The last thing we heard from HTC on their unlocked bootloaders for a range of HTC Android smartphones was back in May, when the company confirmed that they were dropping locked bootloaders from their Android handsets.
HTC has now confirmed that they will start to release unlocked bootloaders for a number of Android smartphones from August, and the first devices to get the unlocked bootloaders will be the HTC Sensation, the HTC Sensation 4G, and the HTC EVO 3D.
We’re thrilled to announce today that software updates to support bootloader unlocking will begin rolling out in August for the global HTC Sensation, followed by the HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile USA and the HTC EVO 3D on Sprint. We’re in the testing phase for the unlocking capability now, and we expect it to be fully operational by early September for devices that have received the software updates. We’ll continue rolling out the unlocking capability over time to other devices as part of maintenance releases and new shipments.
What Are Bootloaders and Why Unlock Them?
A bootloader is a piece of software that runs every time your device starts up. It tells the device what programs to load in order to make your device run. Most manufacturers lock the bootloader to ensure that only the approved operating system can be installed on the device. Unlocking the bootloader allows users to install custom ROMs, which can provide a variety of benefits such as improved performance, additional features, and the latest versions of Android, even if the manufacturer no longer supports the device.
For developers and tech enthusiasts, an unlocked bootloader is a gateway to customizing and optimizing their devices to their liking. It opens up possibilities for tweaking the system, removing bloatware, and even overclocking the processor for better performance. However, unlocking the bootloader can void the warranty and may lead to security risks if not done properly.
HTC’s Commitment to the Developer Community
HTC’s decision to unlock bootloaders is a significant move that underscores their commitment to the developer community. By providing unlocked bootloaders, HTC is empowering users to take full control of their devices. This move is likely to be welcomed by the Android developer community, which thrives on the ability to modify and enhance the software on their devices.
The HTC Sensation, HTC Sensation 4G, and HTC EVO 3D are just the beginning. HTC has indicated that they will continue to roll out the unlocking capability to other devices over time. This phased approach allows HTC to ensure that the unlocking process is stable and secure before making it available to a wider range of devices.
It looks like HTC will be releasing the unlocked bootloaders for a number of other devices, although they haven’t given any timescale, other than the devices listed above. This gradual rollout strategy is likely to ensure that any potential issues can be addressed promptly, providing a smoother experience for users.
For those who are eager to unlock their HTC devices, it’s important to stay updated with HTC’s announcements and software updates. The company has promised that the unlocking capability will be part of maintenance releases and new shipments, so users should keep an eye out for these updates.
In conclusion, HTC’s move to unlock bootloaders is a positive step for the Android community. It provides users with more freedom and flexibility to customize their devices, while also demonstrating HTC’s support for the developer community. As more devices receive the unlocking capability, we can expect to see a surge in custom ROM development and other innovative uses of HTC smartphones.
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