HTC says smartphone bootloader unlock software out next month

HTC will begin releasing unlocked version of its Android smartphones' bootloader code next month.

The first phone to get the update will be the dual-core HTC Sensation, which will get a "software update to support bootloader unlocking... in August", HTC said.

"We’re in the testing phase for the unlocking capability now, and we expect it to be fully operational by early September for devices that have received the software updates.

"We'll continue rolling out the unlocking capability over time to other devices as part of maintenance releases and new shipments."

Allowing software writers the ability to unlock the bootloader paves the way for a greater degree of phone operating system customisation.

Gaining access to a handset's bootloader is a key stage in installing alternative firmware on a phone, a process a fair few Android fans like to undertake in order to rid themselves of network operator-installed add-ons and to gain access to more up-to-date versions of the Google OS.

HTC announced in May that it was going to stop locking its handsets' bootloader code.

Sony Ericsson made a similar announcement in March before releasing unlock code the following month.

Like SE, HTC's unlock endeavours target handsets that have not been supplied through network operators.