Details of Unlocking Bootloaders Released
Way back in June HTC promised that locked bootloaders would be a thing of the past and updates would be rolling out for the newer handsets to unlock bootloaders.
HTC yesterdat announced via their facebook page that the HTC Sensation will be receiving a software update later this month to unlock the bootloader, and support for the Sensation 4G and HTC Evo 3D would follow soon after.
Its a two step process with a maintenance release rolled out to the phone first and secondly an oline web tool will be released for handset owners to register and accept legal disclaimers that unlocking may void some or all the warranty.
They have also said maintenance updates will be rolled out for handsets accross the range of HTC Phones but have not mentioned any handsets by name. By default though however new handsets will be locked but have the ability to unlocked. We think this is a good thing as for many simple minded users unlocked bootloaders could cause serious problems.
Heres the exact post from HTC’s facebook page:
**UPDATE 8/3/2011**
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!