Asus releases a bootloader unlock tool for its Transformer Prime tablet

TAIWANESE HARDWARE MAKER Asus has released a bootloader unlocking tool for its Transformer Prime tablet.

Asus promised to make the tool available this month and has lived up to its word after demand surfaced in the developer community. The tool is available to download at the Asus support website and will allow users complete control over the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating system.

Developers are the most likely users to install the tool, so that they can create and install custom built ROMs, but some adventurous users no doubt will use it to tinker with settings to boost the performance of the quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor.

In a statement, Asus strongly advised users to download the tool only if they fully understand and accept the risks.

"Following your valued feedback, we are pleased to announce that the promised Transformer Prime Bootloader Unlock Tool is now available for download," Asus said.

"Please note that the app only supports the Transformer Prime TF201 with Android 4.0 ICS installed, and that once you activate the app, you agree that the product will no longer be covered under the original warranty."

Asus advises users to back up all content before installing the bootloader unlocking tool, and warns that if activated, the process cannot be reversed. Devices that are unlocked will no longer receive software updates issued by the manufacturer.

The company released the Transformer Prime in mid-January and the design and performance were very impressive when reviewed by The INQUIRER. µ