Motorola has promised that all future phones and tablets will have unlockable bootloaders, making it easier for users to install custom ROMs or make other system-level modifications to their devices. It looks like the company will also be issuing software updates that unlock the bootloaders on existing devices. BriefMobile obtained a leaked copy of an Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread software update for the Motorola Atrix 4G smartphone and noticed that the it allows users to unlock the device.
Building on that news, xda-developers forum member the2dcour put together a utility that you can use to unlock the bootloader on any Atrix 4G — even if it’s still running Android 2.2 Froyo.
So here’s how it works. If you have a Motorola Atrix 4G you’ll need to root your phone and then download the appropriate utilities for your device from the xda-developers thread. The instructions aren’t really meant for beginners, but BriefMobile has put together a step-by-step guide which may be a little easier to follow.
Keep in mind, you may void your warranty by following these steps. It’s probably safer to wait for the official update — but there’s no word on when it will be available.
