Motorola Eases Up on Locked Bootloader Stance, Plans to Unlock Portfolio in 2011?

[Preach2k]

The Little Aussie taking on Motorola U.S. | Ausdroid

 

[sniffs]

If this is true, and I will eventually have an unlocked bootloader on my Atrix/Bionic, I will be a loyal Motorola fan going forward.

 

[ottscay]

This would make me very happy. Indeed, it would probably keep me on Motorola phones. It might even keep me on Verizon...if they don't block it.

 

[ls377]

If this is true, and I will eventually have an unlocked bootloader on my Atrix/Bionic, I will be a loyal Motorola fan going forward.

I have a feeling it will be on new devices only (like SE). Just a guess, but I bet even Moto can't unlock the current bootloaders, kinda like how RIM doesn't have access to any of the encryption they use.

 

[the one and only M]

I wonder how they will go about doing it. They mentioned that they still have to go through the carriers.

I believe Sony Ericsson only allows the option on unlocked, unbranded devices. So maybe moto will go that route. But if so what about us CDMA users? Don't think unlocked/unbranded phones are an option for us.

 

[ben7337]

They have the ability to update the phones to new versions of android, clearly they have access and could easily give us a keygen or something, heck they could even force us to txt in our meid numbers to get the key which would give them a way to track how many people are planning to update the software with custom versions.

 

[ls377]

They have the ability to update the phones to new versions of android, clearly they have access and could easily give us a keygen or something, heck they could even force us to txt in our meid numbers to get the key which would give them a way to track how many people are planning to update the software with custom versions.

They have the ability to push out signed updates, which pass the locked bootloader's test. That doesn't mean they can change the bootloader.

They have the key to the door, but that doesn't mean they have the screwdriver to remove the knob.

 

[sniffs]

They have the ability to push out signed updates, which pass the locked bootloader's test. That doesn't mean they can change the bootloader.

They have the key to the door, but that doesn't mean they have the screwdriver to remove the knob.

I find it difficult that Motorola would put a lock on every phone and then throw away the key. They might not have a screw driver to remove the knob, but I bet you they have a hammer to knock the knob clear off.

Androids /boot partition includes the bootloader, it's a mounted partition. Even a bitlocker encrypted HD can be disabled.

If Motorola is doing away with this lock, they could theoritically give away their signed-key so that anyone can sign a ROM.

That, or have all custom ROM's pass through Motorola for signing.

There are ways..

 

[ottscay]

I think the real reason we're unlikely to see this on existing phones is because it creates an incentive to buy a newer phone if they don't...and of course it would take time and money to apply it to older handsets, so why invest that money into a move that would discourage upgrades?

 

[sniffs]

I think the real reason we're unlikely to see this on existing phones is because it creates an incentive to buy a newer phone if they don't...and of course it would take time and money to apply it to older handsets, so why invest that money into a move that would discourage upgrades?

That "idea" is the reason why NO other company will be as successful as Apple.

Up until it became some sort of issue(hardware requirement/performance requirement) they continued to update their older iPhones for years and didn't abandon anyone.

Why is it that the only American company that makes it's own hardware doesn't have the capitalistic mindset like the rest do? and it's the ONLY truely successful company with a huge HUGE brand loyalty and almost a cult following?

None of the other companies get it. And until they do, they'll be second best/second rate.

I'm not a Apple fanboy, I dont own any Apple products, but I can see through the blinders. Apple is successful because they are geniuses at creating brand loyalty.

Anyways.. I wish Motorola would get this idea. They could be more successful at this than Apple if only they would create loyalty and a sense that someone's hard earned money stretched until it was so thin that you could see through it.

Most companies want a immediate return on investment. Apple wants long term profits, which is why they are #winning the brand loyalty game.