Android Thoughts - Opinions, News, Advice & Reviews on Android Devices

Got a Hot Tip? We Want To Hear It! Use Our Contact Form


Apple Thoughts

Loading feed...

Laptop Thoughts

Loading feed...

Digital Home Thoughts

Loading feed...





All posts tagged "root"


Saturday, March 17, 2012

CyanogenMod Disables Root by Default For New Versions

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Android News" @ 08:30 AM

http://www.cyanogenmod.com/blog/security-and-you

"On a default CyanogenMod installation, root usage will have to be explicitly enabled by the user. This means that the user is fully aware that any application that uses root may perform actions that could compromise security, stability and data integrity. Once enabled, the process mirrors that of the current process, apps that request root will be flagged by the SuperUser.apk and the user will have to grant selective access."

In my opinion, this is a big step for CyanogenMod for two reasons. First, it helps them protect users from themselves and malicious software which may target Cyanogen users. Second, it makes CyanogenMod a 'legitimate' option for those looking to intro their friends to a custom ROM, without worrying about upping their friend's risk of problems. Good Move!

Tags: root, cyanogenmod

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

New App Store for Banned Apps on the Way

Posted by Craig Horlacher in "Android News" @ 11:00 AM

http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/20/de...d-android-apps/

"An Android developer by the name of Koushik Dutta is building an alternative Android app store which will house the apps that have been banned from Google’s official Android Market. These will include the custom ROMs (customized versions of the Android OS), classic gaming emulators pulled due to copyright complaints, unofficial tethering apps removed at the behest of mobile operators, Visual Voicemail apps, one-click rooting apps, and more."

Koushik Dutta, the developer known for creating ClockworkMod, is creating an app store for things like tethering apps, ROMs, emulators, and whatever else doesn't have a home on any other market. There is no launch date right now but if you check the source you'll see a screen shot of a page for a developer to upload, showing progress has been made.

One thing I love about Android is the app store options you have without having to jump through hoops other than check one box in your settings. It took AT&T a while to get a clue but other than that no carrier has had a problem with alternate app stores. It will be interesting to see how carriers respond once this new app store becomes a reality.


Sunday, January 8, 2012

UnlockRoot is your Massive Root Resource

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Android Articles, Resources & Developer" @ 05:00 PM

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehack...es-in-one-click

"Rooting an Android phone used to be an esoteric practice reserved only for the tech-savvy. Those days are long gone. With Android gaining more world-wide popularity, users of Android devices have also learned the tricks of the trade."

Looking to liberate an Android device? Then check out UnlockRoot - which promises to root dozens of different devices!


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Koush's Tether Alpha Gives Tether Without Root Requirement

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Android Software" @ 10:00 AM

https://plus.google.com/10358393932...sts/1Yy1jb9z4TA

"Over the last month, I've been working on a new app. Tether Alpha is a USB[2] tether solution for Mac, Windows, and Linux that allows you to use your phone's data connection to get internet access on your desktop or laptop."

Back in 2003, I could tether my Dell Axim to my i-Mate Pocket PC without any issue, in fact it was all done over Bluetooth DUN and didn't even require me to press anything on the Pocket PC - it could stay in my bag while I worked with the Axim. It seems that since then, data speeds have gone up (thankfully) but ease of use has gone way down. Now that carriers care about data usage (despite trying to get us to use as much as possible), solutions like Koush's appear, promising to let us tether without it showing up to our carrier. Intriguing times we live in!

Tags: google, root, koush

Friday, December 16, 2011

LifeHacker Updated Their Android Rooting Guide

Posted by Craig Horlacher in "Android News" @ 11:30 AM

http://lifehacker.com/5868228/weve-...rooting-methods

"There are a ton of Android phones out there, many of which have their own special rooting methods or notes, and since updates are pushed out on an individual basis, we can't possibly keep up with it all. We recently combed through the guide and fixed everything we could find that was out of date, much of which due to lots of new phones getting Gingerbread."

Just in time for that new Android device you find under your Christmas tree LifeHacker has updated their Android Rooting Guide. They fixed the rooting directions for some older devices with new methods or notes where needed and they added new devices as well. If you want to root this is a great resource to use!


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Install Android Market on Your Kindle Fire

Posted by Craig Horlacher in "Android News" @ 02:30 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/...ure-out-how-to/

"Homebrewers, of course, will first have to root the device before tweaking with the Fire's Gingerbread-based build, but fortunately for them, there's already a guide for that. Once that's taken care of, you can also load the Android Market and a slate of other Google apps, using a handy how-to guide published on xda Forums."

Amazon released the source code for the Kindle Fire. That means we'll probably start to see all kinds of custom ROM's or other modifications coming out for it soon. One of the first things they did was figure out how to install the Android Market! They made a nice how-to in case you want to give it a try. The first step is rooting it but if that doesn't scare you go for it!

