Hello everyone, I have just received my beloved white X10a after letting a friend of mine borrow it for almost a year now. I know how to flash ROMS and know some (although very little) about Android tweaking and things like that. Coming back to the X10 forums it seems that the bootloader has finally been unlocked!
I have not unlocked it yet and I am running Donut 2.2 with XperiaS look along with ThKernel 2.6.29. I am enjoying the smoothness and average battery life (this battery is super old so I imagine that it's lasting capabilities have diminished a little). Anyway, I don't use my X10 for much, just a few games like Draw Something, but mostly I like reading manga or e-books and forums. I edit a good bit of pictures as well.
So, what I want to know is am I going to benefit from unlocking my bootloader? I know unlocking it allows so much more control over your phone but since there are not many devs still here in the X10 forums, is it even worth it? Will I benefit from anything by using kernels for unlocked bootloaders with my phone usage? I have never overclocked a phone because I really had no need for it but is it safe to use an overclock-capable kernel but use the native voltage at all times?
Hey pal yeah it is basically as u said there a few nice kernels about now with oc, built in recoveries (xrec, cwm and bootmenu-kernel booting) and many other tweaks and things. Its well worth doin as with flashtool its so easy to do it just one button. There are kernels for locked bl i think but dont know if they as good never used one (i unlocked as soon as the laser released it) id say personally do it
Sent from my X10i using XDA
Locked bootloaders allows you to have custom kernels too, but they're not as advanced as the custom kernels for unlocked bootloaders. If you have a custom kernel that you have in mind to use and it has specific patches/fixes/additions that's only for unlocked bootloader (which you need), you should unlock your bootloader.
Plus, some ROMs requires you to have unlocked bootloaders (i.e. FXP CM7/CM9) as they require their own custom kernels (which has patches/fixes/additions that can only be used/made/added with unlocked bootloaders).
Furthermore, with unlocked bootloader, it allows you to use BOTH custom kernels which were designed for locked and unlocked bootloader thanks to D's BootMan (but you still need to use the recommended kernel for the ROM that you're going to use).
Give it sometime, think about it. Once you've decided, take your action. And make sure to test your USB connection first as if they're broken, you might ended up getting your USB disconnected while in the process of unlocked bootloader (which will result in bricking the phone).
I really appreciate the insight guys.
Related
I'm new to Android (I'll have my Atrix tomorrow), and hearing all this concern about the locked bootloader has me questioning what an unlocked bootloader would actually get us. On a PC or Mac, a bootloader would let you install multiple OS's to your system and load any of them at will. It's useful, but I wouldn't be upset if I couldn't do it. I think I must be missing something. On Android how does this differ? I noticed there's already at least one custom ROM (GingerBlur) available and working on the Atrix, which means we can already run custom ROMs... What else is there? If the bootloader were unlocked, what more would that actually get us?
that rom, from my understanding (fairly new to android and waiting for my atrix too) is only a pseudoROM that doesnt actually change the OS only edits the framework of the current one. a locked bootloader means we cannot run custom/vanilla versions of android and so we are stuck waiting for AT&T or Bell or motorola to decide when we can update to the latest version of android.
without a locked bootloader we are stuck being a pawn in 3 big companies' game of chess.
Kernels my friend. Allow us to toggle art" 4g" manually. And others like enable hardware to use features like 1080p record. And able to get (which is currently limited to 2 points of recognition touch) ore like 5 or 10 ( to use the hardware fully)
Kernels, which are the meat of any good rom. It allows us to make ROMS that allow for overcpocking, wiping the slatefor a fresh, lean build, and many other things.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA Premium App
like has been said, basically you are correct, in that it lets us load custom OS's and ROMs
as someone above me said the ROM released now is only a pseudoROM, and only edits existing framework. an unlocked bootloader would allow us to load fresh version of Android without any bloat and allow us to overclock the already impressive processor in the Atrix.
Basically - unlocked bootloader = unlocked near infinite potential for the Atrix.
When you think of the possibility of an unlocked bootloader combined with the Atrix hardware it's easy to forget what you already have in hand. I don't think that there is any phone out (custom rom or not) that is ALL AROUND better than the Atrix is right out the box. The bootloader will get cracked but until then enjoy your 3k quadrant scores, great GPS, screen, and webtop.
Hello, I have just preordered my Xperia active from a local salesperson, but from what i see in the development threads, its nothing like HTC phones when it comes to rooting.
In HTC phones all you had to do is, unlock the bootloader with an update.zip file, root it, and then you're free to do whatever you wanna do from CWM.
I really havent understood how the procedure goes in Xperia phones, nor is there a comprehensive guide towards rooting the phone.
