Related
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've rooted all my devices since the days of the OG Droid. Up until a year or two ago, root and custom roms were a must have for a lot of useful features, but the dependency on root features has definitely gone down as stock android has advanced.
With the Moto X being mostly stock, and a little harder to root (especially with every OTA) I've been thinking about just going stock and keeping it unrooted when it arrives today.
As of now I use root mainly for just backing up and syncing app data between my phone and tablet (since a lot of apps don't implement google's cloud sync). It appears that Helium works with the Moto X, though that's definitely not as seamless or quick of a process. I also use Greenify but apparently that doesn't need root anymore.
Has anyone else gone down this path? I feel like I might end up missing a lot of things I can't even think of right now.
I just got my MotoMaker yesterday, and I was basically in the same boat. I was initially going to just unlock the bootloader, install TWRP, and install SuperUser, but the Moto site was rejecting my device key. I usually will immediately root a device and install Titanium Backup to install my standard set of apps. I gave up waiting for Moto to update their db and started installing apps without unlocking. Most apps I use don't really store much beyond some basic settings locally, so I just re-downloaded everything I wanted from the Play Store and logged into everything again. The few apps that had locally saved data that I wanted to transfer (games, mostly) I ended up using adb on my computer to backup individually, then used adb to push the apps to the new phone. This worked for most things... some apps don't let you back them up. My biggest concern was Google Authenticator, which I use for a number of websites. For that, I had to cheat. Since my existing phone was already rooted, I used adb to pull the stored secrets database off the phone (which you can't do without root). I found this awesome tool which lets you generate QR codes directly from a Google Authenticator db file, and used that to add the secrets to a freshly installed copy of Authenticator.
In the end, the Moto site finally let me get an unlock code, though I think I've decided to skip that, at least for the time being. Unlocking the device wipes it, and I've got things installed and configured the way I want. I don't see myself wanting to push any non-stock roms to this (I really like the Moto additions). I still want root (mostly for backups, though it does make tweaking the device a bit easier), but I can live without it for now.
detonation said:
I've rooted all my devices since the days of the OG Droid. Up until a year or two ago, root and custom roms were a must have for a lot of useful features, but the dependency on root features has definitely gone down as stock android has advanced.
With the Moto X being mostly stock, and a little harder to root (especially with every OTA) I've been thinking about just going stock and keeping it unrooted when it arrives today.
As of now I use root mainly for just backing up and syncing app data between my phone and tablet (since a lot of apps don't implement google's cloud sync). It appears that Helium works with the Moto X, though that's definitely not as seamless or quick of a process. I also use Greenify but apparently that doesn't need root anymore.
Has anyone else gone down this path? I feel like I might end up missing a lot of things I can't even think of right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am the same as you. Traditionally, I always rooted but for the X I've just felt no need. (I was worried about receiving future updates, mostly).
I wrote a guide on backing up and restoring app data to the Moto X without root.
Helium works well for backing up your old devices, but it seems to have trouble for many on restoring the data. That's where my guide comes in, helping lay out the adb commands to finish up.
I will add, though, that after the Lenovo/Moto X announcement, it seems likely that I will root this in the future in case Lenovo drops the ball with delivering future OS updates.
Thanks, forgot about using adb for backup/restore
First Andoid I haven't felt the need to root, it's just so stable and smooth. The only reason I can imagine rooting it would be to install Adaway. Didn't realize how many ads there are until now :laugh:
I have rooted all my previous phones up until the X. I'm still able to enjoy it without the root access.
Usually rooting was necessary to debloat the phone and tune it to a stock like Android experience. Haven't really needed it with the X obviously.
The only thing that bothers me I guess is I didn't realize some of the apps I use had ads....lol
I just want adblocking again.
I was in the same boat before. Flash flash flash... That's all I ever did. Of course it was due to HTC and Samsung. Then with my n4 I went custom kernel and a few mods. The only thing I truly miss root for is ad block but that I can live with out
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
This is my fifth android phone and the first I didn't root. Finally saw no need to as like you say android has come along way, especially with being able to disable and hide apps you don't want. I have used Helium for backup, it needs to be connected to a PC for the first use and then every time the phone is rebooted, a little bit of a hassle. I also have used mybackup pro since 2010 and it never needed root but doesn't have the option to back up to box or dropbox only their own cloud storage.
