New root exploit soon? - Fire TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

https://android-review.googlesource.com/#/c/117742/
There's no exploit example, but maybe there's a new hope for getting root on the Fire TV Stick and newer Fire TVs. Can anyone confirm the Fire TV has the vulnerable code?

This is very exciting! Crossing my fingers!

Oh boy. This one is BIG. If the Fire TV uses this library, it's just a matter of time.
http://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2015-1474/

Exciting news!!!

Sizzlechest said:
Oh boy. This one is BIG. If the Fire TV uses this library, it's just a matter of time.
http://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2015-1474/
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But if I read this right this affects only 5.0 devices. And AFTV is not 5.0 AFAIK.

Ultraschorsch said:
But if I read this right this affects only 5.0 devices. And AFTV is not 5.0 AFAIK.
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You didn't read it right. It affects 5.0 and below.

Sizzlechest said:
You didn't read it right. It affects 5.0 and below.
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Yes, I read through the Android 4.4 sourcecode. The bug is already there. Unfortunately I am no CXX and security expert, so I hope someone else writes an exploit. Should not be too hard.

Not to discount any other dev, but rbox seems to be the guy that would know if its poossible. He seems to be the man when it comes to the Fire TV. Why not just ask rbox? He can probably give you a straight foward answer and you wouldn't have to speculate anymore. Just ask rbox, cause I am pretty sure he would know if it would work.

porkenhimer said:
Not to discount any other dev, but rbox seems to be the guy that would know if its poossible. He seems to be the man when it comes to the Fire TV. Why not just ask rbox? He can probably give you a straight foward answer and you wouldn't have to speculate anymore. Just ask rbox, cause I am pretty sure he would know if it would work.
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You mention @rbox so many times, but you don't really mention him at the same time. Want his attention? Mention @rbox

its still not going to fix the efuse. amazon really lost my support when that happened.. fireTV is a bedroom box now and i've moved to the 100$ M8 amlogic box running openelec.. if you want something for pure XBMC this is a much better option and fully supports different refresh rates.

Right it won't fix the efuse but I'm pretty sure that I'm not the only one still using the old firmware without efuse and hoping for software root...

gamer765 said:
You mention @rbox so many times, but you don't really mention him at the same time. Want his attention? Mention @rbox
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I do not want his attention at all. I was simply informing people that if they wanna a quick reliable answer that rbox would probably be the one to ask. I have said several times that I could care less about rooting my Fire TV. I just know how these threads pan out, they usually end up in arguements over wheather or not its possible, so I was trying to give them a quick solution to their question. If they wanna now if its possible they could probably get an answer from rbox and there would be no more speculation and nobody would have to eventually get mad when someone says it won't work. He is a reliable source so why wouldn't they wanna ask him? If I mention him it means I mentioned him period. Yes I mentiond him, cause without a doubt he is probably considered the top dev for the Fire TV. No harm in mentioning him or trying to point people in the right direction to ge an answer. If they ask him today and he responds with a definative answer today, they have their answer and there will be no more wondering.

From what I read, this alone isn't enough to gain root. You need to combine this with other exploit(s) to get it. I've read that there is a forthcoming proof of concept that uses it. So we just have to wait and see. But... hope is not lost totally for people with the fire tv with the fuse blown. Before I had the unlock working, I was working on safestrap for the fire tv. Safestrap allows you to boot to recovery with a locked bootloader. So if this results in root for the newer firetvs with the blown fuse, making a safestrap package is a possibility. No promises on when or if it would actually happen. As for that happening with the stick... highly unlikely (from me) because it's a completely different architecture from the Fire TV.

rbox said:
From what I read, this alone isn't enough to gain root. You need to combine this with other exploit(s) to get it. I've read that there is a forthcoming proof of concept that uses it. So we just have to wait and see. But... hope is not lost totally for people with the fire tv with the fuse blown. Before I had the unlock working, I was working on safestrap for the fire tv. Safestrap allows you to boot to recovery with a locked bootloader. So if this results in root for the newer firetvs with the blown fuse, making a safestrap package is a possibility. No promises on when or if it would actually happen. As for that happening with the stick... highly unlikely (from me) because it's a completely different architecture from the Fire TV.
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RBox, thanks for chiming in. Many of us are hoping for a FireTV Stick root. I guess we'll have to wait and see like you said. Hopefully we'll hear something soon! Any particular forum we can keep an eye on besides this one?

