we've gotten a bit of insight into Verizon's view of the subject. It seems Big Red has responded to a formal complaint one customer filed with the FCC for the carrier's policy of allowing handsets with locked bootloaders on its network. Apparently, open bootloaders would allow users to make changes to their phones and use software that "could negatively impact how the phone connects with the network" and "the wireless experience for other customers." So, there you have it folks, Verizon encourages OEMs to lock down handsets to provide you with a better experience and top-notch customer service. Head on down to the source link to get a gander at the letter, and feel free to sound off on Verizon's consumer-friendly stance in the comments below.
Motorola locks Droid RAZR bootloader, angers ROM-happy lovers of anorexic handsets
Like the Droid 3 before it, Motorola's Droid RAZR will be shipping with a locked bootloader -- despite the company's promise to start unlocking its handsets. Sure, the Atrix is ripe for the hacking, but it seems like Verizon really doesn't want Moto encouraging its customers to start mucking around with custom ROMs. The official Motorola Mobility Twitter account says the RAZR bootload is locker per the carrier's request. It's a shame, but we're sure this will be only a temporary roadblock. If it takes more than a month to crack this bad boy we'll be shocked.
Droid 3 sadly shipping with locked bootloader
Well, we hate to be the bearers of bad news but, looks like the Droid 3 will not be shipping with the unlocked bootloader Motorola promised us. According to a Motorola support forum manager the latest, landscape QWERTY slider from the company is not sporting the new unlockable firmware found on the Xoom. Now, before everyone gets up in arms, lets remember that Moto said it wouldn't be offering the new bootloader till "late 2011," and it's entirely possible the Droid 3 could shed those shackles with a future software update. So, we understand you're a little disappointed but, patience is a virtue friends.
