Database Info

HTC to Unlock Bootloader on all Android Devices

Found this story on Gizmodo... Original link is http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/zUciXU6yUzc/htc-will-unlock-the-bootloaders-on-its-android-devices
HTC finally gets it. The Taiwanese company will no longer lock the bootloaders on its Android devices. Rooting and flashing will be available to all. This news comes straight from CEO Peter Chou who made the following statement,
"There has been overwhelmingly customer feedback that people want access to open bootloaders on HTC phones. I want you to know that we've listened. Today, I'm confirming we will no longer be locking the bootloaders on our devices. Thanks for your passion, support and patience," Peter Chou, CEO of HTC

about bloody time too, lets hope moto follow suit, so when are they going to unlock current phones?

Official HTC S-OFF is being worked on and is due for release ;-)

Iv'e just got of the phone will a really nice chap from HTC.
I phoned and explained to the chap that HTC never used to lock there bootloaders but changed there policy a few months back and started locking them.
However this has only affected a few phones because HTC have publicly announced that they have now changed there policy again and will no longer be locking them due to customer feedback.
The reason for my call was to ask him if HTC had a solution for the people who had been caught in the middle, like myself with a Desire S, I asked him if he could provide me with software or a solution so that I could turn the S-ON off and unlock my bootloader, he said he just needed to speak with someone first and placed me on hold.
When he came back he said unfortunately there isn't any software that can be released to the public just yet, but they are aware of the situation and they are working on releasing software to enable us to unlock our bootloaders, but unfortunately he couldn't give me anything just yet. He also told me to join the HTC e-Club as that is where it will be released. I tried to push him for an ETA but he said HTC don't give ETA's its against there policy.
The chap seemed really helpful, he even mentioned for me to have a look on xda, we talked about the xtc clip and he told me I'm best waiting because the xtc clip voids your warranty. So you can only take from that, that the Official HTC way won't void your warranty.
Just hope it comes soon

CAN NOT WAIT!
Really great news, I hope they'll deliver as soon as possible!

NexusCrazy said:
Iv'e just got of the phone will a really nice chap from HTC.
I phoned and explained to the chap that HTC never used to lock there bootloaders but changed there policy a few months back and started locking them.
However this has only affected a few phones because HTC have publicly announced that they have now changed there policy again and will no longer be locking them due to customer feedback.
The reason for my call was to ask him if HTC had a solution for the people who had been caught in the middle, like myself with a Desire S, I asked him if he could provide me with software or a solution so that I could turn the S-ON off and unlock my bootloader, he said he just needed to speak with someone first and placed me on hold.
When he came back he said unfortunately there isn't any software that can be released to the public just yet, but they are aware of the situation and they are working on releasing software to enable us to unlock our bootloaders, but unfortunately he couldn't give me anything just yet. He also told me to join the HTC e-Club as that is where it will be released. I tried to push him for an ETA but he said HTC don't give ETA's its against there policy.
The chap seemed really helpful, he even mentioned for me to have a look on xda, we talked about the xtc clip and he told me I'm best waiting because the xtc clip voids your warranty. So you can only take from that, that the Official HTC way won't void your warranty.
Just hope it comes soon
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Click to collapse
Without meaning to piss on your bonfire
He didn't actually tell you anything that we don't already know...all he did was demonstrate excellent customer service skills and possibly get another member of the HTC e-Club!
Until HTC announce an official statement giving us a date(s) when this "software release" will roll out then it should unfortunately be classed as vapor ware.
It's great that they have said that they're changing their policy, but I'm not holding my breath. IMO creating such a positive sounding post when there is nothing solid to back it up is just giving people false hope and besides there are already posts on this topic in this forum...
I'd obviously love to be proven wrong....

ben_pyett said:
Without meaning to piss on your bonfire
He didn't actually tell you anything that we don't already know...all he did was demonstrate excellent customer service skills and possibly get another member of the HTC e-Club!
Until HTC announce an official statement giving us a date(s) when this "software release" will roll out then it should unfortunately be classed as vapor ware.
It's great that they have said that they're changing their policy, but I'm not holding my breath. IMO creating such a positive sounding post when there is nothing solid to back it up is just giving people false hope and besides there are already posts on this topic in this forum...
I'd obviously love to be proven wrong....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad me
and another few letters to hit 10 or over