E--Man said:
RBox, thanks for chiming in. Many of us are hoping for a FireTV Stick root. I guess we'll have to wait and see like you said. Hopefully we'll hear something soon! Any particular forum we can keep an eye on besides this one?
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I had googled the CVE number and found a thread on one of the samsung forums here that they were discussing it.

E--Man said:
RBox, thanks for chiming in. Many of us are hoping for a FireTV Stick root. I guess we'll have to wait and see like you said. Hopefully we'll hear something soon! Any particular forum we can keep an eye on besides this one?
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This thread is full of Samsung Note 4 users salivating for a new root exploit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/general/galaxy-note-4-root-progress-t2961974/page111

Sizzlechest said:
This thread is full of Samsung Note 4 users salivating for a new root exploit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/general/galaxy-note-4-root-progress-t2961974/page111
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Ahh yes, because the AT&T ones come with a locked Bootloader I heard about that... They (we) all deserve it too because we paid for the device!
If the method to root is similar *and* it is possible, then its just a matter of time...

Watch defy. Closed bootloader is sad.
But no Problem at all.
2nd init is long time happened
We need the right dev.
Quarks is the superman
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

E--Man said:
Ahh yes, because the AT&T ones come with a locked Bootloader I heard about that... They (we) all deserve it too because we paid for the device!
If the method to root is similar *and* it is possible, then its just a matter of time...
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Just because you buy a device does not mean that you deserve to be able to do something that the makers of it never intended it to do. Its like someone goin out and buying an RX7 and saying it deserves to go faster than a Lambo. Any mildly intelligent person would have never bought the Mazda if they wanted it to outrun a Lambo, cause they would know ahead of time its not made to outrun a Lambo. I can understand why people wanna root. I even have rooted devices, but to get mad because you cannot root a device makes zero sense. You knew Amazon did not want you to root it before you bought it, so why complain now? You deserve many things in life simply by being human, but a rooted Fire TV is not on the list of things that anyone deserves. Look at it like this, if root never comes too the newer firmwares, you will forget about when you buy your next device. I must admit I was kinda irked when I read that some Fire TVs cannot be rooted, but i took my chances and bought it anyway, and now I have a nonrootable device, and its absoluely not a big deal. I knew ahead of time what I was getting into and if I get root one day that will be fine, but if I don't I am still fine wiith that too. My Fire TV does everything I need it to do without root so its really not a big deal. I have noticed after I got a little older that the alure of cool apps and cool mods have worn away. I no longer care how cool my Android devices look or what cool tweaks I can use, I simply just want a device that does what its supposed to do. I have done so much "cool stuff" on Android devices that I am actually burnt out. I don't even carry my cell anymore. I have a Galaxy Note that has never been outside except for when UPS dropped it off. Trust me, not having root for your Android device is not gonna have any negative effects on your life if it does not happen.

porkenhimer said:
Just because you buy a device does not mean that you deserve to be able to do something that the makers of it never intended it to do. Its like someone goin out and buying an RX7 and saying it deserves to go faster than a Lambo. Any mildly intelligent person would have never bought the Mazda if they wanted it to outrun a Lambo, cause they would know ahead of time its not made to outrun a Lambo.
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That is a terrible example. Since we buy the devices we should be able to do what we want with them, similar with cars. We buy cars and since we bought them, we can customize them as we wish. Last I checked, there was nothing in place from stopping me from popping the hood open and doing what I wish with the engine or interior.
Your poor example is akin to saying I bought a cheap outdated phone like an Alcatel and saying it deserves to be faster than an HTC One M8. Learn to troll better.