Same thing for me. Decided first phone not needing root. Tethering even works out of the box! (XT 1053 on AT&T).
The only catch I had with helium was that I wasn't able to restore google authenticator data. So I manually used an SQL lite tool to extract the keys and just re-enter in a new install of google authenticator.
I refuse to limit myself so I got a developers edition. Being one if the first in America with 4.4.2 and being able to fix the exchange email issues beforehand etc are reasons I made sure I had root as an option. However this and my Nexus5 are the first phones that don't have Cyanogen Mod and so far I don't see a need or have a desire to run a different OS.
MotoX GSM Developer Edition, Bootloader Unlocked, Rooted, Stock 4.4.2 Great Britain on T-Mobile !
You're a better man than I if you can pull it off
Galaxy S4 was my first bootloader-locked phone, and I couldn't stand it. I'm on Moto X Dev version now.
I got my Moto X (at&t version) a couple weeks ago and like you I've always rooted. This time the experience was great out of the box, I just reinstalled everything fresh. I hate seeing tons of folders on my "sdcard" so now I feel like its clean and there is no legacy garbage brought over from my old phone. The only thing I am missing over my old phone (HTC One X) is being able to tether for free.
Also, the Motorola Migrate app is actually pretty good at bring your pics, texts and call logs over to your Moto X.
compulov said:
found this awesome tool which lets you generate QR codes directly from a Google Authenticator db file, and used that to add the secrets to a freshly installed copy of Authenticator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share a link to this? I need this also!
msk said:
I got my Moto X (at&t version) a couple weeks ago and like you I've always rooted. This time the experience was great out of the box, I just reinstalled everything fresh. I hate seeing tons of folders on my "sdcard" so now I feel like its clean and there is no legacy garbage brought over from my old phone. The only thing I am missing over my old phone (HTC One X) is being able to tether for free.
Also, the Motorola Migrate app is actually pretty good at bring your pics, texts and call logs over to your Moto X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly how I felt... I wanted to start clean. I have all my photos uploaded to Google+ via auto backup and I occasionally import them all into Lightroom on my laptop, so that was a non-issue. As for SMS, I've been using SMS Backup+ for a few years now to automatically backup my SMS and call history to my Gmail account. It also makes it easy to search my SMS history if I'm looking for an old message.
Can you share a link to this? I need this also!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tool I used can be found here: https://github.com/ikonst/authenticator-import
It's basically an html page and some javascripts that you run locally in your browser (no web server needed). I actually want to run this again and save the QR codes either into Lastpasss or an encrypted file or something, just so I have easy access to them in the future.
I can do lots of things without needing root now thanks to third party apps. There are still essential reasons I need root. Ads blocking and apps permission management mainly and have more to do with security and anti-malware, I purchase my apps so it's not about depriving devs. App Ops will no longer work with Android 4.4.2 without root, I think it's a major mistake by Google. Also Cerberus needs root to exist through factory reset.
But so far I haven't root my Moto X due to warranty, but will eventually. I think the Moto X is very usable without needing root and KitKat with ART performance really help with that.
Just a question about the bootloader on the MotoX. If I unlock it, can I relock it and unlock it later without needing to use the unlock code or run into any trouble?
sent via tapatalk
I was in the same boat for about a day. I couldn't help myself and had to get the Xposed Framework up and running. I need Gravity Box and Xprivacy.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda app-developers app
overthatscreen said:
I was in the same boat for about a day. I couldn't help myself and had to get the Xposed Framework up and running. I need Gravity Box and Xprivacy.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I am probably going to root but only because I often use tethering. I used to do all the custom roms and such, but those are more of a PITA than they're worth the majority of the time.
deanrobbins said:
I am probably going to root but only because I often use tethering. I used to do all the custom roms and such, but those are more of a PITA than they're worth the majority of the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted because I needed to get that stupid at&t logo off the top of the screen and gravity box was + and greenify.
