Asus Transformer Prime WILL be getting unlock for bootloader

Asus has confirmed it will be developing an unlock tool for it’s soon-to-be Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 tablet, the Transformer Prime.

This follows recent news that the Transformer Prime was shipping with an encrypted bootloader, making it extremely difficult to customise the ROM – a key feature for many Android fans.

A statement on the company’s Facebook page reads: ‘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. Also, based on our experience, users who choose to root their devices risk breaking the system completely. However, we know there is demand in the modding community to have an unlocked bootloader. Therefore, ASUS is developing an unlock tool for that community. ’

The statement then goes on to say: ‘Please do note that if you choose to unlock your device, the ASUS warranty will be void, and Google video rental will also be unavailable because the device will be no longer protected by security mechanism.’ So basically, if you unlock you can’t rent movies from Google – a service that is currently available in the UK and US.

Asus confirmed that the Transformer Prime will be getting an over the air update – 8.8.3.33 – to improve the camera focus, fluidity of the touch experience and the APK capabilities.

The company also addresses queries regarding GPS performance. Stating that the metal used to make the Prime may affect GPS performance and that the Prime is not a professional GPS device: ‘To avoid inconveniencing users who demand a powerful GPS device, we made the decision to remove it from our specification sheet and marketing communications.’ This will certainly be disappointing to some users, although

It’s certainly good to see Asus acting so quickly regarding the bootloader, although what we really want to see is the Transformer Prime running Ice Cream Sandwich, which is pegged for January 12th.

Source: Facebook Via: XDA Developers