How do you like your Kindle Fire? Have you rooted it?


It Didn't Take Long. Root Your Kindle Fire Now!

Posted by Craig Horlacher in "Android News" @ 11:00 AM

http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/...e-way-for-amaz/

"The solution comes courtesy of a user lovingly known as "death2all11o," who posted the "1-click' recipe to Android Forums earlier today."

If you bought the Kindle Fire hoping to get full access to the OS to "make the device yours" you don't need to wait anymore! Now there is a documented method for rooting this nifty $200 e-reader.

Updated: I just saw that if you root the Kindle Fire you will not be able to use Amazon streaming video.


Friday, May 27, 2011

HTC Unlocks Bootloaders: Begins Shipping Peace And Love

Posted by Jason Lee in "Android News" @ 04:00 PM

http://www.bgr.com/2011/05/26/htc-t...id-bootloaders/

"There has been overwhelmingly customer feedback that people want access to open bootloaders on HTC phones. I want you to know that we've listened. Today, I'm confirming we will no longer be locking the bootloaders on our devices. Thanks for your passion, support and patience."

After all the backlash Motorola got for it's device locking down policies this can only be a good PR move for HTC. A short message from Peter Chou himself states that HTC will no longer be locking the bootloaders on it's Android devices. This change doesn't hurt HTC in any way. Anyone who would want to unlock their bootloader already knows how to do it. Those that don't won't notice any difference. Way to make some friends in the Android community HTC! Now just sell me a phone without sense, please. ;)


Tuesday, April 19, 2011

You Say You Want To Root Your Phone?

Posted by Kevin Jackson in "Android Talk" @ 04:00 PM

http://lifehacker.com/#!5792343/fin...-before-you-buy

"We've already run down how to root nearly any Android phone under the sun, but if you haven't bought yours yet, you may want to check out which are the most root friendly. This list will show you."

Here's a handy guide to the best phones for rooting and which ones are likely to keep their ability to root in the future. As always, anything can change at any time, but most manufacturers have a proven track-record when it comes to the openness of their devices.

On a related note, Sony Ericsson seems to be one of the more open companies when it comes to helping potential rooters, so their devices may be worth checking out if you're in the market.

How much does root-friendliness factor into your decision when buying a new phone or tablet?


Droid X Gingerbread Update Kills Root

Posted by Kevin Jackson in "Android Talk" @ 02:00 PM

http://androinica.com/2011/04/droid...out-kills-root/

"This story is one of those strange things that probably sounds worse than it is. The report is that the official OTA Gingerbread update for the Droid X is now rolling out, but it comes with a caveat that it will kill root access if your phone is rooted."

Good News: Gingerbread is now available for the Droid X!

Bad News: It kills root access.

Another cautionary tale; if you root your phone, it could be taken away at any time by the manufacturer in an update. The better news is that there is always a developer community trying to re-root phones that lose the ability and they do love a challenge. Otherwise the update looks to be pretty decent, with generally good results. If you're rooted and want to keep it, though, you may want to wait until the community comes up with another exploit.


Thursday, April 14, 2011

Asus Transformer Rooted Before Release

Posted by Craig Horlacher in "Android News" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/...t-out-the-door/

"Before it hit store shelves here in the US MoDaCo founder Paul O'Brien managed to get his hands on one of the upcoming Android devices and, with a little help from Twitter user BumbleDroid, gained root access to the tablet."

The quote above pretty much says it all. The Asus Transformer has already been rooted! So why would anyone want this? Well, apparently this Honeycomb tablet will be available with a Tegra 2, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, 1.2MP webcam, and a WXGA 10.1" IPS LCD for $400. Not bad and you already know you can root it, plus you can add a keyboard to the thing if you want (that's the "Transformer" part)! Will anyone be picking this up when it's released or will it at least make you hold off on a purchase until you get to try it?


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

CyanogenMod 7.0 Final Release Now Available For Download

Posted by Jason Lee in "Android Software" @ 08:00 PM

http://www.cyanogenmod.com/blog/cya...od-7-0-released

"After over 4 months of work, many sleepless nights, and contributions from people all around the world, I am proud to release CyanogenMod 7.0 into the wild!"

It's here! It's HERE!! CyanogenMod 7.0 is now officially out. Based on the latest Android 2.3.3 version 7.0 is not available for 30 different devices. I'm sure those of you who were running the release candidates have already updated but for those of you holding off for the final release fire up ROM Manager and get your update on!


Monday, April 11, 2011

Keep Your Data Safe By Backing Up Automatically

Posted by Kevin Jackson in "Android Software" @ 05:00 AM

http://lifehacker.com/#!5784857/how...ckup-on-android

"In an ideal world, your Android's apps, their settings, and your system settings would automatically back up to the cloud so that if you lost your phone, bought a new one, or installed a new custom ROM, setting up a fresh device with everything in place would be a piece of cake. The good news: This utopian Android backup actually is possible. Here's how to set it up."