So could someone explain in simple steps what i need to do to root the phone? Or even is it worth rooting it since its so new and the development is more or less... inexistant? The only real custom rom I see so far for the mini mini pro and active is the FXP one which is in beta stages AFAIK.
Also about unlocking the bootloader. Losing DRM and TrackID is what makes them know that you have unlocked it therefore you lose your warranty?
Please enlighten me
Comprehensive Xperia Rooting Guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034087
For the active... there doesn't appear to be much, but if you have 'OCD' like me and like the absolute control... it's worth it. But to each his/her own preferences
Once you unlock, DRM is permanently gone, no more TrackID.
I'm not sure about warranty regulations but there is a way to re-lock the boot loader:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335
Hope this helps.
EDIT There's also a way to unlock the bootloader and not lose DRM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285285
But there's no current way to relock it if you use that route.
Thanks a lot for your detailed reply.
Although i still got questions regarding custom ROM's. I saw someone mentioning a insecure kernel, and using it before flashing a new ROM. Kernels in HTC devices are simply there for you to find out which one is best for your country and ROM. Is it the other way around here?
Yes i do want the best out of my device, but voiding warranty for something that isnt yet "ready".... It kinda puts me off.
hi dumraden,
The days with simply zip unlocking are gone either on HTC. The HTC Desire S of a friend of mine was locked. They call it S: on ..unlocked was S: off
I could not keep joking about who was so silly to convert his Desire S back to a Desire.. sorry for that
The step with the insecure kernel is to flash a stock rom where we know a method to use an exploit on it. Sony prevents unsigned firmware from beeing flashed to their devices (compare ps3 or PSP). Thus we need to make use of an exploit to get access to the device to make rooting possible. As root we are the master of desaster and can do what ever we want.
Warranty? Okay, there is a possibility to relock the bootloader in case you'll run in the case of needing warranty. Otherwise there are ways to make it that unsuable that even the support cannot wake it up thus find no real reason for the error.
This is not an FXP ROM, it is cyanogenmod ported by Team freeXperia and mainly released by FXP. It is almost ready. The smartkeyboard and camera did not work on my selfcompiled one on friday. FXP claimed camera would work. Could be my fault.. who cares. They'll get it fixed.. I think soon.
Yea i am a prior HTC user, have my Desire Z getting fixed as we talk ( i hope so at least ).
So basically the insecure kernel works as an exploit for us to install custom roms on the phones. Cool thanks for the heads up.
Wasnt FXP working with cyanogen to build a kernel from scratch in order for us not to have to go through the hassle of using a modded stock kernel for the Custom ROM's? As far as i can tell this is a breakthrough for Xperia phones since we will be able to have an AOSP base in order to build from there up. Right?
I have the same rooting problem. I use superOnClick and gingerbreak but didn't work.
I'm new to android so that keep searching and reading xda..
Then I start using android sdk & fastboot and adb mode said in one of the topics, but fastboot didn't work even though bootloader is unlocked.
I'm confused, waiting for help
Sent from my ST15i using XDA App
Its all here. Read some posts
I am coming from a long line of HTC phones, never had a motorola phone. Always had CWM on my phones, etc...
Correct me if im wrong.
With a locked down booatloader, we can only have roms based on OTA updates?
Custom roms are not possible because of locked bootloader?
One can not use the source of ICS, GB, or froyo and create a rom for a device with a locked bootloader?
AOSP (CM) won't work with a locked bootloader because it has a custom kernel, and a custom kernel needs an unlocked bootloader?
So what are the current rumors regarding the bootloader unlock(not bootstrap)?
Will there be an unlock tool from moto or are we waiting for some kind of exploit?
I am in the last few days where i can return this device for something else.
I do not want to be stuck with a locked down device. (looking at the Rezound forum..there seems to be more hope)
your thoughts...
thanks.
Good question! Wished I new all the answers.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using xda premium
Droidel said:
I am coming from a long line of HTC phones, never had a motorola phone. Always had CWM on my phones, etc...
Correct me if im wrong.
With a locked down booatloader, we can only have roms based on OTA updates?
Custom roms are not possible because of locked bootloader?
One can not use the source of ICS, GB, or froyo and create a rom for a device with a locked bootloader?
AOSP (CM) won't work with a locked bootloader because it has a custom kernel, and a custom kernel needs an unlocked bootloader?
So what are the current rumors regarding the bootloader unlock(not bootstrap)?
Will there be an unlock tool from moto or are we waiting for some kind of exploit?
I am in the last few days where i can return this device for something else.
