Sony Xperia Z1 Aftermath: Xperia Z1 Unlock Bootloader Camera Issue; Sony Tightens Security vs. Leaks

Sony Xperia Z1 owners who are unable to operate the camera because of unlocking its bootloader, can regain control upon re-locking while Sony Mobile tightens security on future Xperia smartphone leaks

Camera Issue on Unlocking Xperia Z1 Bootloader

Unlocking bootloader allows user to gain root access which required to flash custom ROMs and apply changes in the administrator controls. Unfortunately, the Xperia Z1 unlocking bootloader procedure brings out a grave consequence to one of its features - unable to use the camera.

Sony Mobile did confirm the issue according to XperiaBlog as reported by owners of Xperia Z1, who unlocked the bootloader. The company did reveal a simple solution to allow users to regain camera use by simply re-locking the smartphone. First the user must backup the TA partition, which is responsible for Sony DRM keys before unlocking the bootloader then restore as necessary.

Unfortunately, there are no details or fix yet if someone fails to create any backup of the TA partition before unlocking the bootloader or if the re-locking only can restore the camera function at 100 per cent.

Sony posted in their unlock bootloader Web site with a warning about unlocking consequences of the Xperia Z1.

"Warning! At the moment, unlocking the Xperia^TM bootloader will stop the camera functionality."

The site also excluded the device from a list of Xperia devices possible to be unlocked. Currently, the Sony development team are working hard to fix the issue as soon as possible.

Sony Mobile Disagrees with Leaks

Sony had enough of phone leaks and decided to tighten security to prevent future Xperia smartphone revelations before launching date - Xperia Z1 would be the last.

Mobile leaks are always exciting for the public, but mobile phone manufacturers suffer from it. Sony seems unhappy with the Xperia Z1 leaks especially when almost everything about the device was unveiled prior its official announcement.

Now the company is tightening security to prevent new leaks based on a poster of "don'ts" inside their office somewhere in Asia. The poster reminds employees to keep their information among themselves and should not let it go out of the office.

Poster Guidelines:

Strictly follow prototype usage rules for confidential phones

- Do not use phones without protective cover

- Do not show phones to individuals outside of Sony Mobile unless NDA is signed

- Do no upload any pictures to social networks, pub Web pages, etc.

- Do not use third part benchmarking applications

It is uncertain if the poster is genuinely posted or in actual implementation or if it was only placed just to say "cheese" but due to the Z1 leaks, Sony will ensure increased security measure to shield upcoming Xperia devices.