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The question is more along the lines of what's the benefit of installing a custom rom? or rooting the device. I'm an iphone user right now, but i've been following this forum and reading posts cause I definitely wanted to buy an android and this is the one im getting. I was gonna get the GS3 and I understand why you would wanna install a custom rom on a GS3 (to get rid of touchwiz and have stock android) but what's the benefit of having a custom rom on an already stock android cellphone like Nexus 4 or Galaxy Nexus. :fingers-crossed:
Options and more control over the phone. Ability to over clock/under clock.
Titanium Backup, Light Flow, ES File Explorer, Ad Block... a few other awesome apps that need root to work..
This question is hardly specific to the N4. But a quick Google search will yield you lots of reasons and/or benefits if you will.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Customizability. You can make the phone fully yours, have it run how you want it to run, to include faster or more efficiently. In theory, anyone can learn to dev and make exactly what they want their phone to be. Though in practice we usually just settle for whichever devs' preferences match our own, and are extremely thankful that somebody made it happen.
Consider my sister's phone, actually a nexus S, unrooted. I'm on a galaxy S and I'm running the 4.2 camera and keyboard. I showed those to her and she was so stoked, but she refuses to root, so I can't install them on her phone.
There is considerably less reason to root with such a device as this, but you do need root access to install some really cool and useful apps, especially Ti Backup as mentioned above. Don't forget that rooting is nothing like jailbreaking, as the latter is way more intrusive, that is, jailbreaking can indeed potentially render the iphone less stable. However, root access is simply elevated rights to the ROM (system) partition. But, you don't really need it. Just enjoy the phone and don't sweat the need for it.
Indeed. I think people equate rooting to jailbreaking but it's very different. Even with root access, apps need permission from you to run at root level. The first time you run them a message will ask you if you want to grant them permission (you can then tick an 'always allow' box for that app). If anything nasty tries to run at root level you will be prompted about it and if you aren't expecting it, you can just deny it.
I have rooted every android device I've owned, mainly for apps like Titanium Backup, AdFree, Game Guardian but also for customisations like different status bars or modded system apps.
You don't NEED to root, Android is more open than iOS out of the box. For example you can have different keyboards, messaging apps, diallers, alarms, calendars, navigation etc without needing root.
Basically gaining full access to the system. Some "programs" require modifying/accessing the system stuff. The best root app I think of is Tasker, which allows you to create almost any scenario to associate with an action. For example, disable sync between 12am to 7am, also mute all notifications. Also, if you open Maps/Navigation/tracking applications, automatically turn on GPS and turn off GPS when you exit. Also, when I plug in earphone ask to open either Phone app or Google Music. Also search for wifi ssid, if it matches my school's wifi, then connect to wifi and turn the phone to vibration. When leaving school turn off wifi and turn on ringtones. If ssid matches home's ssid, then disable lockscreen, turn on ringtone and connect to my home wifi. All of those require root access.
It's the same as the root access as in any other Linux system. Think Administrator privilege on Windows. However, it does come with some risk of others accessing your information/password. But as others have said, be careful about which app you grant root access. I only grant root access to those well-trusted apps.
coming from an iPhone, you wont really need root access. you can still do much more than iOS without root. I don't think you should also be getting into customization and stuff as a new android user, as the Nexus 4 is already stock android. Just enjoy the stock experience and you can root later once you have more knowledge of android and want to start doing more complex tasks.
AdFree and DroidWall. Along with many other things like flashing ROMs.
jsapp said:
AdFree and DroidWall. Along with many other things like flashing ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AdAway ftw
I started on the wrong foot, but finally found that it likes Android 1.6 Apps!
- Angry Birds!!!!!! (with music and usable, albeit, it just takes a little time to Start just Once Initially, the everything is quite normalish after initial start..... But the initial Splash screen looks so cool on the smartwatch it is worth the wait).
- Dolphin Browser
- Opera Mini Browser
Hints:
- To download anything in Opera Mini, select the DCIM folder, it seems it does not like to download on initial root. Warning, it is not fast downloading.
- When typing remember that it is a good idea that when typing in the small keyboard, that if you are fast, and keep pressing a key and notice it was not the one you intended, before releasing the key, if you do it fast enough, you can move your finger towards the correct key before releasing your finger. This is much faster than having to delete a wrong entered letter. If you keep pressing and fail to move fast, it would suggest alternative based on the wrong letter and you can no longer move to next, but if you click elsewhere, it won't type the wrong letter.
