Asus Prime Transformer: about Android 4.0 and the bootloader

Although its availability is still relative, Asus was keen to answer questions from potential customers regarding the arrival of Android 4.0 on the Prime Transformer, as well as concerns about the locked bootloader loaded by default on the shelf.


Featuring new tablet from Asus, the Eee Pad Transformer Prime (see test) should be one of the first market to adopt the latest version of Android, the famous Ice Cream Sandwich. The necessary update is finally delivered on January 12 this year, Asus has promised Tuesday through Facebook. Meanwhile, the manufacturer reports the availability of an intermediate version that he says improves the development of the camera, the fluidity of touch the management of distributed applications through the Android Market.
Asus has also taken advantage of this communication to answer two questions regularly raised by potential customers. The first concerns the disappearance of the mention of certain GPS sales brochures. In this regard, Taiwanese explains that the aluminum hull of the tablet is likely to impair performance in navigation. “To avoid disappointing users request a full GPS, we decided to remove this information from our data products and our marketing publications,” said he.
The second, more difficult, relates to the presence of a bootloader (tool used for loading the system) encrypted, preventing users from installing an alternative version of the operating system on their shelf. “The reason we decided to lock it is due to the requirements of content providers about the Digital Rights Management (DRM),” says Asus, who said he wanted to support the DRM system of Google.
“However, we understand the request of the developer community. Also, Asus is currently creating a tool for unlocking to be proposed to this community, “says the manufacturer, but up to a further delivery date. He stated however that this release will compromise the warranty on the unit and access to the kiosk video rental Google.