Almost all android devices now-a-days come with a protected bootloader to avoid flashing of custom ROMs. There is no exception to Samsung Galaxy Tab. Earlier manufactured Galaxy tabs (with JJ4 version of bootloader) have unlocked bootloader.

Developers are using this exploit to patch the latest Galaxy tabs bootloaders to revert to the older version that leaves your Galaxy tab unlocked for flashing and playing around with custom ROMs.

Disclaimer: Replacing or modifying Bootloaders can be dangerous and may brick your phone. droidfreeapps.com is not liable if you brick your Galaxy tab during the process. Proceed at your own risk. Note that the below process doesn’t support CDMA Galaxy tabs.

UNLOCK GALAXY TAB BOOTLOADER

Before attempting the instructions of replacing bootloader, you need to have your device rooted. Head to our article on how to root Samsung devices using z4root app. Once you are done, return here and follow the below instructions for unlocking bootloader of Galaxy tab.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. The patch will be applied by a APK format app. There are two different apps. Make sure you download the one for your device.

Download Bootloader Patch APK format [For Euro / International / Unbranded / AT&T / Rogers / T-Mobile users]

Download Bootloader Patch APK format [Latin (P1000L and P1000N)]

2. After downloading your version of APK app, install it. If you are new to installation of APK, head to our guide on installing APK format (Off-Market) apps on your android device. Other method here.

3. Now launch “Bootloader Patch” app.

4. The status of your Galaxy tab’s Bootloader will be displayed. If your device already has a unlocked bootloader, the status message will be displayed “Bootloaders- YOU ARE SAFE!. Assessment:Can flash anything”. In such scenario, there is no need apply patch. Lucky! “Patch Bootloders” option at the bottom will be greyed out.

If you device is compatible with the patch, and it is locked, then “Patch Bootloders” option will be activated.

5. Tap on “Patch Bootloders”.

Unlock bootloader Galaxy Tab

Image Credit: XDA Forum

In matter of few seconds, your Galaxy tab will get unlocked. You can then go ahead and start playing around flashing ROMs. Head to developer’s thread to know more about the patch and joining discussion.

[via dskzone]

Yes iPhone is finally on Verizon, and some of you will be tempted to hop on it. Before you dump your Android phone for the Verizon’s iPhone CNET reviewed 5 reasons you should not. Besides that fact that Android is now the number one OS in the world, latest Android like the Optimus 2X, the Droid Bionic, to mention a few, come with dual process and more cool features.

We don’t know if this app will be available for the iPhone because they will have to wait for the app to be approved, which could take a few months, but if you will be heading to Dallas for Super Bowl 45, you may want to download the official app for Super Bowl XLV.  The app comes with 3D map, guides on place for food and drinks, restroom, parking, and events.

The Dell Streak 7 with Android 2.2 will launch on Feb 2, 2011, although the company confirms that it will be getting Honeycomb (Android 3.0) very soon after.

The Streak 7’s features include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, front and rear facing cameras (with Qik support), full Flash and 4G connectivity on “America’s largest 4G network”.

“Once you have the new Dell Streak 7 tablet in your hands, you won’t be able to put it down. It will quickly become the ultimate device for the socially connected who want to do everything from watching great content, to chatting with friends, to taking high-resolution pictures and immediately sharing them with their friends and family.” said John Thode, VP, Dell Mobility Product Group.

Google is already looking to hire 6,200 new staff this year, especially in the mobile developers segment. Benjamin Ling, a Google product management director, has been leading the recruitment efforts, according to the report, but has resisted requests for confirmation.

Google is making a major impression with its Android operating system, and significantly improved its market share on tablet devices in the final quarter of 2010, according to a Strategy Analytics report.

Even though Apple dominates the tablet market with 84% share, but Android increased its portion to 13% in 2010 and took almost a quarter of all sales in the fourth quarter.

Android is also likely to receive a boost with the Honeycomb release engineered specifically for tablet devices. The smartphone market will also be key to Google’s plans, with booming sales results from Samsung.

Since AT&T will no longer be the exclusive US iPhone carrier, after Verizon launches its CDMA iPhone, next month, the second largest North American operator must make its smartphone portfolio more attractive than it currently is. Wondering how they will do that? Simple, with high-end Android smartphones!

According to a leaked documents on the net, AT&T plans to launch 12 Android handsets before the end of 2011. We already know three of them: Motorola Atrix 4G, HTC Inspire 4G, and Samsung Infuse 4G. Most likely, these three manufacturers will make some more for AT&T.

And speaking of 4G (or HSPA+), AT&T also intends to introduce 20 4G devices throughout the year.

Whoa! That’s a whole lot of planning.