I've always liked the look of Moto sliders, ever since the original Milestone (Droid), but the encrypted bootloader turned me away from that phone. I've been with HTC devices ever since.
I've seen all the leaked Droid 4 photos and think it looks pretty damn sweet. Hopefully it'll get released in the UK as well (as the Milestone 4, I presume).
My question is: Can someone explain in simple terms if Moto is still encrypting bootloaders? If so, are there workarounds that give full access to flash different kernels etc now? This is still a dealbreaker issue for me. I need to know if I should quit wasting my time lusting after this device, and just wait for the next qwerty HTC to get announced.
Thanks!
Bootloaders are still locked, and Moto has not made any change to unlock them. As you can see HTC has decided to put out a tool, even with carrier objections. I really wish Moto would do the same thing!
Moto hates the dev community...
If you want to buy a moto device, buy it for what it is now, not for what it could be.
Moto promises to unlock bootloader on GB devices by Q3 2011. And they broke every promise, they only care about carriers.
trer253 said:
Moto hates the dev community...
If you want to buy a moto device, buy it for what it is now, not for what it could be.
Moto promises to unlock bootloader on GB devices by Q3 2011. And they broke every promise, they only care about carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look here: http://digitaltelex.com/default/201...ed-to-unlocking-the-bootloaders-in-late-2011/
Guess there's no Milestone 4 in my future then
I was aware Moto had made promises about unlocking bootloaders a long time ago, but I'm not at all surprised they've not followed through on it.
With these Droid/Milestone models they are only cutting their own throat though. Look at the dev support that the original Droid got, the G1, the G2/Desire Z.
The dev community LOVES a decent qwerty phone, and Moto could clean up with the specs that Droid 4 has. But no, they'd rather lock it down, and all that business will just go to HTC instead. Along with my recommendation to friends/family etc.
Yep, is all about qwerty. We are tied to moto
Anyone looking for a non qwerty phone, dont buy moto, there are better options. Maybe this way they weill learn
It's the opposite for me - I'm locked out of buying Moto phones, even though I won't consider anything BUT qwerty phones.
My Desire Z is looking a little long in the tooth now, and I'm desperate to replace it with something dual-core. But there just isn't anything in this country (UK). And now it looks like Moto is not interested in taking my money for the 4th time in a row :-/
And I've spent the past 1-2 hours reading around 50-ish threads and several hundred posts, and while I'm sure I already know the answer to this question I'm still going to ask it outright.
The specifics:
AT&T XT1058 pure stock Moto X running Android KitKat 4.4.4 as up to date as possible.
Is it rooted? NO
Is the bootloader unlocked? NO
Now, based on those two facts, and after reading all about SunShine (which is pretty awesome so thanks for that one, jcase and the crew that developed it), it seems if I want root then my only potential option at this point in time is "The Chinese Guy" if he's still in business to get a proper bootloader unlock which of course opens this device up entirely to whatever I might care to do.
Honestly the only reasons I care about root access would be for Titanium Backup (since I did purchase that in the past so it's like if I can't make full use of the app itself (because it requires root access to really do everything it's capable of doing) the money was more or less just given away for nothing, and a few other apps that require root level privilege (ES File Explorer root access, a few Wi-Fi tools, that's about it).
Of course, having the fully unlocked bootloader would let me play around with ROMs, kernels, and whatever I damned well please.
So the actual question I hinted at with the beginning of this post is:
For the moment, am I correct in the belief that my only option at all at this time meaning today and into the immediate foreseeable future to do anything with this device is "The Chinese Guy" ... if I want to be able to do more things with the device?
This is my second Moto X, the first one was the trial offer I took advantage of for a penny and I did enjoy the device while I had it, so when I got the chance to get one for free earlier today (traded a laptop for it that was also given to me) I jumped at it.
I understand that with 4.4.4 on it I can't roll back to any previous version, sadly, and that since SunShine requires root to even test the device (the temp root thing, ain't happening) that's a dead end leaving "The Chinese Guy" again as the only potential.
Just looking for a confirmation, that's all.
Thanks...
Yes, on the XT1058 from ATT with 4.4.4 on it, that is the latest rom/update, you can't downgrade (without risk of bricking the phone) and the China Middleman is the only hope of unlocking your bootloader and/or rooting. (to be clear, I mean the China Middleman doesn't actually root your phone, but once bootloader unlocked you will be able to root)
And yes, having an unlocked bootloader is the only way to flash any rom that isn't the stock Moto rom for the ATT XT1058.
