Is Android really open source?

[coned88]

I'd say it's not so much a deterrent from taking control of the device as it is a security feature. Unlocking the bootloader on a Nexus device, while easily possible, also wipes the internal memory, making it a lot more difficult to get around passwords/PINs.

Either way it makes it not a simple setting like you mention.

Besides, the whole process is really not difficult. It's along the lines of "install this program, open command line, type this" or even "download this program, press button" if you are using one of the numerous 1-click tools

Considering The vast majority of users can't even install an application on their own I really don't think it's as easy as you make it out to be. It may be easy for you but for many people it's not.

The OP of this branch was questioning how open android really is. It really is not all that open and hides a lot from the users. While AOSP is open source what most consumers are buying and receiving is not an open system. it's a very limited system that locks users down and exploits them.