MOTO X Slapped
The best way to stumble upon an interesting app is to see what other folks are using. Using the app "List my apps" linked at the bottom of this list and using the "bbcode" option inside it I generated the following list of apps which are installed on my Idol 3. In most cases the link will take you directly to the app no matter where it came from...some will kick you to a google search which should find them fairly easily as well. Many of the pay apps have free versions available. Feel free to reply back with YOUR list of apps and if you find an interesting app from someone's post hit the thanks button to let them know! I look forward to seeing what some of you use. List my apps is open source and available on both F-Droid and Google Play.
My Apps:
AdAway
Agenda Widget Plus
Amazon Kindle
Android Pro Widgets
App Redirect
App Settings
AppOpsXposed
Appstore
Barcode Scanner
BootManager
BusyBox Free
Connection Stabilizer Booster
ES File Explorer
ezPDF Reader
F-Droid
Fake Wifi Connection
[*] Fix Lollipop Memory Leak
Flipboard
Gas Guru
GeekBytes
Goodreads
GoodRx
Google Voice
GoogleOfflineVoice
GravityBox [LP]
GreenPower Premium
Hangar
Hangouts Dialer
HERE
IVONA Amy UK English beta
IVONA Text-to-Speech HQ
Jango Radio
KeePassDroid
LBE Security Master
Lenovo Camera and Gallery
Lightning
List My Apps
Lolistat
LPThemer
Lux
MDScan
MinMinGuard
Mint
[*] MobileActiveRadioFix
Moon+ Reader Pro
MortPlayer Audio Books
n7player
Nandroid Manager
NetEase Music
Network
Network Speed Indicator
NotifyClean
Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher Prime
Pandora
Pandora Patcher
PaperKarma
Play Store Fixes
PlayPermissionsExposed
RDMissedCall Patcher
RebootManager
Remove Battery Saver Warning Color
Rocket Blocker
RocketDial
RocketDial Theme Neon Black
ROM Toolbox Pro
[*] RootCloak
Screebl Pro
Screen Off
Secure Settings
Servicely
Smart Unlock
Smoked Glass Digital Weather Clock Small
Spotify
Statusbar download progress
StopSwitchDelay
Super Star® Rewards
SuperSU Pro
SwiftKey Keyboard
Syncthing Silk
Talkatone
Tapatalk
Tasker
Titanium Backup
Titanium Backup PRO
Torque (free)
Totally Free VPN
Truecaller
TuneIn Radio Pro
Universal Init.d
Wakelock Detector Free
Waze
WeFi Pro
XBlast Tools
XInstaller
XInternalSD
xKindleMod
Xposed Installer
XVoice+
ZIPme
List made using List My Apps
That's a long list bro.. All are good apps. Let me add some of my favourites that's not in that list :
- Office Suite Premium
- Poweramp
- Musixmatch
- Aldiko Book Reader Premium
- Manga Rock
- Root Cleaner
- Greenify Pro
- Recently Pro
- Solid Explorer Pro
- Canvertpad Plus
Those are great apps! Try them and u'll love them
snugroho3 said:
That's a long list bro.. All are good apps. Let me add some of my favourites that's not in that list :
- Office Suite Premium
- Poweramp
- Musixmatch
- Aldiko Book Reader Premium
- Manga Rock
- Root Cleaner
- Greenify Pro
- Recently Pro
- Solid Explorer Pro
- Canvertpad Plus
Those are great apps! Try them and u'll love them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Please consider using list my apps so it will provide links for folks. I personally prefer Moon Reader Pro over Aldiko especially since I use the text to speech option to have it read ebooks as audiobooks in the car with the IVONA Amy UK tts voice. I use es file explorer over solid explorer(I'm not fond of apps that provide crippled free versions or in this case "14 day trial software") and Servicely (written by francisco franco if you recognize the name) as an alternate to Greenify that may interest you. Did you mean "Convertpad?"
famewolf said:
Thanks for the reply. Please consider using list my apps so it will provide links for folks. I personally prefer Moon Reader Pro over Aldiko especially since I use the text to speech option to have it read ebooks as audiobooks in the car with the IVONA Amy UK tts voice. I use es file explorer over solid explorer(I'm not fond of apps that provide crippled free versions or in this case "14 day trial software") and Servicely (written by francisco franco if you recognize the name) as an alternate to Greenify that may interest you. Did you mean "Convertpad?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Servicely is very good app and of course I know Sir Francisco with his famous Franco kernel but somehow Greenify in boost mode (need root and Xposed) works better (at least for me) because you can still received all notification from apps without the apps awaken.
