Sony Ericsson releases unlocked bootloader for Xperia Play and other recent models
If you don’t know what it is, you probably don’t need it
Sony Ericsson has taken a rather unusual step (in regards to most mobile manufacturers) and released an official unlock for the bootloader for a range of its new Xperia models, including the recently released Xperia Play and Arc.
A bootloader is effectively a small piece of software that starts when you turn a computer's (or mobile phone’s) power on.
The bootloader allows the machine to load up other larger software into the RAM - like an operating system - as well as manage the execution of a whole range of systems.
A good example of this is the PC BIOS, which you can normally access directly by holding down a certain key as you start up your laptop or desktop computer.
By releasing an unlocked bootloader, SE is effectively reaching out to developers and enterprising software engineers/hackers, and allowing them access to functions below the OS.
The unlocked bootloader fittingly only works with unlocked handsets, so those on a contract are out of luck. It’s also worth noting that unlocking the loader may cause issues with DRM in certain circumstances.
Unless you knew what a bootloader was before my little basics lesson, it’s probably wise you don’t try it on your phone. As someone who’s managed to screw up a BIOS back when overclocking meant carefully switching jumpers with a screwdriver, it’s not exactly a wise thing to get into unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing.
For the more tech-minded readers though, you can grab the unlock by visiting this page.