And yes, Sunshine wont work since you can't even temp root 4.4.4.
I am not aware of any new root processes for 4.4.4 with locked bootloader coming, or ways to make Sunshine work on 4.4.4. If something newer is coming, it either wasn't announced yet, or I missed the announcement.
That being said, since it sounds like you got this phone used, rather than new.. who knows what the original owner did to it.. If it was someone who followed these boards, there is a SLIGHT chance they were trying to be tricky, and upgraded only parts of your phone to 4.4.4. Boot into FastbootAp/Bootloader mode, and check the version (second line from the top). If it is 30.B7, you're fully on 4.4.4 and you are stuck. If your bootloader is not 30.B7, then you might have a chance to downgrade your rom safely, and then use sunshine (post the version if its not 30.B7)
Thanks for the info, and yes the bootloader is 30.B7 (2014-06-23). Oh well... it is most definitely used but still in excellent condition (just some cosmetic scrapes and scuffs on the rubberized corners of the back cover). It's a good phone, a solid one, so I'll hang on to it for the time being, just need to get the carrier unlocked for use with T-Mobile but that'll be after the first of November.
It's a Moto X for free, I suppose I really shouldn't complain.
Just hit up jcase on IRC, who makes Sunshine. He's currently working on supporting XT1058 with 4.4.4 -- I have the same one, with the same bootloader. Wait a bit. Looks like he usually publishes stuff every few months. I think we may have an early Christmas gift. Well, it will cost us $25, though.
If he's able to do it then I'll look into it at that time, I may just offload this for a profit, not really sure at the moment. The camera is really depressing, was just outside taking some images here in downtown Las Vegas because we have this huge music festival this weekend (www.lifeisbeautiful.com) and the picture quality is just utterly abysmal - I tried the latest updated Motorola Camera app, Focal, Google Camera, and several others and they all just can't make the actual physical camera do anything decent. Exposures are always wrong, focus is seemingly permanently soft, there's no sharpness at all to most anything regardless of the lighting conditions, etc.
I could ramble on forever but, again it was free so I guess I'll shut up.
I had no idea that I posted something illegal my bad
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
I used the Chinese guy to unlock, and haven't looked back. I still run Stock w/ Root, and was worth the $45 to not worry about it anymore. If your gonna keep it, get the unlock code.
Well that Chinese middleman isn't responding to contacts by anyone at the moment so that's a dead end and this one was built on 11-11-2013 so he'd probably not be able to get me one anyway. I just got the carrier unlock code last night and used it without issues. I put it on craigslist along with the Motorola Skip I had and never used, maybe someone will want it. It's still a great phone, but for me, the lack of being able to root it or most anything else makes it basically not something I really need these days. I have a "dumbphone" that works fine and has done so for many years.
Thanks for the info and suggestions, peeps...
Hello,
I am looking to purchase a Verizon Z3 (not the Play version that's available on amazon) and I was wondering if anyone knew which LTE bands are available? I will be using AT&T and I need Band 4 and Band 17 in my area. Can anyone confirm that the Verizon version of the Z3 has these? Thanks in advance.
MrBaltazar said:
Hello,
I am looking to purchase a Verizon Z3 (not the Play version that's available on amazon) and I was wondering if anyone knew which LTE bands are available? I will be using AT&T and I need Band 4 and Band 17 in my area. Can anyone confirm that the Verizon version of the Z3 has these? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure of the answer to your actual question, but wanted to point out that based on the past moto devices and Verizon, that you'll be guaranteeing yourself a device who's bootloader you will never be able to unlock.
Just wanted to mention that, not sure if it matters to you. And possibly you're aware of this already too.
Hi,
you´ll find the specs here.
I think the phone will be locked to verizon inside the US and is only "Internationally unlocked".
you can use it outside the US with any carrier.
Sam_11 said:
Hi,
you´ll find the specs here.
I think the phone will be locked to verizon inside the US and is only "Internationally unlocked".
you can use it outside the US with any carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sam, are you sure, that this phone can be also used in Europe / Germany? I thought about getting it via eBay, but I have not yet found any reliable source for really knowing that it will be completely unlocked for all German carriers.
So I am still looking for the Chinese Z3 version with even 6GB RAM. So I would have the advantage to get the same specs as those of my Z2 Force, but with the profit of the amazing Z3 screen (I really dislike the Z2 Force's "plastic" screen). But so far, I have not found any source to order the Chinese Z3 version. Maybe, anybody else?