Related

[Q] Porting Android TV to Amazon Fire TV

Does anyone know how this can be done?
Not yet. AFAIK android tv isn't released.
The fact of the custom recovery doesn't get around the locked bootloader, either. There are approaches to the problem which have been used on other devices, but last I looked this device was rootable (in its early generation) but not yet upgradeable.
roustabout said:
Not yet. AFAIK android tv isn't released.
The fact of the custom recovery doesn't get around the locked bootloader, either. There are approaches to the problem which have been used on other devices, but last I looked this device was rootable (in its early generation) but not yet upgradeable.
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its just getting someone with the know how and want to take it on. Someone has ported it to the ouya.. the port uses cm11 as a base then u flash the android tv package over top, i read its buggy as heck tho and a wip to get things functioning.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ouya/general/rom-android-tv-ouya-t2895293
nhumber said:
its just getting someone with the know how and want to take it on. Someone has ported it to the ouya.. the port uses cm11 as a base then u flash the android tv package over top, i read its buggy as heck tho and a wip to get things functioning.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ouya/general/rom-android-tv-ouya-t2895293
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I did try a quick and dirty port of ADT-1 and it was a massive failure. I may take a look at this at some point.
nhumber said:
its just getting someone with the know how and want to take it on. Someone has ported it to the ouya.. the port uses cm11 as a base then u flash the android tv package over top, i read its buggy as heck tho and a wip to get things functioning.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ouya/general/rom-android-tv-ouya-t2895293
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buggy as heck and wip - and on a device with an unlockable bootloader and a lot of folks who bought via kickstarter intending to mod it.
no disrespect to the folks who are working their butts off on the ftv, but you rarely
get a solid cm11 daily driver even with an unlocked device right away, with only one dev working - and that's with cm, where there are a lot of good build guides and a userbase ready to help test and get logs.
with the ftv, look at the number of folks complaining about xbmc on the box.
xbmc works extremely well and with root makes a viable launcher replacement. its my launcher on the system, and I'm beyond pleased with it, given that the system is completely different in use than what the vendor intended.
does it get stuck now and again? yep.
I paid how much for xbmc? for root?
some of the tone here would be fine in a vendor's support forums, but posting about how there's trial and error and glitches in a dev forum?
now, think how much fun it'd be to have a wip rom posted here and need to patiently wade through folks acting like they were entitled to bug-free consumer grade software at no cost and with zero elbow grease involved in setting it up...
No tones or complaining here.. Just was answering the question. Is it possible? Yes. How? I stated how it was done on the ouya. The unlocked bootloader is irrelevant since we have a workaround from rbox, who I'm greatly appreciative of.