You're right on the spot mate!
I've been in the call-center industry (technical support manager) and these "alibi"s are just way too obvious, even for an average joe.
Our only proof that this would be true, is once the software has been released. *IF* it will be released.. *AND IF* there's any..
Well, let's all hope for the best..
ben_pyett said:
Without meaning to piss on your bonfire
He didn't actually tell you anything that we don't already know...all he did was demonstrate excellent customer service skills and possibly get another member of the HTC e-Club!
Until HTC announce an official statement giving us a date(s) when this "software release" will roll out then it should unfortunately be classed as vapor ware.
It's great that they have said that they're changing their policy, but I'm not holding my breath. IMO creating such a positive sounding post when there is nothing solid to back it up is just giving people false hope and besides there are already posts on this topic in this forum...
I'd obviously love to be proven wrong....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

lets hope they get to it asap to keep us all happy, coz im on the verge of possibly selling my desire and going elsewhere for a manufacturer. HTC need to rethink some of their strategies when it comes to making decisions about quality over quantity.

Skanob said:
You're right on the spot mate!
I've been in the call-center industry (technical support manager) and these "alibi"s are just way too obvious, even for an average joe.
Our only proof that this would be true, is once the software has been released. *IF* it will be released.. *AND IF* there's any..
Well, let's all hope for the best..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For one thing I ain't no average Joe,
I've dealt with enough nuggets at call centers, the bloke I spoke to at HTC was either very good at chatting sh*t or he was genuine.
From the conversation I had with him I'd say he was definitely genuine, he didn't just fob me off, he took the TIME to find out.
Anyway in 6 months if the Desire S is still locked down then tell me I told you so.
Time will tell

If 6 months over and still not unlocked, i dont think that someone will have the desire S anymore.. and HTC will get a really bad name xD

im still waiting...maybe not an official scheme but in here~~

6 months is way too long just to wait for HTC to unlock something.

HTC has released unlocked bootloader RUU for the HTC EVO yesterday I think...I hope we don't have to wait too long for Desire S.
My bad, I read that too quickly:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...-4g-gingerbread-update-fresh-out-of-the-oven/
It's an official rooted gingerbread OTA update by an XDA developer, not from HTC. My apologies for the false positive

jazzaddict said:
HTC has released unlocked bootloader RUU for the HTC EVO yesterday I think...I hope we don't have to wait too long for Desire S
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Click to collapse
pics or it didn't happened
seriously looked at htc page and there isn't a update announced and at the evo forum there are not 1000 threads like YAY F*** BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED!!!!!111111 so i think htc released nothing

Nuts to this. I have just dropped my phone off at a shop who are running the XTC Clip service for me. By this afternoon I should have wifi drop issues sorted, wifi range sorted, custom kernel OC to 1.2Ghz (can do 1.7 but I think that would cook it!), some Sense 3.0 stuff, SetCPU back, Titanium backup back, and all the other goodies of a rooted s-off phone & custom ROM. Looking forward to it.
Sorry HTC. Just too slow.

HTC are unlocking the Sensation retrospectively. Hopefully the DS will follow suit.
http://phandroid.com/2011/06/08/htc-readying-update-to-unlock-htc-sensation-bootloader/

mikeyd85 said:
HTC are unlocking the Sensation retrospectively. Hopefully the DS will follow suit.
http://phandroid.com/2011/06/08/htc-readying-update-to-unlock-htc-sensation-bootloader/
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Click to collapse
this looks a little vague to me...

guys it's easy, don't believe anything until htc posts it at facebook.com/htc or at htc.com, everything else will be to 99% not true

Blezz said:
guys it's easy, don't believe anything until htc posts it at facebook.com/htc or at htc.com, everything else will be to 99% not true
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Click to collapse
i'd say 100% even

Kernel source has been published by HTC!

