Root Oh. My. God. Moto preparing an update for their devices that allow unlockable/relockable bootloader.

[Deleted User]

As far as tethering goes its pretty much a given they can track it now and will be cracking down so I'm not sure how important that is to them either

FYI, the only reason they can track tethering is because of the custom kernel, which allows them to monitor the device to a certain extent, or flag conditions.

Without the locked bootloader, and assuming a new kernel is placed on the device, they cannot really effectively track tethering since it's basically just raw web data that doesn't have any kind of flag that it's being used for tethering. There are some conditions that could be flagged in the data stream, but fewer and fewer since devices are flash enabled, able to stream Netflix, etc.

 

[cougar214]

I'm going to hold off on celebrating until we see the list of devices. The dx could very possibly not be on it.

That's just the problem. The DX WON'T be on that list. Everything we read on Moto unlocking the bootloader ALWAYS mentions FUTURE devices. Sadly, we are still gonna be stuck with a locked bootloader.

You have to fully expect Moto will only unlock the bootloader in future devices because if they unlock them then they are gonna want to solidify future sales. Moto isn't stupid. Their gonna give us what we want but they are gonna do it in a way that gives them what they want too, more phone sales.

 

[VoidedSaint]

That's just the problem. The DX WON'T be on that list. Everything we read on Moto unlocking the bootloader ALWAYS mentions FUTURE devices. Sadly, we are still gonna be stuck with a locked bootloader.

You have to fully expect Moto will only unlock the bootloader in future devices because if they unlock them then they are gonna want to solidify future sales. Moto isn't stupid. Their gonna give us what we want but they are gonna do it in a way that gives them what they want too, more phone sales.

completely agree with this statement

 

[cougar214]

Also. If you ask me. I think VZW really doesn't have much say in this matter. After all, if VZW pisses Moto off Moto can just refuse to sell to them anymore and VZW will lose their market edge. Consumers will go to another company to get Moto devices. That will hurt VZW business. I don't think they would be willing to let that happen.

 

[Metfanant]

Without the locked bootloader, and assuming a new kernel is placed on the device, they cannot really effectively track tethering since it's basically just raw web data that doesn't have any kind of flag that it's being used for tethering.

assuming that there is nothing written into the OS itself that triggers an event when the phone tethers...of course its always possible to get around these things...but they can certainly be built in...just like how in GingerBlur all the problems with the moto service starting up when you activated a third party app

There are some conditions that could be flagged in the data stream, but fewer and fewer since devices are flash enabled, able to stream Netflix, etc.

were they not blocking video streaming on rooted devices?

 

[dmiller2007]

i think the actual quote was that this applied to devices "scheduled to receive updates in the second half of this year." so thats why its a possibility, but like you, i'm doubtful and not really looking into this as much. at least this may make motorola a possibility in the future, which is a great thing.

 

[sic0048]

That's just the problem. The DX WON'T be on that list. Everything we read on Moto unlocking the bootloader ALWAYS mentions FUTURE devices. Sadly, we are still gonna be stuck with a locked bootloader.

You have to fully expect Moto will only unlock the bootloader in future devices because if they unlock them then they are gonna want to solidify future sales. Moto isn't stupid. Their gonna give us what we want but they are gonna do it in a way that gives them what they want too, more phone sales.

Actually the stuff I have read recently regarding the conversation between the guy who started the latest "Unlock" campaign and the Moto exec seems to indicate that any device that is gets an update in the future would be unlocked. That includes existing hardware, not just new devices. The big question is will the DroidX get another major update from Verizon/Motorola. I don't think anyone has an answer for that one.

Of course this is all stuff I've read off the internet. So it all might be a pile of $##@. I really won't believe it until I see it.

 

[cougar214]

Actually the stuff I have read recently regarding the conversation between the guy who started the latest "Unlock" campaign and the Moto exec seems to indicate that any device that is gets an update in the future would be unlocked. That includes existing hardware, not just new devices. The big question is will the DroidX get another major update from Verizon/Motorola. I don't think anyone has an answer for that one.

Of course this is all stuff I've read off the internet. So it all might be a pile of $##@. I really won't believe it until I see it.

And everyone knows what you read on the internet these days is just like what you see on T.V. Don't believe it.....lol.

But you are right. it does mention any device for future updates. But you also have to take into consideration that this GB update MAY be the last update the DX is gonna see.

Everyone talks about a devices "end of life". If, and a big "IF", the DX gets its bootloader unlocked it will nullify the EOL scenario for the DX because now it opens the doors to getting ICS on the DX. That alone might be reason enough for Moto to NOT unlock the bootloader on the DX.

They want to sell phones. They can't sell new devices if they extend the life of an existing device. That's just bad business from Moto's standpoint.

 

[Deleted User]

assuming that there is nothing written into the OS itself that triggers an event when the phone tethers...of course its always possible to get around these things...but they can certainly be built in...just like how in GingerBlur all the problems with the moto service starting up when you activated a third party app

An unlocked device can have the whole kernel/OS replaced, though. There is nothing that can be "built in" with any reliability on an open source OS.

There are issues happening in GingerBlur because it is not an unlocked device. We can't replace the kernel or the OS. Just parts of the OS.

were they not blocking video streaming on rooted devices?

The app itself can check for the presence of the superuser utilities.

