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Asus releases Zenfone 9 bootloader unlock tool and kernel code
All it needs now is the attention of LineageOS or Paranoid Android
Asus is a brand generally associated with laptops, but its smartphones definitely set their own pace. Its latest phone — the Asus Zenfone 9 — packs the formidable Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and efficient power management. Although the Taiwanese company's ZenUI software skin can compete with stock Android, users who want more options will be able to get them. To facilitate the creation and installation of custom ROMs, Asus is opening up the Zenfone 9's bootloader for unlocking and is releasing its kernel source code.
Google Pixel 6a bootloader unlocking issue fixed in the latest update
Though you may have a short wait before you get it
Most people buying a Pixel 6a will be fine with the software it ships with, but some of our audience prefers to experiment with things like third-party ROMs or root their devices. Those processes usually require unlocking a phone's bootloader to make modifications to it, and Google actually allows that practice — a lot of companies don't. When Pixel 6a preorders started arriving, though, customers trying to perform this maneuver ran into an issue where that option wasn't available to them. But Google tells Android Police that the new OTA update, rolling out now, will fix the issue.
LG's smartphone dream is dead — the company officially left the Android market earlier this year, after years of steep financial losses. While we were sad to bid adieu to one of the biggest Android OEMs, the company sadly failed to make its phones appeal to buyers, even after multiple strategy changes. If you still have an LG phone now, you're counting on it to continue providing software updates, but there's also the dirty route — installing a custom ROM. But you'll have to unlock the bootloader first, and you'll need to act fast as LG is shutting down its unlock tool on December 31.
Samsung cripples the Galaxy Z Fold3 if you unlock the bootloader
Don't do it if you like having a phone that takes photos
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is an amazing smartphone that marks a lot of firsts for the company. You get an under-screen front-facing camera in the device's foldable 7.6-inch display, and a rear triple camera setup as well. And if you like having those cameras, you know, actually functioning, then you probably don't want to unlock your bootloader. Samsung is taking an odd measure to prevent people from modding its phones: if you unlock the Z Fold3's bootloader, the camera functionality will be completely crippled.
OnePlus fixes its application form for unlocking T-Mobile 8T bootloaders
OnePlus had similar issues with the T-Mobile OP8
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The OnePlus 8T is available to purchase from T-Mobile and OnePlus' own online store, though the phone differs slightly depending on where you bought it from. The T-Mobile includes an IP68 rating and various software tweaks, and just like most phones you buy through carriers, it requires a special code to unlock the bootloader. Now, after some early troubles, T-Mobile 8T owners can apply to obtain those unlock codes.
Asus revealed the Zenfone 7 and 7 Pro last month, following months of rumors and speculation. If you don't plan on sticking with the stock ROM, Asus has now released the bootloader unlock tool for both phones, as well as kernel source code packages for developers to try out.
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Owners of the T-Mobile-exclusive OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren interested in bootloader unlocking the device for root or ROM purposes should think twice before they do. Based on recent reports, that process can prevent the phone from being able to download future official updates, including one that was just released.
Sony has managed to gain a lot of fans among developers thanks to its Open Devices program. It's an initiative that brings Android Open Source Project (AOSP) builds to some of the company's devices and allows developers to adapt and change the code. It also makes it easier to unlock the bootloader and install custom ROMs. Sony has announced that the latest phone to become part of the Open Devices program is the Xperia 5.
Huawei's newest flagship, the Mate 30, was officially revealed a few days ago. It's an impressive piece of hardware, but its lack of Google services (due to ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China) mean it's going to be a very hard sell outside of China. There was some hope that Huawei would loosen its grip on bootloader unlocks, so buyers could flash an alternate ROM with Google apps, but that won't be happening.
ASUS recently unveiled its 2019 flagship ZenFone 6, and this phone marks quite a shift for the company. Its bezel-less, notch- and cutout-free display brings it on par with the OnePlus 7 Pro, and the flipping back camera is an interesting solution. Coupled with its stock Android experience, the phone is bound to attract some enthusiasts. Now, the company has also released the device's kernel source and unlock tool, making it even more interesting for that demographic.
The new Xperia 10 and 10 Plus might not be the most interesting phones out there, but Sony has made them a bit more appealing for certain buyers today. These phones are the latest additions to Sony's Open Devices program. So, you can unlock and flash software on your Xperia 10 and 10 Plus without any arduous workarounds.
LG's official bootloader unlock tool makes the company seem developer-friendly on the surface, but very few phone variants actually get added to it. For instance, the last supported US-market variant on the rather short list was the LG G6, a phone that was announced nearly two years ago. LG has just added the V40 to the list, but unsurprisingly, only the European-market model is compatible with the tool.
OnePlus has always been enthusiast-oriented. Their phones run close-to-stock software, and it's incredibly easy to get ROMs and custom recoveries onto them. A bootloader unlock request page that just went up on OnePlus's site indicates that could be about to change with the upcoming 6T, which many have speculated will also be sold by T-Mobile.
HMD Global, the manufacturer of the recent Nokia phones, has notoriously been against releasing kernel source codes for its devices, despite their popularity. And even when it does push those out to the development community, it typically prevents people from unlocking the phones' bootloaders, which hampers customization options. But this morning brought news that Nokia 8 owners could do just that: unlock their bootloaders.
Some smartphone manufacturers have their own bootloader unlock tools, and LG is one of them. It made its debut back in 2015 with the H815 G4, but it's since added plenty more phones to the roster. Two of the latest phones to join are the G7 and V30, though only the European models are currently supported.
Huawei, in an attempt to burn the bridges it built with the custom ROM community provide a better user experience for its customers, is closing the bootloader unlock program on its devices, including those under the Honor brand.
LG phones generally have good hardware, but not-so-good software. It's not terrible, but it's still inferior to stock Android and TouchWiz Samsung Experience both functionally and aesthetically. But if you have the H930 or H930G variants of the V30, we have good news for you: your bootloader can now be unlocked, opening up a new world for you.
This May, Netflix started blocking rooted and unlocked devices from downloading the company's app on Google Play. It was an unfortunate restriction that locked out many people and stirred up a lot of anger. Over the last week, some of us at AP have started noticing the app reappearing, even though our devices still don't pass SafetyNet/Google Play device certification.
LG has been providing its official Bootloader Unlock tool for developers for a while and most recent flagships have been supported on it like the G5, V10, and V20. But only one or two variants of each has seen official support and today adds another device to the list with just one variant included.
Okay look, the LG G5 was not a successful phone. There's little reason at this point to run out and buy one, but that doesn't mean there's no reason. LG just added the US unlocked model (RS988) to its bootloader unlocking tool. If you need a fast phone with an unlockable bootloader, there are worse choices.