http://developer.htc.com/

Will this make S off easier?
Sent from my HTC ChaCha A810e using XDA App

ajeevlal said:
Will this make S off easier?
Sent from my HTC ChaCha A810e using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No S-off will only be available if HTC sell you a handset with it or you use an XTC Clip

FCW said:
No S-off will only be available if HTC sell you a handset with it or you use an XTC Clip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not entirely true I think, read this:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/htc/update-on-bootloaders/10150305151453084
This part in particular:
**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.

they have been talking since forever, personally i won't want to register myself with them just to get some unlock codes, they may use it to prevent even legitimate warranty claims...
got my own XTC clip
but i'm in SG though

niels_kievits said:
**UPDATE 8/3/2011**
Since our last update, many of you have asked how the bootloader unlocking process will actually work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked this out the other day, and went through the process on my ChaCha. The line "fastboot oem get_identifier_code" doesn't work on it, so they'll need to send an updated HBOOT/recovery out via OTA if we stand any chance of an unlocked bootloader...
(fairly off-topic, apologies)

theloginwithnoname said:
I checked this out the other day, and went through the process on my ChaCha. The line "fastboot oem get_identifier_code" doesn't work on it, so they'll need to send an updated HBOOT/recovery out via OTA if we stand any chance of an unlocked bootloader...
(fairly off-topic, apologies)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i sent a mail to htc customer care on whether chacha boot loader is in the pipe line and it looks like a 'yes' the reply is below
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: HTC <[email protected]>
Date: Sat, Aug 20, 2011 at 4:16 PM
Subject: Regarding your message (11INCW34ENA000906)
Dear ajai,
Thank you for contacting our Customer Support Center. We are dedicated to providing you with the best quality service and answering all of your questions and concerns.
To clarify your issue, you stated that: you want to unlock Boot loader in your HTC Cha Cha.
In this regards, we would like to intimate you that we are currently developing new boot loader unlocked software for your phone. HTC is still committed to allowing our customers to unlock the boot loaders if they wish, however we are still implementing the policy and many updates were already finalized prior to our change in policy. We apologize for the inconvenience, but be assured that we are working on a solution for our customers and our commitment has not changed. Please stay tuned to our official channels for ongoing updates on how we will be implementing this policy. Thank you for your patience.
You can also call our Call Center at: 1800 103 3566
if you have further questions.
Thank you once again for your continued patronage.
To send a reply to this message or let me know I have successfully answered your question log in to our ContactUs site using your email address and your ticket number 11INCW34ENA000906.
Sincerely,
Tanya
HTC
Want to see what others are saying? Have a question to ask other HTC fans?
Become a fan of HTC facebook.com/htc
Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/htc
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel youtube.com/htc
Explore our development resources developer.htc.com
We are unable to receive replies to this email account. Please visit us at htc.com if you have any questions or need further assistance.
--
Thanks & Regards,
Ajai

Watch this page for supported devices and htc official unlocking download tool:
http://htcdev.com/bootloader

HTCDev response

I went to htcdev's site and clicked the feedback button a few days back.
I simply asked when AT&T HTC One X (a.k.a Elite) kernel source would be released and if/when unlocked bootloaders would be available.
Got the following response today.
htcdev said:
Thank you Bryan for contacting HTC Technical Support. I understand you're inquiring about unlocking the bootloader and releasing the kernel source for your HTC One X. I am more than happy to be able to provide some clarity to the situation at hand.
HTC is committed to assisting customers in unlocking bootloaders for HTC devices. However, certain models may not be unlockable due to operator restrictions. Please refer to our list of supported devices to see if your device is eligible for unlocking the bootloader. http://htcdev.com/bootloader/
HTC will typically publish on http://developer.htc.com or htcdev.com the Kernel open source code for recently released devices as soon as possible. HTC will normally publish this within 90 to 120 days. This time frame is within the requirements of the open source community.
Feel free to reply should you have any further questions. If you feel more comfortable discussing issues by phone, you can contact Technical Support at 1-866-449-8358, 6 am to 1 am EST, 7 days a week.
If this answers your comment or question, please click here to complete the process.
To submit another comment, please click here.
Sincerely,
The HTCDev Team
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Click to collapse
(bold added by me)
Granted this response is pretty generic. All device manufacturers have a time limit (60, 90, 120 days after release), but sometimes are nice *cough*galaxy note*cough*... and release code before the phone even releases.
Compared to my experience with other device manufactures, htc's response time and the response itself were pretty good.
And I'm sure a few hundred users for just this device, as well as other devices without source and unlocked bl are also hitting htcdev's customer facing feedback/support. So I'm posting this here so you don't have to go ask them the same exact question
If the AT&T HTC One X is one of the "certain models [that] may not be unlockable due to operator restrictions.", we will have to give lots of thanks to the RDs and Senior Members working on this, and donate to them if you can! So instead of bugging htc about the bootloaders, you should be pointing that at AT&T/Rogers/etc...
I personally don't know enough about htc bl unlocking, but am stoked for kernel source to drop

