[Galaxy Note II General] takoateli:
an open letter to Samsung

for me Samsung's Android 4.3 firmware has installed a locked down system and bootloader which prevents me from flashing in any non supported software. I get a fail as soon as I attempt to flash anything but the official version 4.3 which is currently installed.

I am hoping the response from the Android community is loud and strong, and that Samsung receives harsh feedback for taking such a hard stance on rooting and the use of unofficial roms on their phones. I have written to Samsung asking for clarification on their policy, and if there official response is that they will no longer allow users to root and or install other roms other than the official Samsung roms then I am going to sell my samsung phone and purchase a nexus 5, and never purchase another Samsung telephone again.

I think that Samsung should or for a download which will clear out the secure boot loader and system and allow users to install the firmware of their choice. I do like the official Samsung Android 4.3 firmware, but I need root to be able to add the tweaks that allow me to make the phone perfect for my use.

the following is my letter to samsung:

Re: Customer reference number: 2116477974

Please quote your customer reference number when contacting Samsung

Email response ID: 2118916545

you are missing my point and did not address my issue. I understand that samsung does not SUPPORT unofficial firmware. I'm not asking for support. I'm asking for Samsung NOT TO BLOCK the installation of unofficial firmware.

As I stated previously, I would like to know whether or not Samsung is going to prevent owners of their telephones from installing whatever firmware they want. Right now I am stuck with the official version of Android 4.3, & I am NOT able to root it nor install another firmware. If this is samsung this official policy, to block users from installing the firmware of their choice I am going to sell this phone and I assure you I will never ever purchased another Samsung telephone.

You should be trying to encourage your users to be happy with your equipment. The enthusiast who for their own reasons want to modify your device should be encouraged. That should be a sector of the market that you would want to go after. After all, us Samsung owners are people who want to give you our money when we upgrade to your future devices. As it is right now I would never think of purchasing a note 3 because of your firmware policy. If you will not allow your users to install the firmware of their choice I will have no option but to purchase one of your competitors products. I could go into the reasons why I prefer to root my phone, but let me just say generally that it allows me to add or change features that allow the device to behave in a way and do things which are important to me, in areas where your official firmware falls short fit my needs.

Speculation on the web is that your policies are designed to curry favor in the business world where I teach departments would appreciate that your device is locked down. If that is the case, I understand that you are also turning your back on the consumer base who wants an open and modifiable device.

My belief is that you should allow the consumer user to have a more open and friendly device. I would appreciate it if you would allow users like myself to remove the restriction that your latest firmware has placed on our devices by blocking unofficial firmware.

Greg