First off, the bootloader isn't part of Android, it's what lets the device boot into Android. Device manufacturers generally want you to stick to the version of Android they preloaded on the device.

The picture above was taken by Alexei Watson who states that the new stock recovery in Android L has a few new features. You can now Reboot to Bootloader, and Power down.

So let’s talk about what a bootloader is, and why Verizon wants to lock yours down. What is a bootloader? The bootloader is the first thing that starts up when a phone is turned on.

With L's Android release, the recovery is getting a little bit more useful with two new options: reboot to bootloader and power down. Nothing groundbreaking here, but still incredibly useful ...

The bootloader code organizes what programs to run after boot. However, if you want to root any Android smartphone, the user first needs to unlock bootloader and then install custom recovery.

Sony Ericsson has confirmed that it will be offering an official bootloader unlock for certain Android handsets in its 2011 range, following developer and owner requests for more flexible access ...

Smartphone bootloader firmware should be secure even if the operating system is compromised. But researchers have found five flaws in major chipset vendors' code that leave the process vulnerable ...

The Asus Transformer Prime will be getting Ice Cream Sandwich on 12 January, with an unlocked bootloader en route.