I do not want to be stuck with a locked down device. (looking at the Rezound forum..there seems to be more hope)
your thoughts...
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#1 - No, there is a workaround called 2nd-init that lets us change everything except the kernel. Just look at DROID X/2/2 GLOBAL.
#2 - Custom roms are very possible either way, even without 2nd-init
#3 - If you can add 2nd-init, then you may. otherwise you need to work backward or forward from moto firmwares.
#4 - Cyanogen uses 2nd-init on devices with locked bootloaders. Some features require kernel changes (2D hardware acceleration for example) otherwise, it will work fine.
#5 - Rumor is that unlock is coming with ICS for international devices, not VZW though.
#6 - See above. VZW will need an exploit or an edit of the international unlock.
Someone has been reading the blogs.
And I see it in the comments all the time... OMG LOCKED BOOTLOADER I WANTED TO FLASH A ROM.
Although I'm not seeing anything yet, but give it time, it will happen.
I'm currently using an X10i CM7-ZMOD android 2.3.5 with locked bootloader and baseband 2.1.71.
I'm thinking about unlocking my bootloader when a stable ICS ROM is released but I just want to exercise some caution.
My questions is: What are the pros and cons of unlocking my bootloader?
I'm a total noob so please bear with me
There are no cons from unlocking bootloader,pros- you can install most of the custom roms available.and install any kernel directly through flashtool
Sent from my X10S using xda premium
Dovakiin said:
I'm currently using an X10i CM7-ZMOD android 2.3.5 with locked bootloader and baseband 2.1.71.
I'm thinking about unlocking my bootloader when a stable ICS ROM is released but I just want to exercise some caution.
My questions is: What are the pros and cons of unlocking my bootloader?
I'm a total noob so please bear with me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pros:
- direct kernel load (so on custom ROMs loading of ROM and whole system is little faster)
- more kernels (but on X10i are also great locked bl kernels)
Cons:
- if you dont unlock bl with extreme caution, you may completely brick your phone (cant be software restored, you need highly specialized service or buy JIG or JTAG box , but highly expensive)
- if you dont flash every ROM with extreme caution, you may completely brick your phone also (upper notice also )
I am very advanced user, but still on locked bootloader, because its 100% save even you mod a kernel (as I am doing often) On locked bootloader you cant brick you device.
I was also thinking many times about unlocking for ICS 4.0 (CM9 beta), but still its not usable rom for daily use, so I will wait until it will be as RC candidate
Thank you!
Thanks to both of you for replying. At least now I'm full aware of the benefits of unlocking the bootloader and the consequences of not doing it correctly
Thanks again
Unlocking BL is not a big herculean task nw .. there isn't much to bother nw as it can be done on flashtool with a click... bt the frst few methods of unlocking were kinda bit tough for noobs. Bt if u use Flashtool , its so easy.....
N second.. unless u be so dumb n too lazy to read instructions u wont brick an x10. Or else as the above user said u shud tinker with kernals to brick it ..even our masterbrain Doom has bricked it. But as normal users u rarely play with kernal tweaking
sEnT fRoM mA mEnTaLLy ReTaRdEd X10 wiTh a trAnSpLAnTeD DoNuT bRaIN
I agree with HeliumX10's cons, plus: WARRANTY.
Servicing is almost really not an option.
Hey guys,
I'm new to the android scene, and have basically no knowledge to speak of when it comes to going beyond the locked factory FW. It seems like there's so much more to this scene than iPhone jailbreaking (I had 3 iPhones before deciding I wanted to switch back to android)
I want to try a new FW, and try out apps only available for rooted devices. However, I cannot risk losing my warranty. What can/should I do to experience more with my Z2?
There are a number of easy one-click root tools that work on the Z2. I recommend this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559009
And don't worry about warranty. Root doesn't void warranty. Only unlocking bootloader does.
Once you are rooted, do check out Xposed. Once you have installed the framework, there are tons of Xposed modules that can help you to tweak the phone.
When you say you want to try a new FW, I assume that you want to try out a custom ROM. Do note that you need to install a custom recovery before you can install certain custom ROMs. I recommend [NUT]'s dual recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2785598
And do note that not all custom ROMs work on locked bootloaders. Some require unlocked bootloaders.
Done and done. Rooted and downloaded a ton of mods. Woo!
Thank you!
Woah! I didn't know you could use custom ROMs without unlocking your bootloader....
So theoretically I can run different ROMs without killing my warranty... Hmm...
That's the beauty of Android.
hush66 said:
That's the beauty of Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I have a ton of research to do. Lol
I just spent an hour modding a boot animation for 1080p, it's nice to have a hobby again. Haha