Owners of the hard-to-type Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime have reason to be chuffed today, as Asus has confirmed that the Tegra 3-powered tablet will be getting an update to Android Ice Cream Sandwich on 12 January.
Speaking through its Facebook page, the company said that an upcoming over-the-air update would also "improve the focus of the camera, the fluidity of the touch experience, and the APK capabilities in Android Market."
The other bit of good news is that Asus has decided to unlock the Transformer Prime's bootloader, which will make it possible for owners to customise the device, installing custom ROMs and otherwise tinkering with the Prime's innards.
Asus will be releasing an 'unlock tool' for the modding community, though there's a caveat -- the company states that if you choose to unlock your device, it will void the tablet's warranty.
Asus explained its decision to lock the bootloader in the first place, saying that it's because of "content providers' requirement for DRM client devices to be as secure as possible". As such, if you unlock your tablet, you'll also be denied access to Google video rental.
Nevertheless, the move is a victory for those who were vehemently protesting Asus' locked-down approach. There's no word yet on when exactly that unlock tool will appear though.
The Taiwanese company noted that "based on our experience, users who choose to root their devices risk breaking the system completely." If you do fancy a spot of tinkering, make sure you know what you're doing first.
The ability to go a bit mad-scientist is one of Android's main selling points, and makes Google's operating system more appealing than Apple's for those who love to customise their gear. If manufacturers start employing these tampering locks as standard, will it harm Android in the long run? Tell us what you think in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
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dezfowler 4 January, 2012 13:13
Why does wanting to unlock your tablet automatically mean you're going to pirate movies? I thought we'd seen the back of this tiresome DRM rubbish.
olivierm 4 January, 2012 13:53
I think internet access should be removed to all users. It is the main vector for media piracy after all.....
anonymous 4 January, 2012 15:14
I like the idea that Android can be unlocked and tinkered with - it suggests Google are much more open minded and creative than their rivals. For all that lefty creativity jive that Apple give off, they appear massively paranoid about their stuff and perhaps even patronising.
Concept of ownership is going to be one of the defining points of the internet-era, if not already. I think Android is the ethical leader in this respect.
Paul777 4 January, 2012 17:23
Time for Asus Transformer Prime Dual Boot Ubuntu version
suj1 4 January, 2012 22:33
Whens it coming to the UK
andydandy 5 January, 2012 08:04
Internet access and preventing unlocking the tablet are not going to make any difference to internet piracy. If you are savvy enough to tinker with the innards, then you can sort out DRM way before it gets to the tablet? we do and I would not have the foggiest idea how to get at the insides of one of these things, nor any desire to do so.
andydandy 5 January, 2012 08:05
Agree though, when is it coming to the UK. We could do with one of these.
anonymous 11 January, 2012 06:58
I am in my 50's. Not once have I purchased a "locked" device. It's a matter of principle. Companies who want to limit my capabilities, to expand my PURCHASED device, do not get a red cent from me.
It is my money, and my device, to do with as I please.
End of story.
- HOA -
Dan Bambridge 11 January, 2012 18:57
The Prime is released in the UK tomorrow (12th Jan). ICS came out early yesterday so should/will already be available but won't be out of the box. Will be an over the air update.
anonymous 12 January, 2012 21:09
If I pay money for it then the stuff I get is mine - I will copy, share and alter it the way I want. The companies that lock their devices can shove them up their...