Database Users

Installing .apks

Noob here. I easily installed apks from homebrew to Angry Birds via browser. I dont understand why I need root? Can't we have just bunch of usefull and free apks published somewhere and have all the goodies we want?
I have 2 days old 6.2.1 not rooted.
TIA.

You don't need it unless you want to install the Android Market or any app that requires root access such as AdFree.
EDIT: And of course if you ever want to install a custom rom.

Adfree is great! Also, with a rooted Fire, I can connect to wifi anywhere via my cellphone.

[Q] Rooting and Amazon Prime

Hi developers!
I just received a KF as a gift and I am considering whether to root it. I want to have Prime access for the streaming video and lending library services. I have seen that there are various ways to go about rooting, and various levels of rooting, all the way up to replacing the rom completely, but I have not seen a list comparing them with respect to keeping Prime access.
So, if my goal is to keep Prime access, what are my options, and what methods should I definitely avoid?
Thanks!

look at the KFU
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1399889
you can select temporary or permanent root
with permanent root you have to use voodoo OTA rootkeeper to retain prime access

While rooted, you can not use the Amazon Prime video streaming, and there may be a couple other Amazon-specific things that won't work, but I haven't bumped into them.
However, you can use tools such as OTA Rootkeeper to switch root off when you don't need it (which for me is all the time except when I want to install something that Amazon didn't want me to, such as Google Maps or Currents).
Even with Root off, if you've installed superuser (which is in the standard instructions), a tool such as ES File Explorer can elevate itself to superuser status and muck with the root-level file structure. (caution: all power tools can kill)
I don't fault Amazon for turning off streaming with Root turned on, as a rooted machine probably greatly simplifies the ability to capture DRM'd streams and keep them... but with the ease the machine is rooted, and once something's installed unrooted again, then like all DRM, it's pretty ineffective. I have no interest at all in breaking DRM, only in using my KF as more than just an Amazon media consumption tool.
Now that I've got Swype, the Android Market and Maps working, I don't see a need to keep Root on my slate... but I want to know that I can do it when I need it.

Amazon Video will not work on a custom ROM for the fire yet, but works fine rooted on the stock rom when using OTA.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium

[Q] Newbie root question

I want to root my nexus 7 2014, 4.4.4, to run stickmount and to run "[EXPERIMENTAL] Enable Mirroring from any device". I have not rooted a device before.
1) can i take a full backup before rooting and then restore to save my apps and settings? i have lots of stuff loaded and do not want to spend a ton of time reloading.
2) I am not going to load another ROM. just that the two apps i want to run need root access. what is the easiest method for doing this - hopefully one with pictures and a single script.

[Q] Possible Half-Rooted device, or other problem?

Hello to everyone,
I own a Galaxy S5 G900F, (Unlocked Variant).
I have downloaded and installed LOLLIPOP AMBASADII.ODEX.V6.1 ROM with Aroma Installer and I am using Amplitude Kernel.
The rom came pre-rooted, with SuperSU Installed. I Only updated the app from the PlayStore. The program DID NOT prompt me for Binaries Update. I also have BusyBox installed.
When I check the root status with Root Checker, it says Success, which means there is root permission. Also, I checked it with Platinum Backup, and it also gives permission for root access. Finally, I downloaded a Root Browser, and that works fine as well.
The problem is with value-changing apps like game killer, game cih, haXplorer and game guardian. Although they prompt me to give permissions, and I chose "allow", none of them is able to work.
In game killer, it says "root privilage is needed"
In haXplorer, as soon as I open it is says "shutdown"
In game guardian, the program auto closes instantly.
All the above issues have to do with proper root Access.
So, how is it possible for programs like FX File Explorer (root), titanium (root), root checker and others to have root access, while others don't?
I would really like your answer on this, as I am trying for one week to solve this issue with no results.
Thank you.

Once you get root access, it is sytem wide, not by app.

worf_1977 said:
Once you get root access, it is sytem wide, not by app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply. Yeah I know that, so what should be the problem?

Maybe you need an app to hide or cloak root status.
That such thing exists for Xposed framwork, but thus it is not comparible with 5.0 TW ROMs, you will have to downgrade back to 4.4.2 in order to use it.

Supersu Me - Root Apps - You Use

Since we now have sort of root I wanted to have a thread where you guys could list all root apps you use and what they do.
When I used to root and do custom roms the apps I would use was adaway,root checker,sometimes titanium backup,and xposed with some tweaks.
The reason I made this thread and I hope someone else didn't make one if they did (mod close this) was to know which root apps you guys use with temp root (until we get perma root) which at this point I think we will have soon.
When I have time I can add lists of apps you guys use or suggest here in OP.
Thanks!
** List Of Apps :
Root Checker - Checks to make sure root works
Titanium Backup - Easy way of remove bloat apps

I was able to use AdAway/AdFree successfully, however on reboot the host file was reverted back.