16
Jan
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If you didn't know, HTC has promised to provide bootloader unlock support for all devices released after September of 2011 as well as many others released before, and they have been keeping good on that promise with added support for many devices over the last few months.

They're still going strong, and added several more devices to the list earlier today.

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There you have it, the newly supported devices are the HTC Desire Z, ChaCha, Aria, Droid Incredible, Status, and T-Mobile G2. If you own one listed above, you can head on over to the HTCDev website to unlock your bootloader now.

09
Jan
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Those following HTC's efforts to liberate bootloaders everywhere have a bit more to talk about tonight, as the Taiwanese manufacturer added support for a handful of devices.

For those not in the loop, HTC pledged to enable unlocking the bootloaders of all devices released after September 2011, but is doing the community one better by extending support to older models as well. HTC allows users to unlock their bootloaders using a quick, (relatively) easy online tool.

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Among the newly unlockable devices are the original Desire, the Desire HD, Wildfire, and Wildfire S. To get started, just head over to HTC's Bootloader Unlock page.

03
Jan
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Well, that didn't take long, did it? Just one short day after news hit the web that the Transformer Prime's bootloader is encrypted and locked, ASUS has issued a statement on its Facebook page regarding the matter, and it's definitely a step in the direction that the modding community was hoping for. Here's the meat and potatoes of it:

Regarding the bootloader, the reason we chose to lock it is due to content providers' requirement for DRM client devices to be as secure as possible. ASUS supports Google DRM in order to provide users with a high quality video rental experience.

30
Dec
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In a continued effort to unlock bootloaders everywhere using their online tool, HTC has added several exciting entries to the "supported devices" list. Perhaps the most notable of the new entries are the Droid Incredible 2 and HTC Thunderbolt. Officially, HTC's online unlock tool is compatible with all devices launched after September 2011, but the new additions reflect an effort to add compatibility for older devices.

Update: HTC just added the Incredible S to the mix. Go get unlocked!

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"What does this mean for users of the Incredible 2 or Thunderbolt," you may ask. An unlocked bootloader basically allows users not only to root their device with (relative) ease, but also to write to partitions that may otherwise be protected (namely the recovery partition), opening up even more possibilities for those interested in tweaking their phone to perfection.

28
Dec
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Last Updated: December 29th, 2011

HTCDev.com has been unlocking the bootloaders of select HTC smartphones for some time now, but up until today, the Rezound was not among their ranks.

Update #1: HTC Vivid is unlockable as well - thanks again for the tip, jcase.

Update #2: HTC just updated the bootloader unlock site and announced that "All HTC Android devices launched after September 2011 are unlockable. The website will be updated accordingly to reflect this in the coming weeks. We continue to work on models launched prior to September 2011, please check back often for the status of older devices."

Here's the changelog if you will:

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We've confirmed the Jetstream is also unlockable.

26
Dec
2011-12-26 14h32_58

HTC is continuously adding phones and tablets to its official bootloader unlock page, and a couple of new devices have made their way into the now-unlockable arena. The EVO View 4G is one such device, as it now joins its Wi-Fi only brother, the Flyer, in the world of open bootloaders. Also joining the mix is the T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide, the first device from the myTouch family to make its way onto the portal.

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As always, the unlock process is a simple one, but keep in mind that, while it is an official method, it will still void your warranty.

08
Dec
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Owners of the LG G-Slate have been waiting a long time to get some custom ROM action on the 8.9-inch device, and now that dream may finally become a reality thanks to a quick hack that unlocks the bootloader. The process is stupid-easy - it's basically as simple as flashing a .zip file in ClockworkMod.

While there aren't any custom ROMs available for the device just yet, the first custom kernels are starting to show up on RootzWiki - a good sign indeed.

For full instructions, including all required downloads, head over to this Google Code page.

Good luck!

Thanks, Aaron!

16
Nov
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One of the most interesting features in Ice Cream Sandwich is, without a doubt, the new Face Unlock that lets you unlock the phone using your face and the front-facing camera. Before we go any further, please read the following bullet points, as I'd like to clear a few things up:

  • The question of whether Face Unlock can be duped by a photo was raised by many almost immediately after the feature was announced, to which Google responded with "give us some credit".
  • The final verdict will be out only when we can test Face Unlock with actual production units - any results obtained before that are, well, preliminary.
07
Nov
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Joining the race to replace all of your practical possessions with mobile apps, Lockitron is offering an NFC-based, key-free lock control solution for Android, iPhone, and Blackberry that has the potential for tons of applications, from letting people into your home while on vacation, to simply buzzing in a friend with no effort whatsoever.

Utilizing a system of "mobile keys," Lockitron's system communicates with a small hardware device connected to the user's internet router, which in turn communicates with your doors, either automatically, or through the use of an optional NFC tag that the user would manually slap onto a lock.

14
Sep
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The HTC bootloader unlock portal has been updated yet again, this time bringing the company's first tablet, the Flyer, to the mix. It appears that basically all versions that carry the Flyer name are supported, so if an unlock for the View 4G is what you're after, you'll have to keep playing the waiting game for a while longer.

2011-09-14 09h22_59

Like with previous devices that made their way to the portal, the process seems simple and intuitive -- but keep in mind that it effectively voids your warranty if you choose to use this "legit" method. 

So, if you're ready to see what all the fuss is about, head over to HTCdev to get started.

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