- Dolphin Browser is great because you can define shortcuts for common menus (remember you don't have a menu key), with its gestures. I made a gesture for settings and other to go to downloads and for full screen!
More Apps come!!
Please Share your Apps!!!
More Apps!
- Aptoid works quite fine to install new apps.
- Backgammon Free
- Bazooka Rabbit works! (albeit, not all the screen appears, but it is playable).
- ES File Explorer
- .... more to try ...
Are you running the latest 2.1 os?
I'd be interested to see these apps in action on the watch. Anyone want to make a youtube video?
Rooted it
speedyink said:
I'd be interested to see these apps in action on the watch. Anyone want to make a youtube video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just recently got my imwatch and I'm already using the amazing side loader machine to load random apps onto it. I'll try to get a video going of it if I can but otherwise not many apps seem to work on it. If you can give me some ideas and a link to the apk to make things easier I will have more examples to show.
Great little thread. Lets hope more people post the names of more suitable useful apps.
saint3251 said:
I just recently got my imwatch and I'm already using the amazing side loader machine to load random apps onto it. I'll try to get a video going of it if I can but otherwise not many apps seem to work on it. If you can give me some ideas and a link to the apk to make things easier I will have more examples to show.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be interested to see how some apps work compared to my Motoactv. So some examples would be emulators such as gbcoid, snesoid and n64oid. Maybe some android games such as Hill Climb, and Hardest Game Ever. Apps, I dunno, maybe root explorer (or just explorer), a browser (I use boat browser mini), and mxplayer playing a video would be cool to see. Everything but the emulators I just got off the Google Play store. If you can't access the store on the I'm Watch yet I remember being able to take apps off my phone. Just download the app on your phone, then use a file manager to browse to /data/app/, then send it to your computer (I use bluetooth). I can send you the emulator apk's, just PM me your e-mail.
Use bluestack make it easier to grab the apk and download multiple apps at the same time,
Games or apps compatible with android 1.6 will have a much better chance of working...
Good info
apps
Got some more apps that seem to work on the i'm watch after the 2.1.2 adb update
go jkeyboard works
mobicalc
advanced task killer
voice search kinda works, cant find netwrok connection. would like someone to get that working.
dropbox works
graffiti pro keyboard works
dolphin browser works
gesture search
but there arent many people who are rooting and or doing things for the watch,. So if you can give me any ideas as to what to do to it or how I'd appreciate it,. Such as unlocking the bootloader
What I'm finding is that anything where you can draw or speak is more useful for this watch.\
rooting with super on click was the best way of doing it honestly .
Ok so I found a useful group of apks that make customization something a greater thing.
email me @ [email protected]
for the link. (don't have enough posts for links)
Thanks!
There is a new ADB version out. The last was 2.1.2 but now there is a 2.2.0 which I am going to update to now and attempt to see if it changes much.
Heres hoping.
how do you install those apps on the watch , i just got me a i'm watch 2 weeks ago and this sounds interesting:good:
eddol20 said:
how do you install those apps on the watch , i just got me a i'm watch 2 weeks ago and this sounds interesting:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well theres two ways to do it.
1. you can do the whole rooting process by getting the ADB software from imwatch and using super one click to root it then install it through a sideload manager.
2. you can download all the apks in there and go to the im market and get Sideload Manager app from there. Then you'd put the apks in the DCIM folder and go through the Sideload Manager and install it that way.
Note: You should disconnect from the pc when trying to install through sideload manager app for option two.
Hello, could anyone help me check "Endomondo" and/or "Runtastic" apps can work on the I'm Watch pls?
Very BIG thanks !
I'm watch with last july firmware
Hi all with this smartwatch. How is it with the last update? Better sound in conversation?
Or still buggy?
Thanks all
cob94440 said:
Hi all with this smartwatch. How is it with the last update? Better sound in conversation?
Or still buggy?
Thanks all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still pretty buggy. But from the things I've seen android phones have apps that are capable of handling and changing the volume and etc on there.
Don't quote me but its just what I've heard. I have an iPhone 5 so I can't really share from experience.
saint3251 said:
It's still pretty buggy. But from the things I've seen android phones have apps that are capable of handling and changing the volume and etc on there.