Lifehacker has a great write-up on keeping your (rooted) Android device backed up automatically. Titanium Backup alone is a great reason to root your phone, so check out this guide and, if you haven't rooted yet (why not?), check out this guide to rooting, also from Lifehacker.


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Capture The Screen Of Your 2.3.3 Device Without Rooting: Once Someone Writes An App For That...

Posted by Jason Lee in "Android News" @ 09:00 PM

http://www.androidcentral.com/andro...without-rooting

"Changes in the Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread source will allow applications to take screenshots without rooting your phone."

Fiiiiinnnaaally!! The only reason I have ever had to root my Nexus One is for the simple ability to take screenshots without utilizing the method pictured above. Now it appears that in Android 2.3.3 programs will actually be capable of capturing the screen without you needing to root your device! That is, once someone writes an app to take advantage of these new APIs. Finally my twitter updates complaining about the weather will be much more interesting with a nice screen capture of the weather forecast. So come on devs, where is that Gingerbread screen capture app? Maybe? Please?


Got Root? If You Have a Xoom You Can Now!

Posted by Craig Horlacher in "Android News" @ 08:00 AM

http://www.androidcentral.com/motor...ot-method-guide

"Well, that was certainly fast. Although, having an unlocked bootloader I'm sure helped this process just a tad bit. With the news coming to use courtesy of Koush, the Motorola XOOM now has a root method available for it."

It's true! Your shiny new Xoom can now be rooted. Koush has rooted the first official Honeycomb tablet in no time at all. If you want root privileges just follow the "Read" link for directions. Will you be rooting your Xoom?


Saturday, February 26, 2011

Freshen Up Your Fonts

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Android Software" @ 06:00 AM

https://market.android.com/details?...elpod.typefresh

"Easily backup, restore, and replace your fonts on a rooted system! Type Fresh allows you to easily backup, restore, and replace your system fonts. After applying your fonts, you MUST reboot your system!"

Want to freshen up your fonts with something a bit different on your rooted phone? Then check out this app, and be different!

Tags: root, android, fonts

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Turn Your Nook Color Into Your Dashboard PC

Posted by Jon Westfall in "Android News" @ 05:30 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg68...player_embedded

An interesting application for your economy Android tablet of recent fame, the Nook Color. I think you can even read ebooks and magazines on it. Just don't do that while driving!


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

CyanogenMod 6.1 Looses That Pesky RC

Posted by Jason Lee in "Android Software" @ 12:00 PM

http://lifehacker.com/5707085/cyano...screen-gestures

"Android: We mentioned the CyanogenMod 6.1 Release Candidate when it first came out, but the stable version dropped today with performance improvements and feature additions for tons of Android phones."

It's heeeerre! Cyanogen has dropped the RC and released the final CyanogenMod 6.1. From the new camera features, to the notifications bar power controls, to the ability to listen to FM radio on device that couldn't before, what's not to love? Oh and there is an awesome new feature where you can unlock your phone and directly launch an app by drawing a simple shape on your lock screen! Pretty spiffy. Any of you running the RC or even those of you who have been holding out head over and get it from Cyanogen's site.


Saturday, December 4, 2010

Keyboard Manager Allows You To Set Your Default Keyboard Based On Device Orientation

Posted by Jason Lee in "Android Software" @ 11:30 PM

http://www.xda-developers.com/andro...er-for-android/

"XDA member ne0fhyk has just released a very interesting app for those of you who don't have enough with Android's stock keyboard manager. This new app allows you to set a different keyboard based on the orientation of your device."

This is an interesting application. It allows you to choose with keyboard is active based on which way you are holding your device. Say you prefer Swipe for your portrait typing but like the big key typing on the stock Android keyboard in landscape. Well not you don't have to change them manually. It is worth noting that this does require your device to be rooted and some kind of root file explorer so you can hack config files but it is an interesting idea if you frequently use different keyboards on your Android device. Does this program fill a need for anyone out there?


Friday, October 29, 2010

CyanogenMod 6.1 Hits RC Status: Brings Speed And Awesomeness

Posted by Jason Lee in "Android Articles, Resources & Developer" @ 02:00 PM

http://lifehacker.com/5675618/cyano...android-devices

"If you've rooted your Android phone and chosen to run the all-around great CyanogenMod ROM, you can download the latest update for beefy performance enhancements, as well as new features in Email, Camera, and other apps."

All rooted Android users rejoice! The oh so wonderful CyanogenMod version 6.1 has reached the release candidate stage. This version brings a nice performance boost and many other wonderful features like updates to the camera and email software and enabling FM radio on your Nexus One! Head on over and give it a go then let us know how it's treating you. What improvements are you noticing most?


Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...

Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...

Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...

Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...

Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...

Sponsored links