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I believe that "right to repair" for Android means that we should compel OEMs to unlock bootloaders of any devices that have exited support. As Google faces an

by chasil 5y ago

I believe that "right to repair" for Android means that we should compel OEMs to unlock bootloaders of any devices that have exited support. As Google faces antitrust action in many jurisdictions, I hope one of them grants us full control over the devices that we have purchased, especially when they are abandoned or otherwise the victims of neglect.

gst 5y ago
The bootloaders of the devices that Google sells in its own store are already unlocked. The only exception are Google phones that are bought from some mobile carriers such as Verizon.
- jaywalk 5y ago
  The bootloaders aren't unlocked, they're just not carrier locked. Big difference.
  - chasil 5y ago
    Last I knew, Verizon insisted on locked Pixel bootloaders. Assuming this remains the case, do not buy Pixels from Verizon.
- chasil 5y ago
  Yes, and I have unlocked my 3a and wiped prior to Lineage. I have several Android devices where this is not possible, and bringing this requirement to the rest of the Android ecosystem is our "right to repair."
- p1mrx 5y ago
  Verizon is not the only exception. I purchased a Pixel 2 directly from Google, which I replaced under warranty due to a defective microphone. Years later, I tried to install LineageOS and hit the "Flashing Unlock is not allowed" error. It turns out that Google ships warranty-refurbished Pixel 2s with permanently locked bootloaders. No solution, no apology, no indication that it won't happen again: https://www.google.com/search?q=%22pixel+2%22+%22flashing+unlock+is+not+allowed%22 https://www.google.com/search?q=%22pixel+2%22+%22flashing+un...
  - noasaservice 5y ago
    Then you were replaced with NOT the same product you brought in. Should have opened a small claims lawsuit for the cost of the phone and sue them. It's easy to show the judge "I bought this phone and can use it with any carrier, and when warranty at Verizon was done with it, can no longer use it anywhere other than Verizon" You simply materially did not get the same (or refurbished) product you brought in.
    - p1mrx 5y ago
      My point is that this has nothing to do with Verizon. I bought the Pixel 2 from Google and only used it on the Google Fi network. It's a bootloader lock, not a carrier lock.
horsawlarway 5y ago
Frankly - I think it needs to be broader in scope than just devices that have exited support. This sort of lockdown is equivalent to selling someone a car, but not providing them the keys - Oh, you wanted to start your car? Just call us and we'll do it for you. It would be utterly unacceptable to call that ownership for most other physical items, and we shouldn't allow companies to sell hardware with digital locks if the owner isn't provided a key. I don't mind the lock (just like I want my car to have a lock) but I damn sure better have a key.

by chasil 5y ago

gst 5y ago

The bootloaders of the devices that Google sells in its own store are already unlocked. The only exception are Google phones that are bought from some mobile carriers such as Verizon.

jaywalk 5y ago
The bootloaders aren't unlocked, they're just not carrier locked. Big difference.
- chasil 5y ago
  Last I knew, Verizon insisted on locked Pixel bootloaders. Assuming this remains the case, do not buy Pixels from Verizon.
chasil 5y ago
Yes, and I have unlocked my 3a and wiped prior to Lineage. I have several Android devices where this is not possible, and bringing this requirement to the rest of the Android ecosystem is our "right to repair."
p1mrx 5y ago
Verizon is not the only exception. I purchased a Pixel 2 directly from Google, which I replaced under warranty due to a defective microphone. Years later, I tried to install LineageOS and hit the "Flashing Unlock is not allowed" error. It turns out that Google ships warranty-refurbished Pixel 2s with permanently locked bootloaders. No solution, no apology, no indication that it won't happen again: https://www.google.com/search?q=%22pixel+2%22+%22flashing+unlock+is+not+allowed%22 https://www.google.com/search?q=%22pixel+2%22+%22flashing+un...
- noasaservice 5y ago
  Then you were replaced with NOT the same product you brought in. Should have opened a small claims lawsuit for the cost of the phone and sue them. It's easy to show the judge "I bought this phone and can use it with any carrier, and when warranty at Verizon was done with it, can no longer use it anywhere other than Verizon" You simply materially did not get the same (or refurbished) product you brought in.
  - p1mrx 5y ago
    My point is that this has nothing to do with Verizon. I bought the Pixel 2 from Google and only used it on the Google Fi network. It's a bootloader lock, not a carrier lock.

horsawlarway 5y ago

Frankly - I think it needs to be broader in scope than just devices that have exited support. This sort of lockdown is equivalent to selling someone a car, but not providing them the keys - Oh, you wanted to start your car? Just call us and we'll do it for you. It would be utterly unacceptable to call that ownership for most other physical items, and we shouldn't allow companies to sell hardware with digital locks if the owner isn't provided a key. I don't mind the lock (just like I want my car to have a lock) but I damn sure better have a key.