HTC's Bootloader Plans Explained

[WenWM]

Do you want to unlock your bootloader for hacking? Do you not mind losing your HTC provided warranty? If so then you might enjoy the latest announcement from HTC. According to their Facebook page, HTC is planning on launching a web tool that'll handle all the unlocking for you. This web tool will be as simple as tying your shoe lace, and when done you'll have root access and no warranty on your freed device.
Here is the quote from the Facebook post:

**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!

This is great news, and goes as a +1 to the future HTC Vigor, because this means it should come with that unlocked bootloader HTC Promised.

News via: Phandroid
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[matt2783]

This is grerat news. Looks like I'm waiting for the Vigor to use my upgrade.

 

[johnomaz]

This sounds amazing. Just another reason to consider HTC for my next phone.

 

[DaWolf85]

Sounds very much like Sony Ericsson's approach. I think it's a good one, however, it does leave them with the option to stop providing unlocking support at any time, and the devices they ship will still be locked.

 

[KhaoticFate]

+1

even more reason I'm choosing HTC Vigor over BIONIC.

Sorry Motorola.. you disappointed me

 

[johnomaz]

Sounds very much like Sony Ericsson's approach. I think it's a good one, however, it does leave them with the option to stop providing unlocking support at any time, and the devices they ship will still be locked.

The thing though is it may actually get them more money. I've had a lot of close calls with my DroidX and if Verizon knew I was screwing with it, they would never have covered it via warranty work. With HTC, you break it, you buy a new one. The people unlocked their devices know full well what they are doing.

Joe Schmo and Jane Plain that bought the phone because their friends have one will have no idea what unlocking or roms are.

 

[g_what]

Don't get me wrong... This is great, and I'm actually much more tempted to get an HTC device now, but it gives them a way to know if you are tampering. As johnomaz said, if you break it you have to buy a new one. You can't hide the fact that you were messing with the phone to use the warranty if you accidentally brick the device. This solution has its ups and downs. At least HTC is actually listening to its customers and giving them an opportunity to unlock the bootloader.

 

[DROOIID]

Don't get me wrong... This is great, and I'm actually much more tempted to get an HTC device now, but it gives them a way to know if you are tampering. As johnomaz said, if you break it you have to buy a new one. You can't hide the fact that you were messing with the phone to use the warranty if you accidentally brick the device. This solution has its ups and downs. At least HTC is actually listening to its customers and giving them an opportunity to unlock the bootloader.

If YOU BREAK IT you should have to by a new one. Unless it's actually a hardware problem.

 

[AirForceAngler]

Hope this will be expanded to include Incredible 2!

From my DINC 2

 

[sst45jeff]

The problem I see is that if you unlock it so HTC knows, than hardware problem or not. They are going to blame it on the fact that you have been messing with it.
If it is not a real obvious problem like a physical button not working it won't be covered, If they even cover that after unlocking.

HTC will not be able to tell what you have been doing with the phone & you could have it completely back to stock with an issue that is not related when you try to warranty it & they will just say you unlocked it there is no warranty of any kind.

 

[Nerf]

Does the "you break it, you buy it" apply to third party insurances such as SquareTrade? If not, then this is great news! I agree with DROOIID that if YOU BREAK IT, you should be responsible to replace it, but I also agree with sst45jeff that they will likely blame any problem on phone modification even if it's unrelated. Third party insurances might just be the answer to all of this?

 

[DROOIID]

Does the "you break it, you buy it" apply to third party insurances such as SquareTrade? If not, then this is great news! I agree with DROOIID that if YOU BREAK IT, you should be responsible to replace it, but I also agree with sst45jeff that they will likely blame any problem on phone modification even if it's unrelated. Third party insurances might just be the answer to all of this?

Well insurance wise through 3rd party or even Verizon would cover lost or stolen phones still.... so I guess they would cover a lost or stolen rooted phone. At least they should.

 

[jaycemiskel]

Yeah, we can just use insurance. I think it's great news.

 

[tgyberg]

There probably will still be ways to root without using the online HTC method.

 

[jaycemiskel]

You'll still be able to root without probably, but you won't be able to unlock the bootloader.

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