bhundven said:
I went to htcdev's site and clicked the feedback button a few days back.
I simply asked when AT&T HTC One X (a.k.a Elite) kernel source would be released and if/when unlocked bootloaders would be available.
Got the following response today.
(bold added by me)
Granted this response is pretty generic. All device manufacturers have a time limit (60, 90, 120 days after release), but sometimes are nice *cough*galaxy note*cough*... and release code before the phone even releases.
Compared to my experience with other device manufactures, htc's response time and the response itself were pretty good.
And I'm sure a few hundred users for just this device, as well as other devices without source and unlocked bl are also hitting htcdev's customer facing feedback/support. So I'm posting this here so you don't have to go ask them the same exact question
If the AT&T HTC One X is one of the "certain models [that] may not be unlockable due to operator restrictions.", we will have to give lots of thanks to the RDs and Senior Members working on this, and donate to them if you can! So instead of bugging htc about the bootloaders, you should be pointing that at AT&T/Rogers/etc...
I personally don't know enough about htc bl unlocking, but am stoked for kernel source to drop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea but without being unlocked kernel source doesnt help very much.
and its att, rogers doesnt cripple phones anymore...mines unlocked.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium

I went to HTC's site and there are over 30 versions of the source code for download on the One X....just not for ATT...so it seems HTC is not the problem...sounds typical of att though...the kernal for T-Mobile version is already out..(One S)..I'm going to call and send email to att...might even threaten to cancel..one call won't help a lot but if a lot of calls come in then who knows...att claims to be ALL about customer satisfaction...
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

bhundven said:
I went to htcdev's site and clicked the feedback button a few days back.
I simply asked when AT&T HTC One X (a.k.a Elite) kernel source would be released and if/when unlocked bootloaders would be available.
Got the following response today.
(bold added by me)
Granted this response is pretty generic. All device manufacturers have a time limit (60, 90, 120 days after release), but sometimes are nice *cough*galaxy note*cough*... and release code before the phone even releases.
Compared to my experience with other device manufactures, htc's response time and the response itself were pretty good.
And I'm sure a few hundred users for just this device, as well as other devices without source and unlocked bl are also hitting htcdev's customer facing feedback/support. So I'm posting this here so you don't have to go ask them the same exact question
If the AT&T HTC One X is one of the "certain models [that] may not be unlockable due to operator restrictions.", we will have to give lots of thanks to the RDs and Senior Members working on this, and donate to them if you can! So instead of bugging htc about the bootloaders, you should be pointing that at AT&T/Rogers/etc...
I personally don't know enough about htc bl unlocking, but am stoked for kernel source to drop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This same thing (slightly different verbiage) was already posted multiple times (about locked bootloader) This is same response they gave Paul, posted here (XDA), at Engadget and others.
"HTC is committed to listening to users and delivering customer satisfaction. Since announcing our commitment to unlockable bootloaders, HTC has worked to enable our customers to unlock the bootloader on more than 45 devices over the past six months. In some cases, however, restrictions prevent certain devices from participating in our bootloader unlocking program. Rest assured, HTC is committed to assisting developers in unlocking bootloaders for HTC devices and we'll continue to unlock additional devices in the future."
Kernel source does no good until we can use it....