Buy from Motorola directly, unlocked for global use.
Don't install sim untill you unlock bootloader & Root is done. If the bands you are interested in using are not engaged then use qcom tool software to turn them on.
Maheshwara said:
Sam, are you sure, that this phone can be also used in Europe / Germany? I thought about getting it via eBay, but I have not yet found any reliable source for really knowing that it will be completely unlocked for all German carriers.
So I am still looking for the Chinese Z3 version with even 6GB RAM. So I would have the advantage to get the same specs as those of my Z2 Force, but with the profit of the amazing Z3 screen (I really dislike the Z2 Force's "plastic" screen). But so far, I have not found any source to order the Chinese Z3 version. Maybe, anybody else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you in 2 weeks, i've bought one today.
Gesendet von meinem Moto Z (2) mit Tapatalk
Maheshwara said:
Sam, are you sure, that this phone can be also used in Europe / Germany? I thought about getting it via eBay, but I have not yet found any reliable source for really knowing that it will be completely unlocked for all German carriers.
So I am still looking for the Chinese Z3 version with even 6GB RAM. So I would have the advantage to get the same specs as those of my Z2 Force, but with the profit of the amazing Z3 screen (I really dislike the Z2 Force's "plastic" screen). But so far, I have not found any source to order the Chinese Z3 version. Maybe, anybody else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an FYI, the Moto Z3 IS Locked to Verizon ONLY in the US, Bootloader is also LOCKED and I HATE THE PHONE! It 's a $480.00 BILLBOARD! Nothing but Ads, Ads, Ads! You can't unlock the booltoader (I tried), so you can't root it, no root no adblock. :crying: So if you don't mind spending $500 and having CONSTANT, FULL SCREEN, OBTRUSIVE ADS popup while your viewing something, then this is the phone for you!!
BTW, the screen is also plastic, so be certain to get yourself a Tempered Glass Screen protector as soon as you get the phone, because the screen scratches very easily!
I'll be selling mine on eBay very soon!
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------
Mental1 said:
Buy from Motorola directly, unlocked for global use.
Don't install sim untill you unlock bootloader & Root is done. If the bands you are interested in using are not engaged then use qcom tool software to turn them on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, can't unlock the bootloader, I tried to before I installed the sim, no go. the electronic serial number generated as the bootloader unlock code is set to VZW and CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED!:crying: I bought mine from Moto directly and it was shipped from China.
If you bought it directly from Motorola and it was shipped from China, so it's the 6GB RAM Version with ZUI Firmware?
wanb1i said:
As an FYI, the Moto Z3 IS Locked to Verizon ONLY in the US, Bootloader is also LOCKED and I HATE THE PHONE! It 's a $480.00 BILLBOARD! Nothing but Ads, Ads, Ads! You can't unlock the booltoader (I tried), so you can't root it, no root no adblock. :crying: So if you don't mind spending $500 and having CONSTANT, FULL SCREEN, OBTRUSIVE ADS popup while your viewing something, then this is the phone for you!!
BTW, the screen is also plastic, so be certain to get yourself a Tempered Glass Screen protector as soon as you get the phone, because the screen scratches very easily!
I'll be selling mine on eBay very soon!
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------
FYI, can't unlock the bootloader, I tried to before I installed the sim, no go. the electronic serial number generated as the bootloader unlock code is set to VZW and CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED!:crying: I bought mine from Moto directly and it was shipped from China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that sucks for you. I purchased my z3 play direct from Moto on a presale offer and it was not shipped from China. I used it for about 3 weeks before cracking the top 2 corners of the display from a "pop out of pocket, hit the blacktop and slid down my driveway" accident. Thanks to Moto's added warranty protection, they replaced it with a brand new in the box z3 play. So, before installing my Verizon sim, I setup the phone and used it on wifi for 2 days, also I never signed into Google, and made sure everything worked. This time being as F'n busy with my job and not having the time to modify it, I used the OCR service, paid the $$ and within a hour, unlocked bootloader and rooted. Once again, I used it for a day before finally installing my sim. I love the phone now and ripped through this ***** removing/adding apps and features to customize/personalize it to my liking. I have not installed the twrp recovery yet. That is next but as of now, not a single issue with anything. OCR, left me every file that was used for the unlock bootloader & Rooting process. If it helps anybody, I can upload what ever file anyone may need.
