First off, the bootloader isn't part of Android, it's what lets the device boot into Android. Device manufacturers generally want you to stick to the version of Android they preloaded on the device.

The picture above was taken by Alexei Watson who states that the new stock recovery in Android L has a few new features. You can now Reboot to Bootloader, and Power down.

The most obvious consequence of living with an unlocked bootloader Android device is that some financial apps, among others, will outright refuse to run out of security concerns.

OnePlus is placing new restrictions on bootloader unlocking for certain users starting its Android 16 update which arrives later this year.

The Asus Transformer Prime will be getting Ice Cream Sandwich on 12 January, with an unlocked bootloader en route.

Smartphone bootloader firmware should be secure even if the operating system is compromised. But researchers have found five flaws in major chipset vendors' code that leave the process vulnerable ...