nugzo said:
This same thing (slightly different verbiage) was already posted multiple times (about locked bootloader) This is same response they gave Paul, posted here (XDA), at Engadget and others.
"HTC is committed to listening to users and delivering customer satisfaction. Since announcing our commitment to unlockable bootloaders, HTC has worked to enable our customers to unlock the bootloader on more than 45 devices over the past six months. In some cases, however, restrictions prevent certain devices from participating in our bootloader unlocking program. Rest assured, HTC is committed to assisting developers in unlocking bootloaders for HTC devices and we'll continue to unlock additional devices in the future."
Kernel source does no good until we can use it....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I was making a point that htc seems responsive.
The problem is with AT&T/Rogers/etc.
I didn't post this as 'bleeding edge news'. I pm'd you the same.
Everyone talks about htcdev unlock, I was trying to also make a point that it may not be up to htc if the bootloaders become unlocked. So support your local bootloader unlocking dev.
Sorry for any confusion, I thought it read clear when I clicked `post'.

How soon do you think there will be a 2.20 root exploit available?

Do you think there will be a root exploit for 2.20 soon and if so when do you think it will be available?

I hope there's some devs willing to work on it. It's a relatively new software version. We all gotta have some patience. I'd really like to get CM10 up and running on the HOX. Works great on my Nexus 7.

thephased said:
I hope there's some devs willing to work on it. It's a relatively new software version. We all gotta have some patience. I'd really like to get CM10 up and running on the HOX. Works great on my Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I actually emailed htc saying something like "we pay for these phone with our money we should be able to do what we want to do with them." and here is what they said: "I understand that you have some concerns regarding the bootloader unlock on the HTC One X and I would be more than happy to assist you with information!
HTC is committed to listening to users and delivering customer satisfaction. Since announcing our commitment to unlockable bootloaders, HTC has worked to enable our customers to unlock the bootloader on more than 45 devices over the past six months. In some cases, however, restrictions prevent certain devices from participating in our bootloader unlocking program. Rest assured, HTC is committed to assisting developers in unlocking bootloaders for HTC devices and we'll continue to unlock additional devices in the future."
I personally would love to be able to unlock the AT&T HOX through the htcdev website that would be awesome!

mmmatt312 said:
I know, I actually emailed htc saying something like "we pay for these phone with our money we should be able to do what we want to do with them." and here is what they said: "I understand that you have some concerns regarding the bootloader unlock on the HTC One X and I would be more than happy to assist you with information!
HTC is committed to listening to users and delivering customer satisfaction. Since announcing our commitment to unlockable bootloaders, HTC has worked to enable our customers to unlock the bootloader on more than 45 devices over the past six months. In some cases, however, restrictions prevent certain devices from participating in our bootloader unlocking program. Rest assured, HTC is committed to assisting developers in unlocking bootloaders for HTC devices and we'll continue to unlock additional devices in the future."
I personally would love to be able to unlock the AT&T HOX through the htcdev website that would be awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, the carriers have the upper hand when it comes to bootloaders and whether they allow them to be unlocked. It could be a while, if ever, until HTC adds the AT&T HOX to their supported unlockable devices. I'll take an unofficial method instead if that's what's available.But yeah, it would be great if it happened officially.

asking when root will be available is like asking a dev when his rom is going to be updated. rest assured it will happen eventually, but the devs that do this do it in there spare time when not at work or with family, and most of the time end up doing all for free and risking there own devices. so the answer is it will come but only when it ready.

When you find the exploit
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Get your hopes up for the 4th.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1832921
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2

superchilpil said:
When you find the exploit
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Lol.

Those are the kindest remarks I've ever seen to a thread like this being posted. Is anybody going to say how ignorant of a question that is to ask? Mods please move this thread to the ESP forums for our psychics evaluate.

18th.abn said:
Those are the kindest remarks I've ever seen to a thread like this being posted. Is anybody going to say how ignorant of a question that is to ask? Mods please move this thread to the ESP forums for our psychics evaluate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the jerks bought S3's.
Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2