Boot Loader

Hello all,
Given that Amazon has just slashed the price on what is in reality a powerful phone, what is the likelihood that we could see an unlocked bootloader (from the community) in the near future. CM would really make this phone fly.
I got the Fire Phone, as it was a $100 for me (i consider the 99$ amazon prime that comes with it, like renewing my existing one that expires on Jan 1st anyway).
As an excited developer, I actually am planning to devote time to trying to flash Custom Recoveries (or at least boot them), and getting Android Lollipop on it. Those are my 2 goals. I have no clue if I will achieve them, as this is my first strong attempt at making something custom, but I will try. I have android 5.0 and fireos sources downloaded. I will try to pull all the system level stuff on my phone from it (incase I need drivers or something), and take a stab. If I can get Lollipop stock working, I will then move to CM 12 and do that.
My goal is for 5.x support. If I can pull it off, I don't want to foray into anything less than Android 5.0.
Wish me luck.
As for bootloader unlock, I haven't checked, but it might be as simple as fastboot oem unlock. Here's to hoping.
Great to hear! Thank you for dedicating your time, I am hopping after end of this semester I will be able to join in this endeavor.
Best of luck!
funkybassplayer said:
Great to hear! Thank you for dedicating your time, I am hopping after end of this semester I will be able to join in this endeavor.
Best of luck!
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Just a heads up, the bootloader is locked down pretty tight. Unlocking it will require finding and using an exploit. there is a guy on the HDX forum that found an exploit for that Tablet that would work for the Fire Phone, but he decided for legal reasons to not release it anywhere, so both devices are in limbo. Wish i knew even at which exploit to look into and I would do the rest myself.
if it is locked so tight, what is the point of giving away as open source
Daegalus said:
As for bootloader unlock, I haven't checked, but it might be as simple as fastboot oem unlock. Here's to hoping.
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lol, you must be joking.
dimex said:
lol, you must be joking.
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Umm, no, not at the time of that post. If you read the post i made after that, you would have seen that I actually checked and found out it wasn't the case. Way to jump the gun.
Daegalus said:
Umm, no, not at the time of that post. If you read the post i made after that, you would have seen that I actually checked and found out it wasn't the case. Way to jump the gun.
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If it was as simple as a 'fastboot oem unlock' we wouldn't be here half a year later discussing this to begin with. All I'm saying, of course that wasn't going to work.
Glad you're attempting this. If I can help, please let me know. Unless people smarter than me can unlock the bootloader, you might be creating one great virtual machine that won't make it to this nice piece of hardware.
I bought this phone to learn more about the same things you plan to do. I dislike the fireos (and the glitches in the use of the side-loaded gapps) enough to return the phone, but the cheap price, dreaming of a decent OTA update in January, and folks like you working on it makes me think I'll hang on to it as a backup.
I just got a fire phone as well. Hope this forum will get more traction as Amazon release its FireOS source...
"My name is 4.1chan, I will hack this device because I am great developer. Trust me, I took a Jawa class in Kindergarten and passed."
Seriously though, can't see this happening any time soon. You need experienced people, not someone who says they can do it even though they don't even know the boot loader is locked like Ford Knox. Big talk has always led to big disappointment in my experience on xda-developers. Don't get your hopes up, the phone is basically rubbish as it is (even more with simlock), so don't just buy because it is cheap.
Agreed, I am not expecting much on the unlocking front. If it happens great, if not oh well. But I would not call this phone rubbish, it's fast cheap and runs everything I need perfectly. Sure it doesn't have that perfect Android feel, but who cares. Plus the auto scroll feature is pretty handy.
The phone's spec is great for the $200 unlocked price but NO ROM, NO BUY MAN.
funkybassplayer said:
Agreed, I am not expecting much on the unlocking front. If it happens great, if not oh well. But I would not call this phone rubbish, it's fast cheap and runs everything I need perfectly. Sure it doesn't have that perfect Android feel, but who cares. Plus the auto scroll feature is pretty handy.
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Agreed! An excellent phone for $100! Can't beat that price. Runs what I need as well once you install Google framework, services and play store.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
*sigh* nevermind, I just leave this here, since THIS is a thread about the bootloader (thanks for trying, Mod. ^^)
Viperise152 said:
http://www.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hd-6-and-7-receive-bootloader-unlock-and-twrp/
Will this help us Fire Phone users?
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Eiermann78 said:
I already tried this and CuberHDX.py, too but it fails with Unlock Code is NOT correct
Maybe the Steps would be right, but i don´t know how to figure out the correct code for the fire phone.
Tested at Fire OS 3.5 and 4.6.1
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@ Viperise152 & Eggmän78 Sadly: No, it won't help. The unlock for the 6" and 7" is based on the HDX bootloader unlock method. This vuln. was already fixed for the FirePhone by Amazon.