 

[VoidedSaint]

Also. If you ask me. I think VZW really doesn't have much say in this matter. After all, if VZW pisses Moto off Moto can just refuse to sell to them anymore and VZW will lose their market edge. Consumers will go to another company to get Moto devices. That will hurt VZW business. I don't think they would be willing to let that happen.

thats actually backwards, moto was saved by verizon, the moto droid was the saving point for motorola mobility, so i dont see moto no longer selling to VZW as the droid line saved moto and verizon helped with the campaigning for the droid. so basically moto will probably do whatever vzw asks as long as its within reason

 

[dmiller2007]

thats the reason for them to not unlock ANY bootloader. they've obviously decided that they're willing to make that trade off. i just don't think that they will be willing to devote manpower and the money to put the OTA out there for a device as old as a DX. but it could happen since the dx community was a big part of that petition and they referenced that in the statement.

 

[cougar214]

An unlocked device can have the whole kernel/OS replaced, though. There is nothing that can be "built in" with any reliability on an open source OS.

Please correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't Android released as an "open source" OS? or am I thinking proprietary software?

 

[cougar214]

thats actually backwards, moto was saved by verizon, the moto droid was the saving point for motorola mobility, so i dont see moto no longer selling to VZW as the droid line saved moto and verizon helped with the campaigning for the droid. so basically moto will probably do whatever vzw asks as long as its within reason

That's just my point. Should VZW get too big and cocky with Moto, Moto can just say screw you.

 

[dmiller2007]

Android is open source. but not the skin that manufacturers put on the devices. you can get the code for android, but putting it on a device is a different story. or at least thats my understanding.

and if you look at all the carriers, most of motorola's phones are on VZW. there is a reason for that and i don't think that its motorola's choice.

 

[Deleted User]

Please correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't Android released as an "open source" OS? or am I thinking proprietary software?

Yes, that's what I mean. The code is review-able, so nothing can really be hidden in it. IF you can replace the OS and kernel that comes on the phone.

Once the phone manufacturer packages it up and drops it on the phone, it's not open source. We don't have the rights to review Motorola's proprietary implementation of Android, which is why they can squirrel away things like tethering detection.

 

[cougar214]

Gotcha. So Android IS open source. But Moto locks it down some and then the carriers finishing the job by locking it down even more on us. Gotta love it.

 

[Deleted User]

Gotcha. So Android IS open source. But Moto locks it down some and then the carriers finishing the job by locking it down even more on us. Gotta love it.

Well, to be more specific, ANY carrier implementation of Android is proprietary. Not just Motorola or any particular carrier. Once a phone manufacturer gets their fingers in it, it becomes proprietary code that we don't have the right to see. They put their work into it, so they don't have to give that away.

It's just that Motorola has locked the bootloader, so we can't replace what's installed on the phone.

 

[VoidedSaint]

That's just my point. Should VZW get too big and cocky with Moto, Moto can just say screw you.

moto could say that to vzw but you got to ask yourself this, who will moto try to sell their devices to? sprint has htc and the evo line, at&t? the service sux, t-mobile gets all nexus devices, vzw has the major moto devices currently, so if moto pulled from vzw they would lose alot of their revenue, i think moto will stick with verizon until they have enough footing in other carriers to help bring their revenue back up

 

[dmiller2007]

moto could say that to vzw but you got to ask yourself this, who will moto try to sell their devices to? sprint has htc and the evo line, at&t? the service sux, t-mobile gets all nexus devices, vzw has the major moto devices currently, so if moto pulled from vzw they would lose alot of their revenue, i think moto will stick with verizon until they have enough footing in other carriers to help bring their revenue back up

+1

 

[cougar214]

moto could say that to vzw but you got to ask yourself this, who will moto try to sell their devices to? sprint has htc and the evo line, at&t? the service sux, t-mobile gets all nexus devices, vzw has the major moto devices currently, so if moto pulled from vzw they would lose alot of their revenue, i think moto will stick with verizon until they have enough footing in other carriers to help bring their revenue back up

Good point.

 

[Napalm]

honestly how many of you will be using your DX this time next year. I know my contract date is up in April. I will probably still be on the DX in June, but I doubt I will make it much further.

New device, new processors, more ram, more video etc etc. So unless they do this by september of this year, I doubt I will be on the X that much longer.

i might go X2, I might get something else altogether. just sayin' even if the X is not on that list, we have lived with it this long.

 

[VoidedSaint]

im going to wait til my 2 year contract is up... which is in march, same as bouchigo since apparently we both got the dx on launch day, and then if at&t hasnt bought out t-mobile, i may jump ship to them since they always get the nexus devices. but if moto does unleash unlocked bootloaders before that time i will stay with vzw and get another moto.

i love my x but since its really the first phone i have began to customize there is alot i do need to learn with kernels and stuff, and im hoping i will soon

 

[cougar214]

I'll be on my DX this time next year. To be perfectly honest, I don't see the need to replace a phone every year. If the phone does what you want it too then upgrading is just a waist of money.

And my phone does what I want it to. I can watch movies, download videos, play real games, listen to music, use it as a gps, etc. Why would I need to upgrade? To have the latest and greatest? That's just nonsense.

 

[bouchigo]

I'm not due for an upgrade until March 2012. I will definitely be in the market for the latest and greatest when that time comes. Most likely Moto will be a distant memory; unless Moto bootloaders are unlockable, it's bye bye Moto for me, I don't care how good their hardware "supposedly" is.

 

[dmiller2007]

I agree that I won't be upgrading just to upgrade. I'm really hoping that we are still receiving some kind of dev support this time next year because that is what will eventually make me upgrade. I'm due for one in march but would like to wait.