Also you can use Greenify together with Nova launcher to add DT2S+greenified apps. You just double tap the home screen to put the phone in sleep + greenified all running apps.
Ahh.. yes, it's convertpad. It's the easiest to use multi-converter
---------- Post added at 11:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:52 AM ----------
Btw, do you know Xposed module to make battery circle icon and remove carrier name in lock screen that works for Idol 5.5?
Among those I use (not including a bunch of widely used apps):
Action Launcher 3 - Minimalistic launcher that gives me what I want and doesn't include a bunch of things I generally don't use. I like having one home screen with a minimum of clutter. This optimizes that preference with some unique features.
AdAway
AppDialer Pro - Number/QWERTY keypad that "dials up" whatever installed app (and, optionally, contact) you want. Its useful widget does the same.
Draft - Dropbox friendly, searchable notes app that seems abandoned by the dev. I'd like a better alternative, but I don't know that there is one that specifically matches my usage. I prefer this to something like Evernote for privacy reasons, not that Dropbox is ideal.
ES File Explorer - I use Solid Explorer, too, but this does more. Its FTP server is an approach I often use to transfer files onto the device from a computer.
Ghostery Browser - Gives the same shield from tracking and such that the Chrome extension does on a computer.
GMD Gestures - Adds a layer of usability to my minimalistic approach. On a larger screen, like a tablet or even a Nexus 6, I don't use it as much. Still, this is a major part of my user experience, one of the first things I install.
Javelin - Good, clean, alternative browser with popup feature
JotterPad - Stylish, non-programming, writing oriented text editor.
Link Bubble - Popup browser. Javelin does this, too, but I like Link Bubble's implementation a little better.
MessagEase - Out of the ordinary keyboard that offers all sorts of features that most don't (keyboard shortcuts/macros, forward delete, easy access to special characters, pretty much every functionality you'd ever find in a keyboard). Takes getting used to, but I use it more than any other.
Minuum Keyboard - Sort of like Fleksy, but I find it more usable. It was my main keyboard for awhile, but I haven't used it much, lately.
Moon+ Reader - Another staple, well tended to by its dev. By far my favorite book reader. I stopped even thinking about the rest long ago.
Music Folder Player Full - Simple, straight forward music player. Old school approach. Direct and to the point. Once in awhile, I'll try one of the flashy ones, but find that their "features" are no more than eye candy to me and delete them.
Pocket - Read articles saved from websites.
Popup Widget - I don't use this all that often, but it's very helpful when I want it. I don't want widgets permanently on my screen that I rarely use. This allows me to tap an icon or execute a gesture (via GMS) to popup a widget when I want it temporarily (weather, calendars, etc.)
Titanium Backup
TweetCaster
Viper4Android - Sound quality enhancement that I didn't realize how much I needed until I tried it.
Wallpaper Saver - Great for getting wallpaper from ROMs, launchers, wherever. Though I find that I tend to prefer wallpaper from sources other than those places.
I've used and liked both Greenify and Servicely, too. I also like Recently and bought it.
maigre said:
Among those I use (not including a bunch of widely used apps):
Action Launcher 3 - Minimalistic launcher that gives me what I want and doesn't include a bunch of things I generally don't use. I like having one home screen with a minimum of clutter. This optimizes that preference with some unique features.
AdAway
AppDialer Pro - Number/QWERTY keypad that "dials up" whatever installed app (and, optionally, contact) you want. Its useful widget does the same.
Draft - Dropbox friendly, searchable notes app that seems abandoned by the dev. I'd like a better alternative, but I don't know that there is one that specifically matches my usage. I prefer this to something like Evernote for privacy reasons, not that Dropbox is ideal.
ES File Explorer - I use Solid Explorer, too, but this does more. Its FTP server is an approach I often use to transfer files onto the device from a computer.
Ghostery Browser - Gives the same shield from tracking and such that the Chrome extension does on a computer.
GMD Gestures - Adds a layer of usability to my minimalistic approach. On a larger screen, like a tablet or even a Nexus 6, I don't use it as much. Still, this is a major part of my user experience, one of the first things I install.