Sent using my Awesome ROOTED Moto Z3 Play
Maheshwara said:
If you bought it directly from Motorola and it was shipped from China, so it's the 6GB RAM Version with ZUI Firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, 4gb ram/64gb storage, Verizon Bloatware.
---------- Post added at 03:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:09 PM ----------
Mental1 said:
Well that sucks for you. I purchased my z3 play direct from Moto on a presale offer and it was not shipped from China. I used it for about 3 weeks before cracking the top 2 corners of the display from a "pop out of pocket, hit the blacktop and slid down my driveway" accident. Thanks to Moto's added warranty protection, they replaced it with a brand new in the box z3 play. So, before installing my Verizon sim, I setup the phone and used it on wifi for 2 days, also I never signed into Google, and made sure everything worked. This time being as F'n busy with my job and not having the time to modify it, I used the OCR service, paid the $$ and within a hour, unlocked bootloader and rooted. Once again, I used it for a day before finally installing my sim. I love the phone now and ripped through this ***** removing/adding apps and features to customize/personalize it to my liking. I have not installed the twrp recovery yet. That is next but as of now, not a single issue with anything. OCR, left me every file that was used for the unlock bootloader & Rooting process. If it helps anybody, I can upload what ever file anyone may need.
Sent using my Awesome ROOTED Moto Z3 Play
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's because it's a Z3 "PLAY", not a Z3 which is "LOCKED" to Verizon from the factory. :crying: Mine's on eBay if anyone want's to buy it.
Verizon bloatware is easily disabled. I've had no trouble with ads. Anyone who buys a Verizon phone should know they're usually not bootloader unlockable if you're sophisticated enough to consider unlocking it. My phone's working great so ymmv.
Mines from Verizon but it's unlocked out of the box. Yes the bootloader is locked, but I can use the phone with T-Mobile etc...
wanb1i said:
As an FYI, the Moto Z3 IS Locked to Verizon ONLY in the US, Bootloader is also LOCKED and I HATE THE PHONE! It 's a $480.00 BILLBOARD! Nothing but Ads, Ads, Ads! You can't unlock the booltoader (I tried), so you can't root it, no root no adblock. :crying: So if you don't mind spending $500 and having CONSTANT, FULL SCREEN, OBTRUSIVE ADS popup while your viewing something, then this is the phone for you!!
BTW, the screen is also plastic, so be certain to get yourself a Tempered Glass Screen protector as soon as you get the phone, because the screen scratches very easily!
I'll be selling mine on eBay very soon!
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------
FYI, can't unlock the bootloader, I tried to before I installed the sim, no go. the electronic serial number generated as the bootloader unlock code is set to VZW and CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED!:crying: I bought mine from Moto directly and it was shipped from China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, not sure where you're getting this all from?
I bought a Z3 from the Verizon store at $480 it is a steal for this caliber of phone. It is NOT LOCKED, I was able to use it on AT&T and T-Mobile with no issue. Only thing that happens is when you reboot the phone it says "Sim card not from Verizon". Just swipe on the notification and it disappears and does not come back unless you reboot. Any of the Verizon apps are easily disabled and I do not have any ads of any sort, a pretty close to pure android experience. If you have ads, maybe you have a Z3 play Amazon version? not sure if they even made one for z3. I'm so confused on where you're getting ads from?
Also the screen is definitely glass...also don't know where you're getting this from. I also dropped my phone, no cracks, but display has a big blue spot on it. Was told that if there is no crack, it will be fixed for free. Even if they do find that there is physical damage, they will replace it for $150, which I think is more than reasonable. Just sent it off on the weekend so I'll find out soon. I wish there was a z3 force, would gladly deal with the plastic screen in order not to have to worry about it cracking. My Droid Turbo 2 was wonderful because of that.
Overall the z3 has been a great phone, the side fingerprint reader is awesome too. Was a bit worried about it, but got used to it pretty quick. Now that I sent mine in, I'm having to use my old Z droid, and realizing how a front fingerprint reader is not as convenient as a side one.
So I'm very curious, where did you find a Z3, that is locked, with ads and with a plastic screen? you sure you have a z3?
I have owned Verizon only version phones, from the Droid Turbo, Droid Turbo 2 and now the Z3, all of them have been able to work on any network as long as the bands match up, and I've been able to use them in many countries and in the US with no issue.
gbhsaturn said:
So I'm very curious, where did you find a Z3, that is locked, with ads and with a plastic screen? you sure you have a z3?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the event you are unaware, there are malicious apps capable of displaying apps on a user's device. Being that Amazon only offers the Z3 Play, which is impossible to confuse with a VZ branded device, this leads credibility to this being the problem.
