Atrix and Sideloading

[cys920622]

This is a little strange to me. Everyone's been holding out for the 2.3.4 Gingerbread release, one of the biggest reasons being app sideloading. What's weird is that my Bell Atrix (on Froyo) has always had an option for sideloading (aka "Unknown Sources" option in "Applications" settings).

Did the AT&T Atrix not come with this feature?

 

[james27007]

Nope, the box was removed so we never even had the option

 

[WirelessGuy]

However today's Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) update added the feature for AT&T users!

 

[ultradroid]

However today's Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) update added the feature for AT&T users!

That it did. However, it caused certain other problems for those who installed it - problems which may totally negate any benefit derived from that OTA Update.

-Mike

 

[RaD2820]

Care to explain, no problems here?

 

[mzungu.andrew]

I haven't found a problem as of yet so if you have something, please discuss. Any benefit of the open bootloader?

 

[ultradroid]

Care to explain, no problems here?

I'm sorry, I was unnecessarily terse with that observation earlier. The problems as I see it for those who chose to install the OTA Gingerbread update are the ability to re-root their phones (since the installation un-roots the phone), and the possible inability to unlock their bootloader. I understand that since I made my observation, the wonder workers on XDA Forum may have found workarounds for those two problems. Take a look here - [PUDDING] International House of Pudding! (Unlock thread) Updated July 23 2011 - xda-developers - and read the thread. These guys are good, but sometimes they get carried away with their terminology.

Bottom line is that neither of those two problems impacts on me directly, because I refuse to install OTA updates - I only use custom roms - but it has a real bearing on any of our members who *have* accepted the OTA and now want to root and/or unlock their bootloaders. Motorola (or maybe AT&T) seems to have taken steps to prevent you from doing that. The url listed above may be a way of overcoming the roadblocks, so you should check it out.

-Mike

 

[james27007]

The problems as I see it for those who chose to install the OTA Gingerbread update are the ability to re-root their phones (since the installation un-roots the phone), and the possible inability to unlock their bootloader.

-Mike

Could not have said it better myself, thank you Mike. I myself went the method of OTA; for me, this is my only phone and I cannot risk a brick, so I never went down the unlocking bootloader rabbit hole . I have rooted the phone so I know my warranty is out the window, but I don't want to kill it. Losing root sucks big time only because I lost the ability to run the webtop mod (very nice when I travel); but other than that, the other reasons I needed root (sideloading and Netflix and a few others) was fixed; so no biggie there.

One big thing about the link Mike posted, if you do not 100% understand what they are talking about, DO NOT TRY IT. It is some really advanced stuff and you can very easily brick your phone if you do not do it correctly the 1st time

I can say I do love the new layout, being able to organize the app drawer, the new music player, netflix works, sideloading, group e-mail lists, better wifi connectivity, the new camera modes (panoramic pictures), the new gallery, better battery life, being able to dismiss notifications one at a time, rich location, 1080p Playback in the entertainment center, customizable dock, and so on.

I added a howto root GB in the main root sticky

 

[cys920622]

Nope, the box was removed so we never even had the option

WHAT

I can see why AT&T customers are going crazy over Gingerbread when you don't see it AS much with Bell (I'm sure Bell has a MUCH smaller Atrix community as well).

Makes me wonder why AT&T removed that option when Bell didn't...

 

[james27007]

WHAT

I can see why AT&T customers are going crazy over Gingerbread when you don't see it AS much with Bell (I'm sure Bell has a MUCH smaller Atrix community as well).

Makes me wonder why AT&T removed that option when Bell didn't...

Stupid reason, and in my opinion is that AT&T wanted to lock everyone to the Android market for some unknown money making reason. But the official reason was to protect the customers from themselves because installing apps not from the market can damage your phone. Yea right... What sucked is they blocked every AT&T android phone. At least they are now unblocking them slowly with updates.