ASUS Transformer Prime ICS due Jan 12 plus warranty-killing Bootloader unlock

This week we’ve had more than a general share of conversation on the ASUS Transformer Prime, especially on the fact that it’ll be shipped to users with a locked down bootloader, this blocking general efforts to develop on a deep level for the device – today ASUS has announced that due to the response they’ve had on the subject, they’ll be releasing a bootloader unlock tool for the device as well! Developers and hackers alike will be able to work with their NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core toting Transformer Prime on an intimate level, and will be able to do it with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich as well, starting on January 12th, 2012!

What ASUS has done here is to keep the security measures they’ve been pressured to add thus far in place while still offering those hardcore enough to mess with the guts of the device the ability to do so. This should very well make all the folks in all the sectors as happy as possible. As ASUS says, “the demand in the modding community” was high enough, thusly the bonds have been broken!

“Regarding the bootloader, the reason we chose to lock it is due to content providers’ requirement for DRM client devices to be as secure as possible. ASUS supports Google DRM in order to provide users with a high quality video rental experience. Also, based on our experience, users who choose to root their devices risk breaking the system completely. However, we know there is demand in the modding community to have an unlocked bootloader. Therefore, ASUS is developing an unlock tool for that community. Please do note that if you choose to unlock your device, the ASUS warranty will be void, and Google video rental will also be unavailable because the device will be no longer protected by security mechanism.” – ASUS

Next, for the update to Ice Cream Sandwich, and I must remind you this appears to be the first place a high-end tablet will be getting said update, the update will be coming starting on the 12th of January – that’s quick! Read: this wont necessarily come to you, the owner of a brand new Transformer Prime THAT DAY, but the update will start then:

“ASUS has been working hard to make the highly anticipated Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich available on the Transformer Prime, and today, we have good news for you. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich FOTA worldwide update for the Transformer Prime will start from Jan 12th, 2012. Thank you for your patience and support through this process. ” – ASUS

Sound alright? We’re as pumped up as you are!

[via ASUS]