Reviewers seem to like the screen, so pethaps they have a different Moto phone altogether? Who knows. VZ carries other Moto devices.
Mental1 said:
Well that sucks for you. I purchased my z3 play direct from Moto on a presale offer and it was not shipped from China. I used it for about 3 weeks before cracking the top 2 corners of the display from a "pop out of pocket, hit the blacktop and slid down my driveway" accident. Thanks to Moto's added warranty protection, they replaced it with a brand new in the box z3 play. So, before installing my Verizon sim, I setup the phone and used it on wifi for 2 days, also I never signed into Google, and made sure everything worked. This time being as F'n busy with my job and not having the time to modify it, I used the OCR service, paid the $$ and within a hour, unlocked bootloader and rooted. Once again, I used it for a day before finally installing my sim. I love the phone now and ripped through this ***** removing/adding apps and features to customize/personalize it to my liking. I have not installed the twrp recovery yet. That is next but as of now, not a single issue with anything. OCR, left me every file that was used for the unlock bootloader & Rooting process. If it helps anybody, I can upload what ever file anyone may need.
Sent using my Awesome ROOTED Moto Z3 Play
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need this info!!!!! Where did you get it done? I don't mind having to pay $$ for it... As long as it's not $$$$$$$$$$ lol
Lord_Worm said:
I need this info!!!!! Where did you get it done? I don't mind having to pay $$ for it... As long as it's not $$$$$$$$$$ lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One Click Root took care of everything from new "out of box" to Unlocked BL to Root all for less then 2 joints.
Mental1 said:
One Click Root took care of everything from new "out of box" to Unlocked BL to Root all for less then 2 joints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. I'm wondering where to find a little guiding on this: I posted elsewhere in the forum, but I spoke directly with a Motorola rep and they confirmed I was shipped a factory firmware test model. I'm not even sure what that means exactly. I know that I have modified several system files and actually had them stick, and now I'm wondering if I can flash a different firmware, and be on a different software channel altogether without bricking my device. My ultimate goal is bootloader unlock and root, but alas, every thing I read online says otherwise. I still would like to humor the thought of a possibility @ unlocking my bootloader without any crazy bootstomp vulnerability exploit
Mental1 said:
One Click Root took care of everything from new "out of box" to Unlocked BL to Root all for less then 2 joints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I find it terribly odd that it says that the Moto Z3 Play isn't a supported device. Are you sure you're telling the truth over there? Sounds almost gimmicky to me. No offense sir, but I literally just went through the process with them.
Lord_Worm said:
Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. I'm wondering where to find a little guiding on this: I posted elsewhere in the forum, but I spoke directly with a Motorola rep and they confirmed I was shipped a factory firmware test model. I'm not even sure what that means exactly. I know that I have modified several system files and actually had them stick, and now I'm wondering if I can flash a different firmware, and be on a different software channel altogether without bricking my device. My ultimate goal is bootloader unlock and root, but alas, every thing I read online says otherwise. I still would like to humor the thought of a possibility @ unlocking my bootloader without any crazy bootstomp vulnerability exploit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally I do all my devices, cells, tabs and tv but I've been so busy I couldn't do any major research before attempting mental melt down. The one thing I can say is while watching it be done, they went directly through Moto site for the unlocking of the BL. After that the process from there was your standard adb & fb commands. Now they did download a "Official Firmware" file, flashed it, used Magisk, reflashed again and done. I read the same good & bad crap online as you and basically once you get it done , redo it your own way. The hard part is done, lol. It has been running great since done months ago. I made a change or two since then and still no issues. If I get a chance, I'll post the zip file they used and firmware pkg if it helps you.
Mental1 said:
Normally I do all my devices, cells, tabs and tv but I've been so busy I couldn't do any major research before attempting mental melt down. The one thing I can say is while watching it be done, they went directly through Moto site for the unlocking of the BL. After that the process from there was your standard adb & fb commands. Now they did download a "Official Firmware" file, flashed it, used Magisk, reflashed again and done. I read the same good & bad crap online as you and basically once you get it done , redo it your own way. The hard part is done, lol. It has been running great since done months ago. I made a change or two since then and still no issues. If I get a chance, I'll post the zip file they used and firmware pkg if it helps you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take a picture of the boot up screens showing the unlocked bootloader and post them.