Javelin - Good, clean, alternative browser with popup feature
JotterPad - Stylish, non-programming, writing oriented text editor.
Link Bubble - Popup browser. Javelin does this, too, but I like Link Bubble's implementation a little better.
MessagEase - Out of the ordinary keyboard that offers all sorts of features that most don't (keyboard shortcuts/macros, forward delete, easy access to special characters, pretty much every functionality you'd ever find in a keyboard). Takes getting used to, but I use it more than any other.
Minuum Keyboard - Sort of like Fleksy, but I find it more usable. It was my main keyboard for awhile, but I haven't used it much, lately.
Moon+ Reader - Another staple, well tended to by its dev. By far my favorite book reader. I stopped even thinking about the rest long ago.
Music Folder Player Full - Simple, straight forward music player. Old school approach. Direct and to the point. Once in awhile, I'll try one of the flashy ones, but find that their "features" are no more than eye candy to me and delete them.
Pocket - Read articles saved from websites.
Popup Widget - I don't use this all that often, but it's very helpful when I want it. I don't want widgets permanently on my screen that I rarely use. This allows me to tap an icon or execute a gesture (via GMS) to popup a widget when I want it temporarily (weather, calendars, etc.)
Titanium Backup
TweetCaster
Viper4Android - Sound quality enhancement that I didn't realize how much I needed until I tried it.
Wallpaper Saver - Great for getting wallpaper from ROMs, launchers, wherever. Though I find that I tend to prefer wallpaper from sources other than those places.
I've used and liked both Greenify and Servicely, too. I also like Recently and bought it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks like you used list my apps but didn't save it as bb code (share it to email and email to yourself)....the bbcode would contain links to the apps your mentioning whether they are on f-droid, amazon appstore or google play...I mention this to make it easier on others as for example some of the apps I use are xda only version and it uses a google search which should take the user to them. I have not seen a need for "recently" as I use a combination of the built in "recents" and my most popularly used apps in notification area via the app "Hanger". See Screenshot.
In place of Action Launcher 3 I'd probably use Lucid Launcher (Pro) which is what I use on my devices with less memory. (http://www.xda-developers.com/lucid-launcher-a-unique-launcher-made-from-scratch/)
Instead of dropbox you may prefer syncthing which is an opensource alternative to bittorrent sync...I use it to keep folders in sync between my pc and my phone unless you actually have a need to access your files from the net somewhere via dropbox. You actually have viper4android installed on your idol 3? I'm assuming you flashed the zip...and disabled the built in JBL audio enhancements? Does it strictly work on headphones or improve sound on the speakers as well? (I used it a long time ago).
why is this thread in idol3 forum? it has to be in main forum, because it has nothing to do with idol3
DallasCZ said:
why is this thread in idol3 forum? it has to be in main forum, because it has nothing to do with idol3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Practically every device has a thread with "favorite apps to use on my xxx device" so no it doesn't HAVE to be in the main forum. Among my apps are a list of xposed modules that work on our specific version of lolipop...thats pretty relevent. Apps that work around quirks such as reboot manager which gives us "reboot to bootloader and reboot to recovery" from in the rom are very idol specific. Rootcloak can be used to make the system update checker work..thats pretty relevant and why it's in bold among the other bug fix modules.
If you must, report it to a mod and they can decide where it goes.
no apps you are listing are device specific .. reboot manager is not idol specific... Almost none device with stock rom have reboot to bootloader or recovery option.
and anyway here is subforum called "Onetouch Idol 3 Themes and Apps" (where you allready started many dead threads), so i think its better to move it there.
famewolf said:
This looks like you used list my apps but didn't save it as bb code (share it to email and email to yourself)....the bbcode would contain links to the apps your mentioning whether they are on f-droid, amazon appstore or google play...I mention this to make it easier on others as for example some of the apps I use are xda only version and it uses a google search which should take the user to them. I have not seen a need for "recently" as I use a combination of the built in "recents" and my most popularly used apps in notification area via the app "Hanger". See Screenshot.
