14 DAY TRIAL // Sprint’s version of the HTC Flyer tablet has just been included by HTC on its official list of devices with unlockable bootloaders. In addition, T-Mobile USA’s myTouch 4G Slide is also part of the official bootloader unlocked family.
Both Android devices have been added on HTC’s developer’s site, which officially confirms that their bootloader can be unlocked with the tools provided by the Taiwanese handset manufacturer.
However, it is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader doesn’t necessary mean that the SIM will be unlocked as well. When it comes to branded devices, this is mostly the carrier’s job to unlock the SIM, and does not have anything to do with the bootloaded unlocking scope, HTC claims.
Unless you know what you are doing, HTC recommends users to avoid unlocking their phones’ bootloaders, especially given the fact that it may not be covered by the warranty: “It is our responsibility to caution you that not all claims resulting or caused by or from the unlocking of the bootloader may be covered under warranty.”
Even if the process is successful, it may invalidate some of the content stored on the smartphone which means users won’t be able to access it anymore because of invalid DRM security keys.
Although HTC says that even if the phone’s bootloader is unlocked, it will still be able to receive software updates OTA (over the air), the company does not guarantee that these updates won’t render the phone unusable.
In addition, unlocking a phone’s bootloader can cause unexpected side results, as the process is meant to change its core software: “it is possible that your device may be physically damaged due to overheating or the behavior of your device might be altered including, but not limited to, hearing aid compatibility (HAC) and specific absorption rate (SAR) values.”