Confused

so am i right in thinkink there is nothing i can do to root my fire tv ? thanks in advance for the replies guys as this question has probably been asked tons of times
software version 51.1.4.0_user_514006420
if root is not possible at the moment does anyone know if it will be in the future, also should i update the firmware to the latest version or block it and wait for a root fix, would updating it to the latest version be a bad idea
Guide to all your questions
aftvnews.com/start/ (sorry not able to post links yet)
Go here. It will have a step by step guide on how to start the setup process and see if you have a rootable version.
amazon angy
looks like i don't have a rootable version which blows, will be getting sent right back, why would amazon go backwards doing everything they can to stop people rooting the device and literally making it 10x what it is without being rooted, so its basically still there equipment even though i payed for it and i own it but yet they can still do what they please via ota updates ie, bricking the device if root detected, bunch of plebs, makes me so mad... f-u amazon
noobftw said:
looks like i don't have a rootable version which blows, will be getting sent right back, why would amazon go backwards doing everything they can to stop people rooting the device and literally making it 10x what it is without being rooted, so its basically still there equipment even though i payed for it and i own it but yet they can still do what they please via ota updates ie, bricking the device if root detected, bunch of plebs, makes me so mad... f-u amazon
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You must block updates at the time you unbox your FireTV. If you set it up without blocking updates it will update to unRootable FW..
My unit came with an ''at this moment in time" an unrootable firmware version
noobftw said:
My unit came with an ''at this moment in time" an unrootable firmware version
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Where did you buy/receive it from ? Only UK/GER FTV's are shipping like that. That we know off... Did you block IP's at time of setup ?
noobftw said:
...why would amazon go backwards doing everything they can to stop people rooting the device and literally making it 10x what it is without being rooted, so its basically still there equipment even though i payed for it and i own it but yet they can still do what they please via ota updates ie, bricking the device if root detected, bunch of plebs, makes me so mad... f-u amazon
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They do it because too many noobs are trying to root it and actually brick it, then they return it saying it doesn't work only to turn around and attempt it again. Of course, I don't mean anyone here.
Blocked it via my Asus router before I even turned it on and I purchased it of Amazon buddy, it would of been awesome with xbmc on it to
Some 1 will find a fix for getting the new firmware rooted, a lot of clever peeps out there, I'm not 1 of them lol
noobftw said:
Blocked it via my Asus router before I even turned it on and I purchased it of Amazon buddy, it would of been awesome with xbmc on it to
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You can install xbmc without it having root...
noobftw said:
Blocked it via my Asus router before I even turned it on and I purchased it of Amazon buddy, it would of been awesome with xbmc on it to
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Easy fix if you have all the packaging... Buy one from BestBuy or Staples. Make sure it's Rootable. Return the one you got from amazon to the local store. Or just order another one from Amazon before the current price which Ends December 28. And then send back the unRootable one. Done.
whats the best version of xbmc to install as there is a new version juts release called kodi 14.0 helix?
can i install google play store without root ? thanks all
im new to xbmc, can some1 help me out on streaming content from my windows 7 computer to xbmc on the fire tv, not sure which method to use or of which i can use, upnp, nfs or smb, would like all meta data and movie tv show description if possible, thanks inm advance
noobftw said:
why would amazon go backwards doing everything they can to stop people rooting the device and literally making it 10x what it is without being rooted
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Quite possibly because it takes about $93 USD to manufacture & assemble an AFTB. They are dependant upon sales of services/software/goods to make it profitable. A strategy not unlike what they (and others) have done with other hardware....Sony PS3 was a prime example of this strategy where the company actually accepted a loss on all early model sales.
If/when users root and install Google Play related services (or really ANY alternative to their offerings) Amazon's chances of any financial gain are drastically reduced. Not to say root is necessary to install Play Store & whatnot, more so custom roms that don't market amazon products do require it.
Imagine if retailers were allowed to do that....just lock you in or hijack your browser. Not allowing you to shop at their competition. Guess they just figure indentured customers are better than no customers.