Don't quote me but its just what I've heard. I have an iPhone 5 so I can't really share from experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem ... The calling from watch is bad ((
How do you get hangouts to work with this watch? Also other apps like whats app and KIK
Hello there
I'm about to strip my system of any useless (for me) function and/or app and restrict every possible spying activity.
I messed around with the system and deactived alot of bulk and spam. I also restricted all the stupid triggers with autostarts.
Don't know If anyone saw all the things going on behind the surface, using all the following things to analyse:
I'm using several apps to do so. Xprivacy, Android Firewall, Autostarts, Root Cleaner, Android Tuner, Root Uninstaller, LBE-Security Master and Root Explorer.
So my question to someone with experience is:
What exactly does the google play and also the google framework needs to work properly ?
Would be nice to know that.
cya
seems to be a big secret... ? I think, there are several commands in this play store like, if this app or this function does not get X, return "no connection", even if it got its connection...
no one knows ?
I think it is important to know...
I had high hopes (very high!) that I could get tasker to run on the ouya, unfortunately I have not had any luck as of yet.
Maps was installed, as was a few files that needed to be manually installed in /system, but unfortunately neither seemed to work.
Has anybody had any luck? Please let me know if you did, I had big plans for this little system and tasker was a key piece to it.
Thanks.
Well, apparently I'm batting 1000 tonight on threads.
A reboot allowed instillation of the tasker trial version.
It looks like everything works, or as much as you would expect for the ouya. I did two test tasks. First was just a screen popup, which obviously worked great. The other was a reboot to test root access, and this also worked perfect (say hello to automated weekly reboots!).
Now, to see if autoremote can be made to work, and then on to autovoice or utter! and the inherently difficult prospect that will be.
Snoman002 said:
Well, apparently I'm batting 1000 tonight on threads.
A reboot allowed instillation of the tasker trial version.
It looks like everything works, or as much as you would expect for the ouya. I did two test tasks. First was just a screen popup, which obviously worked great. The other was a reboot to test root access, and this also worked perfect (say hello to automated weekly reboots!).
Now, to see if autoremote can be made to work, and then on to autovoice or utter! and the inherently difficult prospect that will be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please periodically update this thread with your progress? Curious to follow suit, though don't have the time to help in the investigations
A few issues with tasker itself, such as I can't download from Google play, it won't recognize my original order #, i can't find 'my' .apk, basically can't get my purchased version working and am stuck on the 7 day trial version. As for functionality it works great.
Current main task is to start XBMC if Autoremote received a certain message, as well as sending a message when xbmc is open and a different one when it closes.
On my tablet when I fire up the Yatse app, Tasker checks to see if XBMC is running, if not it displays a popup asking if I want to start xbmc. If I say yes it sends a command through autoremote which is what triggers tasker to start xbmc.
OK, a few things I have found.
Originally I could not download Tasker through the Play Store as the Ouya showed up as 'incompatible', however after a Play Store crash that removed it from my system, and subsequent reinstall, I can now download it from Google Play. I don't know why this was, but when I first did the play store mod I didn't have busybox installed, I did for the reinstall. I don't need the play version however as I was able to get the 'Trial' version validated, which is good as the direct download has added functionality (that I will never use). To validate the trial version you need to find the 15 digit order number (not the 16 digit Google provides in the email). This is best accomplished by using the 'Contact Crafty Apps' link in the email, and then finding Tasker, the 15 digit order number should then be visible. This only works if you bought Tasker before March 2013 though, otherwise you will need the Play store version (thanks Google :/)
To get Tasker to run you need to be Rooted and move two Google files to the proper location on the Ouya. Tasker will not run without the Google maps framework and oddly enough installing Google maps doesn't install the full framework. You can get these files by flashing the gapps package with CWM, or just install the two files themselves. To get the files unzip the gapps package, I think in the 'framework' folder. You need to move com.Google.android.maps.XML to /system/etc/permissions, and move com.Google.android.maps.jar to /system/framework. This WILL require you to remount /system as writeable. ES File Explorer worked for me (download an old version, 3.0.4 maybe, as the newest Play store version crashes), it was the only free root access file manager to work for me. Remount /system back to the way it was. BTW, I did all of this without adb, it was all done on the system itself with some help from dropbox (unzipped on my nexus, it was easier).
