Back in 2010, HTC’s Android handsets were very modding friendly, and that was one of the main reasons for their popularity. HTC’s handsets were among the first to get a new mod or ROM ports. This was all because HTC did not lock or encrypt their handsets boot loader.

Sadly, it looks like this year the company has taken a different approach towards unlocked boot loader on their handsets. All the phones HTC have released this year including the Desire S, and the Incredible S have a locked boot loader. Many developers and modders criticized HTC for this, and expected that the company won’t be so strict with its next super-phone the HTC Sensation.

Sadly, the folks over at AndroidPolice are reporting that the Sensation will ship with a signed boot loader as well. Unless the developers get extremely lucky, like in the case of the HTC Thunderbolt, there is a very tough chance of unlocking the boot loader.

This news has already caused many developers and HTC handsets users to change their mind about the Sensation. The Samsung Galaxy S II is no less than the Sensation in the specs department, and many people are looking towards it as a viable alternative.

It is really sad to see HTC shipping their phones with an encrypted boot loader. Motorola is already being criticized by a lot of people for shipping their phones with locked boot loaders. Companies need to realize that shipping their phones with a locked boot loader is going to adversely affect the handsets sales.

Motorola and HTC should learn a lesson or two from Samsung, LG and Sony Ericsson on supporting the modding community.