Motorola have missed the point, big style, because they are scared of the network operator’s wrath. They believe that by releasing a Developer version of the RAZR Android handset, they have made Android hackers happy. The issue mainly is that the types who play with ROMs probably have already got a RAZR. And chances are…they don’t need another one. So what is Motorola think it is proving by releasing this phone?

The RAZR ‘Developer Edition’ is available directly from Motorola through its online shop http://www.visitm.de/en/razr-dev for £418 for pre-order although there is no news on when it will be shipped. There are only two principal differences between this and its jailbird progenitor; and unlocked boot loader and no warranty. The device is only available to EU residents at present.

The potential of upsetting the likes of US operator Verizon are at the core of Moto’s bungled approach. Network’s across the pond have a lot more control over devices, and are principally responsible for holding back many handsets Android version, much to the amusement of detractors by perpetuating this myth of “platform fragmentation”. Let’s just hope that some rich hacker with money to burn buys a few, figures out some loophole to unlock the common-or-garden variety of RAZR and then knowingly slaps Motorola in the face for begin so silly. Either give users the chance to unlock, or do not. This half-arsed attempt is ludicrous.

Via El Reg .

bootloader, Developer Edition, lock, Motorola, RAZR