In place of Action Launcher 3 I'd probably use Lucid Launcher (Pro) which is what I use on my devices with less memory. (http://www.xda-developers.com/lucid-launcher-a-unique-launcher-made-from-scratch/)
Instead of dropbox you may prefer syncthing which is an opensource alternative to bittorrent sync...I use it to keep folders in sync between my pc and my phone unless you actually have a need to access your files from the net somewhere via dropbox. You actually have viper4android installed on your idol 3? I'm assuming you flashed the zip...and disabled the built in JBL audio enhancements? Does it strictly work on headphones or improve sound on the speakers as well? (I used it a long time ago).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't use any app to list the ones I mentioned. I just used the forum's list format. I'll try and get to doing it as you would like so that the links will be there for those who might want them.
I've played around some with SyncThing and more secure alternatives to the usual cloud storage. The problem in the case of my notes is that they're synched to my Mac, too, and the program I use there is close to perfect for how I use it. And it won't sync to my own server or some of the more secure public ones. But I may migrate in those directions at some point. I'd just need to find an another Mac program that would work for me.
I didn't install V4A on the Idol 3. I put it on my Nexus 6. V4A addresses sound quality on the phone speakers, ear buds/headsets and bluetooth speakers. USB connected speakers, too. It doesn't do anything for phone call audio. It takes some playing around to get it right, a process I'm still in the midst of. But the difference is striking compared to the stock audio processing, at least when I've got it configured to my comfort. I don't know what would happen on the Idol 3. Disabling the JBL audio would be wise if you play around with JBL. As you know well, you'll want a good backup in case you want to dump V4A and restore a good working JBL. But maybe the JBL processing compares favorably.
DallasCZ said:
no apps you are listing are device specific .. reboot manager is not idol specific... Almost none device with stock rom have reboot to bootloader or recovery option.
and anyway here is subforum called "Onetouch Idol 3 Themes and Apps" (where you allready started many dead threads), so i think its better to move it there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sure would be nice if you were as diligent about policing your own threads as you are about policing mine. The mod's don't agree with you. I was told general conversation like this belongs in general. Discussing installing viper4android on the idol3 is idol 3 specific. Instead of pretending to be a mod how about responding to the 5 day old request for posting @petrov.0's corrected TWRP link to the 1st post of your twrp thread?
Now I'm going to stop responding to you...report it to the mod's and Mod's if you agree this is the appropriate location for general discussion of apps to be used on the idol then please remove his posts AND my replies so this thread can stay on topic.
maigre said:
I didn't use any app to list the ones I mentioned. I just used the forum's list format. I'll try and get to doing it as you would like so that the links will be there for those who might want them.
I've played around some with SyncThing and more secure alternatives to the usual cloud storage. The problem in the case of my notes is that they're synched to my Mac, too, and the program I use there is close to perfect for how I use it. And it won't sync to my own server or some of the more secure public ones. But I may migrate in those directions at some point. I'd just need to find an another Mac program that would work for me.
I didn't install V4A on the Idol 3. I put it on my Nexus 6. V4A addresses sound quality on the phone speakers, ear buds/headsets and bluetooth speakers. USB connected speakers, too. It doesn't do anything for phone call audio. It takes some playing around to get it right, a process I'm still in the midst of. But the difference is striking compared to the stock audio processing, at least when I've got it configured to my comfort. I don't know what would happen on the Idol 3. Disabling the JBL audio would be wise if you play around with JBL. As you know well, you'll want a good backup in case you want to dump V4A and restore a good working JBL. But maybe the JBL processing compares favorably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was another user interested in running viper4android on the idol 3...I may get around to making a backup and trying to install it to see how it does on the idol 3. I use the speakers to play music when travelling and it's got great sound/volume already in my opinion but always willing to try options. I use syncthing to backup my TWRP and Titaniumbackup folders among others.....if you set your titaniumbackup to run on a schedule it keeps pretty well in sync. You will have to either patch your platform.xml to see that syncthing has full rights to write to the external sdcard or use an xposed module to accomplish the same thing.
