[jemeshsu]

Just curious, what are the pros and cons to Android manufacturer to lock down a device? Are these Android manufacturer each trying to create its own platform based on an open OS?

[venomsnake]

Mostly carriers demand it. There is no reason to lock the bootloader otherwise.

Of course a more cynical mind can see a reason in planned obsolescence - if you stop updating a device after an year you will buy your next sooner.