HTC ThunderBolt Source Code Released, 1.8GHz Overclock Follows

HTC ThunderBolt, the first 4G LTE-based smartphone to come to Verizon Wireless' airwaves with Google's Android operating system on board, has just been overclocked to 1.8GHz.

The new clock speed enabled the mobile phone to score an impressive 3047 Quadrant Benchmark result, which is more than double when compared to other fast performing Android 2.2 Froyo-based smartphones.

Having the device overclocked to such insane speeds might not be the best idea, of course, since it would also drain the battery life right away, but it still comes as great news to learn that the device is capable supporting them.

However, it should be noted that the overclock was reportedly achieved based on the handset's source code, which was released only recently into the wild.

The 87MB of code was made available for download via HTC's website, and those interested in coming up with custom software for the device can now do so.

In addition to custom ROMs, the source code for the HTC ThunderBolt would allow for the development of other tweaks as well, including various overclocking solutions.

As the guys over at Android Police note in a recent article, the kernel v2.6.32 might also enable enthusiasts come up with their own ways of saving battery life on this handset.

Of course, HTC's intent was different, as the release was aimed at offering devs the possibility to come up with newer applications for the device much faster.

“The HTC Developer Center is a place for developers to obtain essential resources to help you in developing great applications on HTC's Android and Windows Mobile phones,” the handset vendor explains there.

Not to mention that HTC locked ThunderBolt's bootloader to prevent the installation of custom ROMs on it. The company might make a similar move for newer handsets as well, though nothing was unveiled officially for the time being.

In the meantime, head over to HTC's developer portal here to download the file. There, you will also find the source code for other popular smartphones from the company, including the HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire HD, HTC Desire, and more.