Root And Root Tools

I was able to root my Droid Razr M easily using KingoRoot. Thankfully with KingoRoot it is pretty easy to switch over to SuperSu.
Thanks for the info. It works perfectly.
Yes...if you know how to update the binaries. I spent a good week and a half researching and testing before I decided to root. I've never done anything like this before. I've never coded commands into a phone, much less knew what half of the tools were that did it. I'm really bad with anything above basic math, but my number organization skills are off the chart. Add to that a photographic memory, and this was a lot easier than I thought. I didn't run into any 'problems,' at lleast not in the terms of bricking my phone and what not. I was blown away to be honest. I'm having a great time even though I can't flash a custom ROM to mine The only problem I had was with the binaries and it was extremely difficult to find any information on how to install them. I came across a few websites here and there, but nothing worked and I was still stuck with that god awful KingRoot. Don't get me wrong...I'm thankful for it's existence, but it really is an annoyance with a horrible UI. But without an update to the binaries, you couldn't switch out KingRoot with SuperSU.
After nearly three days of searching, I finally came across this small, three paged thread, here on this very site. It was in fact the reason why I made an account here in the first place, to write a reply and thank the OP for his easy to follow instructions. Follow the procedure and you'll get those binaries into the right place and SuperSU properly installed and running in no time.
DragonFire1024 said:
I'm having a great time even though I can't flash a custom ROM to mine [/URL]
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Same here. Can't unlock the bootloader since I'm running the most recent OTA makes me mad.
Darth4212 said:
Same here. Can't unlock the bootloader since I'm running the most recent OTA makes me mad.
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Apparently SunShine can unlock bootloaders on certain devices...for US$25.00. Mine is compatible. I'm debating on getting it done. Not entirely sure yet.
Don't really want to waste $25, gotta be a way to do it by yourself.
Affangta said:
Thanks for the info. It works perfectly.
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No problem if your phone ever bricks just message me I have a stock ROM and all the tools to install it
Darth4212 said:
Don't really want to waste $25, gotta be a way to do it by yourself.
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Click to collapse
As of the moment, there isn't, unless you have the codes. I've been looking and looking. So far nothing has worked.
However, there is this: I emailed Motorola on April 3rd. I was pretty straight forward and told them what I wanted. The bootloader unlocked. They replied today. They didn't say no, but they did direct me to a page, which I had already been to a few times, and the RAZR M is not listed.
Hi Jason,
Thank you for contacting Motorola.
We actually do not recommend unlocking bootloader. It is beyond our support, but what we can do is to provide you the link: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/87215.
We want to let you know that we value your business with us. If you have other questions regarding Motorola devices and services.
Best Regards,
Motorola Customer Care
Motorola Technical Support Team
Cryz
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So I wrote them back again saying this:
My phone is not listed and I've already done the steps here: https://motorola-global-portal.cust...e/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a/action/auth and my phone doesn't qualify for an unlock. I have a Droid Razr M. It's no longer scheduled for any software updates or patches. NOT allowing my bootloader to be unlocked serves no real purpose anymore. I can totally understand the aggravation it might have caused Motorola at the time, when the exploit was popular and worked on many phones, but my phone is now ancient in terms of technology of today. 2014, 3 years, nearly 4+, is a long time ago for technology, especially phones. Thank you for ypour continued time.
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Let's see what they say.
Darth4212 said:
Don't really want to waste $25, gotta be a way to do it by yourself.
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True. If it helps you decide, i used sunshine and it worked. This phone is aging though and to be honest its nearing its end of life. Running out of space due to increased app sizes and struggling to keep a smooth experience. Best android i've ever had though. Best of luck to you
DButcha said:
True. If it helps you decide, i used sunshine and it worked. This phone is aging though and to be honest its nearing its end of life. Running out of space due to increased app sizes and struggling to keep a smooth experience. Best android i've ever had though. Best of luck to you
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I agree. Best version of Android was KitKat. It had everything. I love my XT907. I don't really have any performance issues with it as I am constantly optimizing it in some form. But you are right: It's aging and if it is to be of any real use in the near future, unlocking the bootloader is what you should do.

