Samsung and Verizon Wireless, after receiving criticisms for their policy of launching bootloaders of Galaxy S3, the maker of the sensation smartphone has announced to offer an unsubsidized model on Verizon's network with an unlockable bootloader.
The new model, known as the Galaxy S3 Developer Edition, has been developed for those who want to customize their devices with third-party custom ROMs. While an exact date of release has not been released yet, the developer edition will be sold online from Samsung for $599, the Korean electronics giant has revealed.
While AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint already have the unlocked version of the phone, the standard version offered by Verizon does not offer an unlockable bootloader. The companies, however, later acknowledged that for users who want to customize their devices, a developer edition is important and thus has offered the unlocked version of the phone.
"Unlocking the bootloader can put the stability of the phone in jeopardy; therefore, only experienced developers should attempt to unlock the bootloader," Verizon and Samsung said in a statement.
"It is always a delicate balance for any company to manage the technology choices we make for our branded devices and the requests of a few who may want a different device experience," a Verizon Wireless spokeswoman said in a statement further adding that the users who have customized the phone with unapproved software, customer service could be compromised for them.
"Problems with third-party and customized bootloader software can cause irreparable harm to the Galaxy S III," Samsung said in a statement. "Users interested in performing these actions should proceed with caution and at their own risk."
Check out the Press Release containing additional information below.
Q&A
Who is this for?
Samsung and Verizon Wireless recognize that there are many enthusiasts and professional developers that are interested in customizing their device with third-party ROM software. Unlocking the bootloader can put the stability of the phone in jeopardy; therefore, only experienced developers should attempt to unlock the bootloader.
What about the other carriers?
Other versions of the Galaxy S III are sold with a user-unlockable bootloader as a standard feature. Those models are available directly from the respective carriers.
Where can I buy the Galaxy S III Developer Edition?
The Developer Edition will be sold online directly from Samsung. When the device is available for purchase, it will be sold through the Samsung developer portal at developer.samsung.com
Why is Verizon Wireless' version locked?
Depending on the device, an open boot loader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers. Unlocking the device also voids the warranty.
Has Samsung always unlocked the bootloader on its phones?
While not all previous Samsung Android devices have had an easily unlockable bootloader, all of our other current Galaxy S III flagship lineup, and all Nexus-branded devices, support the standard bootloader unlocking procedure.
What happens if I load custom software and damage ("brick") my phone?
Problems caused by your unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software will not be covered by the warranty. Problems with third-party and customized bootloader software can cause irreparable harm to the Galaxy S III. Users interested in performing these actions should proceed with caution and at their own risk. Out of warranty Galaxy S III Developer Edition devices will be serviced directly through Samsung, and service charges will apply.