Tasker itself works great and I currently have it sending messages through autoremote to update variables on my other devices, this triggers a popup that asks if I want to start XBMC when I start my XBMC remote app (only if XBMC isn't running). If I select yes then it sends an Autoremote message that triggers a Tasker profile that starts XBMC. I also have Utter! setup to trigger the 'Start XBMC' Auto remote message on my Nexus
My next two tasks will be for an automatic nightly reboot, and a task that sends the Ouya into sleep mode when I start my alarm clock app on my nexus. I'm still trying to think of good ideas to implement. I hope to get a microphone working to use voice commands directly on the Ouya, and my dream is for an IR blaster to work so the Ouya could turn on my TV with voice commands (old TV)
Snoman002 said:
OK, a few things I have found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! I really commend you for your perseverance and willingness to share your experience and findings...people don't realize how much this helps others.
Scenes Working
Hey Snoman002,
I have my Ouya rooted and found a Tasker that can be used to mount and unmount NFS mounts. I have the two google maps files installed and have version 4.2 of Tasker installed. When i try to open the scene or even create a new one Tasker closes and goes back to the Make Menu. Have you seen a similar thing with the version you have been using ?
Thanks
Techhhead33
Techhead33 said:
Hey Snoman002,
I have my Ouya rooted and found a Tasker that can be used to mount and unmount NFS mounts. I have the two google maps files installed and have version 4.2 of Tasker installed. When i try to open the scene or even create a new one Tasker closes and goes back to the Make Menu. Have you seen a similar thing with the version you have been using ?
Thanks
Techhhead33
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, other than getting it running initially I have done nothing more with Tasked on my ouya.
Your trying to make a scene in tasked? Scenes are really only for overlays and custom menus (drastic oversimplification I know). I fail to see the need for the complication of a scene just for mounting and unmounting. Perhaps you could change the tasker task to a simple popup menu (which now that I think about it may be a scene...). Popups worked for me, but that's all I can say about it.
Sorry, I'm not here much anymore as my ouya just runs xbmc now. I will try and check in more often.
I'm thinking of purchasing a MOJO for one of my family members, and would like to know the benefits of rooting the system. Also, are there many risks involved with rooting?
Thanks.
Hi,
Rooting the MOJO will allow you to download all apps from the Google Play Store. That was the primary reason I rooted mine (and the reason the folks at Mad Catz say to do so ).
The number of apps you can download is very limited unless you do so. It is not necessary, but helpful.
That being said, rooting also allows you to make your device much more useful (tweaking, removing unwanted system apps, etc...).
I haven't had any issue with mine since I did the rooting. You can always unroot!
In sum, if you want the person to enjoy the thousands--if not millions-- of apps in the Play Store, rooting is the solution.
jlenoconel said:
I'm thinking of purchasing a MOJO for one of my family members, and would like to know the benefits of rooting the system. Also, are there many risks involved with rooting?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Rooting is like using Android with admin rights.. that's all.
So you can do much more ie, if you want a "software" way of shutdown or rebooting it .
risks... you could delete/change something that you shouldn't and it wont boot :/
You can control what apps get Super User rights, so you can lock it down.
You can even root it without the USB cable via the towel root apk.
Hi!
Rooting the Mojo is very easy and safe when you follow the instructions thoughtfully and it opens up lot of potential. After rooting you can
hide the bottom bar when you want to play games or watch videos in fullscreen. See GMD Auto Hide Soft Keys.
move app data and/or OBB files to your external SD card to be able to install lot of and/or large games. See FolderMount and the video tutorial.
allow or deny internet access per app without routing your traffic through a third-party proxy server. See AFWall+.
block in-app ads. See AdBlock Plus.
gwaldo said:
Hi
You can even root it without the USB cable via the towel root apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you do that?
Oh yeah, do you ever have to reroot?
jlenoconel said:
How do you do that?
Oh yeah, do you ever have to reroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its an apk, google it, sideload it.
It wont fix the google play store issue, lack of compatiablity, although the latest firmware has better comparability.
Besides market helper is way better, with the stock rom.
If you upgrade to CM12, market helper doesn't work, well at least for me it didn't.
No, once your rooted, your rooted until you reinstall a rom.