Question Will you be unlocking BL/Rooting

Just out of curiosity. I know in most cases it isn't needed anymore but I've been on phones with locked BLs for about 3 years now so I might end up unlocking mine just to tinker around a little bit. Assuming we will be able to of course.
Right now I would say no - don't see a reason to. But I don't even know if I'll get this phone for sure I love tinkering with phones though. So on second thought If I do buy it, then I'll probably end up unlocking & rooting it at some point.
Root ofc, but who would need custom ROMs on a Pixel with 5 years of software updates?
xLexip said:
Root ofc, but who would need custom ROMs on a Pixel with 5 years of software updates?
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True, I haven't been able to run a custom ROM in 3 or 4 years so I'm behind the times lol. Not sure if there are still any features left in ROMs that stock doesn't have. Some folks just like the feeling of being on something custom. But yeah, I can totally see people just rooting in current times for AdAway and stuff like that.
On this topic, any idea if we'll be able to root and unlock the bootloader since it'll be the new tensor chip? I'm asking because on Samsung devices I remember being able to unlock only the Exynos and not Snapdragon, and I may be asking something silly here. Thanks!
If possible to unlock new chip, then I will root this badboy! Happy Flashing
xLexip said:
Root ofc, but who would need custom ROMs on a Pixel with 5 years of software updates?
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5 years of security updates, not software
This time I've said no but if there is a healthy custom scene then it will be a consideration.
The trade off will be having to see what we lose in unlocking the bootloader and rooting.
DinarQ8 said:
5 years of security updates, not software
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Security updates are also software updates imo.
And Google doesn't just merge the android revisions, they still push some tweaks and fixes afaik.
I will not. I retired my 3XL this spring because I got a free Note 20 Ultra. So no root on it. The only thing I was rooting for was ad blocking and with Brave the few ads I get in apps don't bother me.
With Magisk Hide gone away I don't want to lose my banking apps and such.
FWIW I hate Sammy's software. Drives me crazy.
If the security chip somehow doesn't make it much harder, then sure I'll continue with AdAway and some free tethering. Otherwise, I've made my peace with it. Will grit my teeth and deal with these VPN ad blockers.
TonikJDK said:
I will not. I retired my 3XL this spring because I got a free Note 20 Ultra. So no root on it. The only thing I was rooting for was ad blocking and with Brave the few ads I get in apps don't bother me.
With Magisk Hide gone away I don't want to lose my banking apps and such.
FWIW I hate Sammy's software. Drives me crazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in this same boat. I feel like I had a Google phone for years.. going from the Nexus line to Pixel and then have the 1XL, 2XL, 3XL and didn't continue to buy because they started making a mid-range device... well now they're back to making a high end phone, but I switched to the S21 Ultra.. Sammy software (One UI) I am not a fan of.. I do miss the simple and clean stock android software, but samsung/vzw has done a good job of getting me the monthly updates, the camera and phone in general is phenomenal.. will be hard to leave this phone especially with no magisk hide
TonikJDK said:
I will not. I retired my 3XL this spring because I got a free Note 20 Ultra. So no root on it. The only thing I was rooting for was ad blocking and with Brave the few ads I get in apps don't bother me.
With Magisk Hide gone away I don't want to lose my banking apps and such.
FWIW I hate Sammy's software. Drives me crazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've been running Sammy devices the last 3-4 years waiting on Google to put out something like the P6. I'm so ready to get back on the Pixel train.
batpoil said:
On this topic, any idea if we'll be able to root and unlock the bootloader since it'll be the new tensor chip? I'm asking because on Samsung devices I remember being able to unlock only the Exynos and not Snapdragon, and I may be asking something silly here. Thanks!
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Click to collapse
If it can be unlocked/rooted, then I plan to buy. If not, I'll have to reconsider. I realize nowadays there's smaller need to flash, but it's kinda a hobby of mine and I like being able to tinker with my device
darbylonia said:
If it can be unlocked/rooted, then I plan to buy. If not, I'll have to reconsider. I realize nowadays there's smaller need to flash, but it's kinda a hobby of mine and I like being able to tinker with my device
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Click to collapse
That's the XDA spirit!
znel52 said:
Just out of curiosity. I know in most cases it isn't needed anymore but I've been on phones with locked BLs for about 3 years now so I might end up unlocking mine just to tinker around a little bit. Assuming we will be able to of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love to tinker too! Kills the boredom.
batpoil said:
On this topic, any idea if we'll be able to root and unlock the bootloader since it'll be the new tensor chip? I'm asking because on Samsung devices I remember being able to unlock only the Exynos and not Snapdragon, and I may be asking something silly here. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is one hell of a good question. Totally forgotten about the new chip!!
The only reason why I have flashed all my pixels was ad blocking. Nowadays, do you think DNS blocking like dns.adguard.com is good enough to achieve the same result or hosts based blocking is still the king?
I'm using Firefox with ublock origin, so that takes care of the websites, so there's just apps that remain.
Of course now Google is using it's own chip and it remains to be seen if it's a good thing or bad. Some people say it's a good thing, because in theory Google can now provide longer support, since drivers have always been the main issue.
Also lately Google has been making noises about upstreaming Android kernel changes with the eventual goal of just straight up using mainline kernel and modulizing the drivers. That will open possibilities way beyond rooting, more ROM variety, etc.
BL unlocked and root before opening the box.
Under no circumstances I will own a phone (or a computer, for the shake of it) that sends any data to servers of Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, Amazon and the likes.
Cloud is just the marketing shiite to refer to someone else's computer.
Therefore I need root to remove all the crap, to do backups against my own computers, to have a proper firewall that blocks domains and IPs of unwanted servers, and so on.
To date,
Google has always allowed bootloader unlocking on their devices so I do hold out hope that they won't be making a change of tradition there.
They have been pushing OEMs and parts suppliers like Qualcomm to keep updated support for their products and part of that is contributing to providing source (AOSP). Further, as stated above, they are looking to eventually get on mainline Linux kernel if possible and have been going down that road for several years now.
Also let's not forget that Google makes it mandatory to release kernel sources for devices. It's just that not all OEMs comply and Google has never really enforced it for anyone else.
It's just my guess, but I think they will release all the sources and allow bootloader unlock. It would be a pretty massive change in rhetoric otherwise and massively hypocritical if they stopped now.

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