Yesterday one of the comments from Motorola on the official YouTube Atrix ad was picked up by the internet. The comment was simple, “if you want to do custom roms, then buy elsewhere.” Well, they have now issued an apology stating that the response does not reflect the views of Motorola Mobility.

We apologize for the feedback we provided regarding our bootloader policy. The response does not reflect the views of Motorola.

We are working closely with our partners to offer a bootloader solution that will enable developers to use our devices as a development platform while still protecting our users’ interests. More detailed information will follow as we get closer to availability.

Even though they state that this is not their policy we all know they still have a strong opinion on rooting and using custom ROMs, but being a major company they can not be as blunt about it as that specific YouTube comment was.

What do you think? Does Motorola’s strict policy and restrictions keep you from buying a branded device? Let us know in the comments!

[Via Facebook]

8 COMMENTS

  1. “Does Motorola’s strict policy and restrictions keep you from buying a branded device?”

    For sure. I’m not even considering any Motorola phones precisely because of this.

  2. I think that Motorola should consider that people who modify their smartphones are sorta like people who mod their cars. It’s better to embrace them and help them out and sponsor SEMA like conventions. Sure those people might overload their cars and void their warranties once in a while, but…

    They’re passionate users, who probably spend more money and buy more phones than normal users.

    HTC has cultivated them over many years and that’s a reason why they are so successful in the smartphone arena.

  3. Empty words. My phone should be like my computer. I load what I want on it. Actually my phone is my computer so screw all these companies that are trying to foist crap-ware overlays on me that add no value and are just their way of trying to lock me into their platform. These companies aren’t trying to serve customers anymore than banks that add ridiculous gotcha fees that have no relationship to their costs are. Maybe what we need is legislation to stop this kind of behavior. Companies that play these games where they exploit their customers absolutely disgust me.

  4. Unfortunately the whole episode has left a lot of bad taste that just won’t go away with some quick PR words. The original comment just smacks of the old Motorola still living in the RAZAR days. When will these guys realise that people have moved on from 10 years ago and today expect so much more. I am in need of a new phone but if the device comes locked I won’t be buying and will be recommending to others that they avoid Motorola phones likewise. You piss of the dev community and it’s really going to impact your sales. The phone still might be success to the vast majority who will never want to load a custom ROM but think of what it may become with that support. HTC has only gone from strength to strength for their stance. A big fail Motorola.

  5. Yes a big fail. Look at all the new Android features that come out in the last 6 months alone. Big M if you intend on stranding me on the current software version for all time in the cynical hope that it’s going to generate more sales in the future when I want to update next then you are badly mistaken. You have dropped the ball with the goal line in sight.

  6. Yes this is the deal breaker for me . If i cant get at&t crap off of it then forget it . Not worth it. I pay at&t for the service access and thats it. I want an unmolested phone. So if i cant get one without at&t crapware or be able to unbrand it then forget it . If i can get one unlocked then im all in 100%

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