Hmm I guess I should add xposed module "Sticky Location Icon Fix [LP]" to the list..It stops the location icon from always showing up in notification bar even when location is not being used. The dev released it "yesterday" since it's now after midnight even in pacific time.
famewolf said:
There was another user interested in running viper4android on the idol 3...I may get around to making a backup and trying to install it to see how it does on the idol 3. I use the speakers to play music when travelling and it's got great sound/volume already in my opinion but always willing to try options. I use syncthing to backup my TWRP and Titaniumbackup folders among others.....if you set your titaniumbackup to run on a schedule it keeps pretty well in sync. You will have to either patch your platform.xml to see that syncthing has full rights to write to the external sdcard or use an xposed module to accomplish the same thing.
Hmm I guess I should add xposed module "Sticky Location Icon Fix [LP]" to the list..It stops the location icon from always showing up in notification bar even when location is not being used. The dev released it "yesterday" since it's now after midnight even in pacific time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The V4A installation is pretty quick and easy. It's what becomes of the JBL stuff that is the potential greater issue. But, there's always that backup. I found the speakers on the Idol 3 to be one of its surprise nice features, too. I had no quarrel with the sound as is. But I didn't on the N6, either.
A couple of other apps that I use: Smart Unlock and Simple Reboot. The former has been covered here, IIRC. I used to use Llama (sort of like Tasker) to perform the same thing and it worked great for a couple of years. But it became problematic. On my wife's phone, she actually got completely locked out at one point. We almost had to wipe it clean and start over again. Smart Unlock and Lollipop's similar functionality are an adequate, if inferior substitute to when Llama worked right. Simple Reboot is Franco's implementation of a common feature set — a boot menu that'll allow you to reboot to recovery, bootloader, etc.
I was rooting all my phones very soon after unboxing. I rooted S5 after 1 hour, S6 after 12 days (I was waiting until root is released). But now I'm going to not root my S7. Why?
Here are my reasons for root and answers why it isn't required root more:
Annoying sound when the phone starts.
With root you can delete the file.
Now is there no sound.
Annoying sounds when you start charging.
With root you can delete the file.
Now you can disable the sounds in settings.
Shutter sound in camera.
With root you cound modify custom.xml and new checkbox appeared in the application.
You can mute system sounds and the camera is quiet. Or you can do it by Tasker.
Adaway etc.
With root you can modify hosts file.
Now you can use Adblock for Internet application. If you need block ads also in applications, you can use this tool (paied): Adguard
Changing appearance
With root you can use e.g. circle battery icon etc.
I don't know full working solution without root. But it is very weak reason for losing warranty for me.
Network speed in notification bar
With root you cound use xposed module.
Without root you can use an application. But yes, the appearance is not soo impressive. Again, it isn't reason for loss of warranty
Blocking bloatware
With root you can use e.g. Titanium backup and freeze or uninstall any application.
Without root you can use Package Disabler Pro
Backup and restore applications and their settings
With root you can use TB
Without root seems Helium like very good solution.
High volume warning
With root you can disable it in xposed or flash custom ROM
I've found this application which brings a workaround: Hearing Saver It is not perfect but it works. You can also do it in Tasker. Check when an earphone is connected and then change media volume to maximum and immediately after that change it back. It works for me.
I agree that without root is the initial setting more laborious but KNOX 0 is good bonus for me.
Do you have any other reasons for root? With or without solution?
libb said:
Adaway etc.
With root you can modify hosts file.
Now you can use Adblock for Internet application. If you need block ads also in applications, you can use this tool (paied): Adguard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this, it didn't block ads in apps, only in the browser.
Blocking bloatware
With root you can use e.g. Titanium backup and freeze or uninstall any application.
Without root you can use Package Disabler Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a nice alternative, but deleting those applications is more satisfying
Backup and restore applications and their settings
With root you can use TB
Without root seems Helium like very good solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used the app before, but are you sure you can save data with the app or just the app?
Just tried it, it does restore data but it can't restore mms, only sms.
You can also use mybackup to backup and restore sms/mms without root https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup&hl=en
But lets not forget about xposed + gravity box + any other useful modules, this is the biggest reason to root the phone. But the reasons you gave are definitely good alternatives for some people.
Multi window....
I had an awesome setup on my note 3. I can have my google maps navigation running and a split window with pocketcast or spotify on the bottom. That's how I would drive everywhere and it worked amazing for me.I coudl even pop over my text messages to the bottom if I was at a stop light.
