HTC Gives Up The Struggle, Unlocks Bootloader

After years of hesitance, HTC has finally decided to unlock its bootloader for the masses and officially allow customers to install a custom ROM on HTC's build. Bootloader unlocking is not a new concept to hackers and tinkerers who jailbreak into locked devices but with HTC unlocking its bootloader, it gives a chance to everyone and anyone to root their device and write to partitions that may otherwise be protected. The unlocked bootloader would be available only for 2011 models going forward. Supported Devices list is displayed on #-Link-Snipped-#.

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HTC has been holding tightly to its DRM (digital-rights management) rights and though being a frontrunner in the smartphone market did not budge its stand even after Samsung, an ardent rival started shipping its products with an unlocked bootloader. Things have not been smooth for HTC lately with the CarrierIQ controversy putting HTC in a bad spot and this move might garner a little appreciation from its users. HTC plans on releasing the updates in the coming months, for more details keep a watch on#-Link-Snipped-#.

The good deed done, it's visible from HTC's official blog that it hasn't completely adjusted to the development. HTC has made it clear that not all claims resulting or caused by or from the unlocking of the bootloader may be covered under warranty. HTC also discourages customers from making use of the unlocked bootloader as it may cause side effects. There is also a chance that some content on your device may get invalidated and become inaccessible owing to the invalid DRM security keys. Quoting HTC's stance on its bootloader unlocking, "We strongly suggest that you do not unlock the bootloader unless you are confident that you understand the risks involved." 

Long story short, HTC plays Morpheus and gives you a #-Link-Snipped-# and a #-Link-Snipped-#.

Source:#-Link-Snipped-# Image Credit: #-Link-Snipped-#