forum rules regarding discussion of rooting.

[viridis]

With O2 having uk exclusive stock of the BQ Aquaris X5, @MI5 has pointed out quite correctly, that we cannot discuss the os or features of the phone as it is a rooted device.
In light of this, and our inability to assist members due to our limitations regarding root discussions, isn't it time that the "no root talk" rule is dropped.
As android root talk is like for like. Discussion of one device is as good as discussion for the other, especially when similar SOC are used.

So, are we to not assist in the discussion of this device, or are we at a stage now where discussing root features is now allowed?

[Anonymous]

Does this mean guideline 10 is now irrelevant 

http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Welcome-News/Community-Guidelines/td-p/487846

[jonsie]

Hopefully they will be discussing this as a priority today. 

[Toby]

Hi guys,

I'll have a chat with the rest of the team about this. As rooting can affect a device's warranty in most occasions, we cannot officially support it, or host any advice/instructions on how to do it. However, I fully understand that this device has a different setup, so we'll have a chat.

I'll come back later on

[Toby]

Hi guys. Here is some info on how the phone is set up, as well as some info on how rooting discussion will not really change:

• The X5 will have a locked bootloader like any other handset
• Installing non-X5 software/updates (eg, a different ROM) will void the warranty like any other handset
• CyanogenOS which comes pre-installed (instead of normal Android) has much more customisation, personalisation and control optionsbuilt-in. Some of these could be available to other Android users after rooting and modifying a device (which we still don’t allow discussion of), but they are available out-of-the-box with the X5 

I hope this clears things up!

[MI5]

Quick question - does anyone at O2 actually understand anything about Android, rooting, ROM porting and bootloaders?

[jonsie]

Possibly like me, very limited knowledge.

[Toby]

Hi @MI5,

What issues do you have with the info? I'll talk to the rest of the team about your concerns.

By the way, I'm not sure what is happening with this thread, but some older comments are at the end :S

[MI5]

Toby, for example, this statement
"Installing non-X5 software/updates (eg, a different ROM) will void the warranty like any other handset"
CM is OS so anyone can download it onto their device - I can put it on my Note 4 for example, if I wish to, so how can it void my warranty on Note 4 but the same ROM be OK on the X-5?
Also "The X5 will have a locked bootloader like any other handset" what is the point of offering a full freedom, full customisation phone if you are going to lock the bootloader, and what exactly do O2 think this will protect them from?

[viridis]

Plus, locking the bootloader will only prevent the flashing of another OS.....9 times out of ten based on CM anyway so irrelevant. Is it rooted out the box? Because that's where the issues arise, giving advice on this product.. Is as good as giving advice for any other rooted android.

And FYI, the European courts ruled that rooting does NOT invalidate warranties under failure of faulty hardware components.

[jonsie]

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@viridis wrote:
Plus, locking the bootloader will only prevent the flashing of another OS.....9 times out of ten based on CM anyway so irrelevant. Is it rooted out the box? Because that's where the issues arise, giving advice on this product.. Is as good as giving advice for any other rooted android.

And FYI, the European courts ruled that rooting does NOT invalidate warranties under failure of faulty hardware components.

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This just doesn't add up.

I agree with @MI5@ does anyone actually know anything about rooting @Anonymous?