Posted Wednesday, May 9, 2012 by Dave Thornton in Android General

HTC Unlock Bootloader via Petition, Angry HTC One X Owners

We all learned last week that the AT&T variant of the HTC One X came with a locked bootloader. Only the International version can have the bootloader unlocked which, has infuriated users of the AT&T phone in the USA. We’re also sure that those of you who are into modding Android devices aren’t happy about it. Tyler Bell, a One X owner, has taken matters into his own hands and started a petition asking AT&T and HTC to “let him unlock the HTC One X bootloader.” He explains in his letter that HTC should keep their promise of unlocking bootloaders of all of their Android devices. Currently, the AT&T version of the handset is the only one that has a locked bootloader; the other variants aren’t suffering from the same restriction.

Dear AT&T / HTC

We are proud owners of the HTC One X. A beautiful device with powerful potential. All we ask is that AT&T allows HTC to issue unlocks to owners of the One X that choose to unlock it.

This phone has the potential to be an excellent platform for development by enthusiasts as well, and we consider the ability to modify the software running on the phone to be a valuable (or even essential) feature. The current inability of the HTC One X to accept custom firmware is already dissuading some from buying this phone, and even causing others to consider returning devices that they have recently bought.

Once bought, the HTC One X is our property alone to modify if we choose. HTC CEO and president Peter Chou promised that all HTC Android devices launched after September 2011 can have their bootloaders unlocked if the owner chose to unlock them. And here we are, asking for that promise to be fulfilled.

Unlocking the HTC One X helps the development community do what they want with their devices. By unlocking the One X, HTC and AT&T are supporting open hardware and software, the way it was meant to be. Please respect our freedom to do what we want with our devices allow the bootloader unlock.

Folks who purchased the phone during the weekend are threatening to take it back within the 30-day return window. If you want your voice to be heard, go to Change.org and sign the petition.

Source: Reddit
Petition: Change.org

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Dave Thornton

Many yrs ago Dave was MSDN trained, a web designer and computer shop owner. Loves walking his dogs, Lab & Welsh border collie. Golden Retriever. Plenty of fields around where he lives in Dundee, Scotland and is 2 miles from the beach.