Question regarding open sourced code

[twizted]

To my understanding the AOS is Linux which is open source code meaning that anyone could modify it what gives a company like ZTE the right to lock the bootloader hence stopping modifying the OS they may have the patent on the phone but they do not own the patent on the software two different things how can they do that

 

[funkylogik]

Maybe @EarlyMon can explain. (sorry I keep tagging you Emon but you're one of the most knowledgeable Android/Linux dudes I know. Hope it's OK?)
I'd guess they'd argue that there is proprietary firmware on there, even on a nexus?

 

[Davdi]

The bootloader is most likely proprietary, even if its Open source, it's still there for a reason - its function is to load the Linux kernel and Android. It is generally locked to stop people who don't know what they're doing from doing things like 'I wonder what happens if I delete /system folder - and then doing just that!'. You can generally unlock the bootloader easily enough by requesting an unlock code from the phone manufacturer (I've done this several times with HTC, Sony and Huawei, and always received an unlock code that worked).

You do need a reason to unlock the bootloader - generally to root/install a custom recovery and non OEM ROM like CyanogenMod.

 

[EarlyMon]

Free and open source software (FOSS) is free as in speech, not free as in beer.

ZTE's transgression is in using the kernel and not releasing kernel source code. That's a license violation and good luck getting through to the Chinese on that.

In addition to FOSS, most Androids do contain privileged software (HTC Sense, Samsung TouchWiz) and you have no rights to that under open source licensing at all.

So far as I know, there has been one open source bootloader for Android but that was a dev project and not used by anyone.

The bootloader, stock recovery, and radio firmware are all proprietary and you have no rights to them beyond that granted with the terms of service with your device purchase.

Unless you bought a phone advertising (by any means) that the bootloader can be unlocked or unlocked on your carrier, then you're not entitled to an unlockable bootloader.

Everyone objects to that but it's the truth and it's that simple.

Many phones do offer an unlockable bootloader but most do not.

Of those that do not, some are unlocked via an exploit if it can be found by the dev community (for free or at a charge, both are fair), and the rest are never cracked.

If you're in the last group and you really want it then it sucks to be you - but no one broke any promises or violated any open hardware or software licenses to get you there.

It's not free as in beer. You are entitled to changed FOSS source code only. No one is obligated to make it possible for you to deploy your own changes on a proprietary platform.

Look at this way - go to the Linux community and get the proprietary bios for the pc you're going to run Linux on.

You can't. Same exact thing here.

Sorry but there it is.

 

[EarlyMon]

The bootloader is most likely proprietary, even if its Open source, it's still there for a reason - its function is to load the Linux kernel and Android. It is generally locked to stop people who don't know what they're doing from doing things like 'I wonder what happens if I delete /system folder - and then doing just that!'. You can generally unlock the bootloader easily enough by requesting an unlock code from the phone manufacturer (I've done this several times with HTC, Sony and Huawei, and always received an unlock code that worked).

You do need a reason to unlock the bootloader - generally to root/install a custom recovery and non OEM ROM like CyanogenMod.

With HTC you just visit HTCdev.com and get the code unless you're on Verizon. No excuse required.

ZTE never gives up bootloader unlocking under any circumstances whatsoever.

 

[twizted]

I would like to thank you all for it input on this I have learned something's here I'm new to development. Learning and trying to understanding things and why they are how they are I purchased the ZTE Zmax without looking at what I was getting it's a great phone but the possibilities are there for so much more. And with my conversations with ZTE Corp US office there is no plans to update this phone it's stupid to sell a phone for 250 & not update nor allow root I have learned my lesson