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Motorola has made some great developer-friendly changes to their policy for developer edition devices. The biggest change most people will be pleased with is the fact that requesting a bootloader unlock code will no longer automatically void your warranty.
This means you can get down and dirty with your device and you won’t have to worry about Motorola turning you away in case you need some help. That doesn’t mean the warranty can’t be voided by other means, though — it’s still not wise to try and take the device apart or get it wet — but at least you aren’t being penalized for being a bit exploratory with your software.
Beyond that, Motorola will also provide restore files to get you back up and running on factory firmware. It’s a good tool if you happen to soft-brick your device or if you just want your device to be as clean as the day you bought it before you have to send it back.
I should note that this applies not only to new devices, but those that have already been purchased, as well. If your existing device’s warranty was already voided due to requesting an unlock code, Motorola will automatically reset your warranty and you can live on happily ever after. I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but I’m starting to dig this new Google-backed Motorola.
[via Motorola]
Agreed. So, will there be a developer edition of the G?
It’s being sold directly by Motorola SIM-unlocked, so it’s practically a developer edition already. However, I wouldn’t expect the Verizon’s variant (CDMA only for prepaid) to have an unlockable bootloader. But crazier things have happened.
I wonder why dev edition only? :(
Probably because it costs more (I’m guessing).
Think about it, carriers make a lot on charging for warranty. If Moto gives it for free they will be upset.Also cell companies still think root=free tethering.
Warranty comes from the manufacturer. You pay for it when you buy the phone. Extended warranties are sold by others.
Sales peeps, stores, and the carriers all get kick backs for all insurance plans.
Roger that.
I’m referring to the manufacturer’s warranty, something controlled by law in many jurisdictions.
Not insurance plans. ;) :)
The cost of the manufacturer warranty, like the cost of marketing, packaging, development and the battery – all built-in to the base cost of the phone.
You can’t check a box at purchase and say, “No thanks, I don’t want the manufacturer’s warranty.”
I like this article
OMG. I freaking love Moto. Best Android manufacturer ever, hands down.
Samsung is still number 1. Moto still has a long way to go.
Umm. Does their flagship, carrier versions, have KitKat?
Does their watch work on all Androids as Moto’s does? (granted the Gear does have more function). Plus don’t forget that Samsung is working on their own OS as well.
It’s not always rainbows and butterflies with Sammy.
preach.
Best and #1 in sales are two different things. Just a few months ago you could say Moto was one of the worst, but all of a sudden they’ve started doing things the right way. I guess Google’s influence is finally taking root there.
Google buying motorola was a great decision. It looks like they are finally releasing products globally (too bad not for the moto x) at a price that is affordable off contract, making software that truly is usefull (always listening, active notifications), and making phones that are still easily manageable with one hand. If they had came out with the moto x with an off contract price that I could afford, I would probably have that instead of a Nexus 5. Seriously, google is really turning motorola around. Good job motorola.
I ordered a moto maker version yesterday and was about to send back the developer edition I got last week for this very reason. Now I don’t know what to do… Custom look out custom features…
If you notice, Google/Motorola are making minute changes ‘under the hood’. These changes aren’t Earth shattering developments by itself but they allude to bigger and better things down the road. Samsung is slowly straying away from Android, HTC is slowly gaining momentum, LG is making huge strides, Sony is still Sony, but the dark horse is Moto. I predict Moto will truly become synonymous with Google/Android/Chrome excellence within 1 year.
Sony gonna Sony.
So any word on Nexus devices? I get a warning that it MAY void my warranty whenever I unlock em…but…may?