Root [Verizon] Will this have a locked bootloader on Verizon?

[jhawkkw]

does the locked bootloader on the S4 mean its not safe to root?

Doesn't mean it's not safe, but usually means that it's more difficult than say a nexus device where it's incredibly simple. What it truly means is that flashing custom roms or kernels is impossible until it's unlocked, an exploit, or a workaround is found.

 

[Janth]

Doesn't mean it's not safe, but usually means that it's more difficult than say a nexus device where it's incredibly simple. What it truly means is that flashing custom roms or kernels is impossible until it's unlocked, an exploit, or a workaround is found.

Is that why this method of rooting of works because the prerelease and stock kernels are considered "official"?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2290798

 

[jhawkkw]

Is that why this method of rooting of works because the prerelease and stock kernels are considered "official"?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2290798

Yes. Because the kernel they have you downgrade to is official, it passes the signature checks necessary for the device to boot up. Then since it had the security hole necessary for the motochopper exploit to work.

 

[jova33]

So they got the bootloader unlocked? Sweet!
This is potentially my next phone. The only thing I'm waiting for is a 32GB internal memory version on Verizon.
Edit: this is what I would've said if they had the bootloader unlocked
I feel your phone should be like your PC. You pay money for your computer, you can put whatever operating system you want on it, you can tweak it out however you want, and you pay for whatever internet provider you want.
You pay for your cell phone, you should be able to run whatever OS you want, you should be able to tweak it to perform how you want it to, and you should pay for your phone/data service and not have your provider dictate what you use your phone or service for.

 

[halon]

Was the unlocking method released yet for Verizon?

 

[jova33]

I think so. I haven't bothered with getting one do to the lack of a 32GB version.

 

[jhawkkw]

It's not an unlocking method, it's a work-around. Essentially roms and kernels with have to be patched, and the aboot modified so as to allow the device to boot the modified roms and kernels. It will not boot roms and kernels that aren't modified because it's still locked.

 

[jova33]

So... Revisiting this because of the possibility of a 32GB version.
Is there an unlocked bootloader?

 

[jhawkkw]

So... Revisiting this because of the possibility of a 32GB version.
Is there an unlocked bootloader?

Not unlocked, but a suitable workaround.

It's not an unlocking method, it's a work-around. Essentially roms and kernels with have to be patched, and the aboot modified so as to allow the device to boot the modified roms and kernels. It will not boot roms and kernels that aren't modified because it's still locked.

 

[jova33]

But without an unlocked bootloader will it get official support from ROMs like CM and AOKP?

 

[jkc120]

But without an unlocked bootloader will it get official support from ROMs like CM and AOKP?

CM is already building nightlies for it, so I think it's official there.

AOKP is still up in the air as the maintainer doesn't have a device. You can donate to get him one here:

[Donation Request] lets get aokp on VZW S4 - Galaxy S IV - RootzWiki

I get the feeling that until he has one, it will not be officially supported by the AOKP team.

 

[jova33]

I have unlimited data on Verizon now, but I really really want a Nexus phone or maybe the Moto X. I dunno, the S4 with AOSP and 32GB sounds nice.