Now, however, since pocketcast is not a multi-window supported app, I can no longer do this. Lame.
I want root so I can put xposed framework which lets me add any app I want into multiwindow mode.. Sigh
Greenify and xposed are consecutively a reason for me to root. Lucky patcher my top priority.
TehPirate_ said:
Greenify and xposed are consecutively a reason for me to root. Lucky patcher my top priority.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xposed is gonna take time, they only recently fixed the samsung issue in 5.0 I believe, I do not use neither Greenify nor Lucky Patcher so I cant comment on them. [Tried lucky patcher, couldn't get through with it and greenify doesn't feel anything changed so i stopped using it]
I used stock roms with root, just to record my screen/audio. Do you know of a great free or paid, non-root screen recording app? Then I'll have no need to root as well
I kinda hope I will be able to use this phone without root at least for 6 months .... I held on with the GS1 over 2 months ... since then.... root was the first thing I did .... so hope I will find ways or workarounds not to root s7 immediatelly
peachpuff said:
Tried this, it didn't block ads in apps, only in the browser.
Its a nice alternative, but deleting those applications is more satisfying
I haven't used the app before, but are you sure you can save data with the app or just the app?
Just tried it, it does restore data but it can't restore mms, only sms.
You can also use mybackup to backup and restore sms/mms without root https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup&hl=en
But lets not forget about xposed + gravity box + any other useful modules, this is the biggest reason to root the phone. But the reasons you gave are definitely good alternatives for some people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About ads, you have to wait a while until cache clears probably. I can confirm that it is working on wi-fi and also on 4G
Helium really restores also data.
About xposed etc (Gravity box isn't working on Samsung, or does?) the changes are too little for me.
HTCMDA said:
I used stock roms with root, just to record my screen/audio. Do you know of a great free or paid, non-root screen recording app? Then I'll have no need to root as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In games it should be albe to do in Game Tools. And I'm sure some applications are but I've never needed it.
battler624 said:
Xposed is gonna take time, they only recently fixed the samsung issue in 5.0 I believe, I do not use neither Greenify nor Lucky Patcher so I cant comment on them. [Tried lucky patcher, couldn't get through with it and greenify doesn't feel anything changed so i stopped using it]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know Lucky Patcher.
But I believe that there isn't any reason for using Greenify on MM.
I use root to delete unused system apps and free about 500-800mb of storage. I used xposed but can wait for it to be updated. I can not live without Adaway on my phone. If i have to i will just buy a rasberri pi and create a dns adblocker
The top reason for me is AFWall+ (firewall). I don't want apps gathering my data and sending it to HQ. Is there a non root alternative for this?
Vorsprung said:
The top reason for me is AFWall+ (firewall). I don't want apps gathering my data and sending it to HQ. Is there a non root alternative for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adguard has some firewall but I didn't investigated yet deeply. There is 7 days trial so you can try it.
Leeum said:
I use root to delete unused system apps and free about 500-800mb of storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what? The system partition is a fixed size, and that space cannot be re-allocated to any other partition or accessed by the user. Deleting unused system apps frees up space you can't do anything with, so there literally is no more benefit than just disabling the apps.
Root dont make ya lose the hardware Warranty but the software....
BUT if ya know how to root your sphone, ya know how to fix software problems...
I always root all my devices and never lost my warranty when I needed to repair screen, usb charger, and any other hardware problems...
We can fix the other ones
root is available now as TWRP was released recently
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/development/recovery-official-twrp-herolte-t3333770
you just need to flash the latest SuperSU file
CafeKampuchia said:
For what? The system partition is a fixed size, and that space cannot be re-allocated to any other partition or accessed by the user. Deleting unused system apps frees up space you can't do anything with, so there literally is no more benefit than just disabling the apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh i see but then it still removes the possibility of any of the uninstalled apps of running to hopefully improve battery life and more free ram
Leeum said:
Ahh i see but then it still removes the possibility of any of the uninstalled apps of running to hopefully improve battery life and more free ram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disabled apps don't run, don't use any battery, and don't consume any RAM. Seriously, there is absolutely zero benefit to deleting them, but do whatever you want.
I need root for
Adaway
Lower the dpi (its way too high)
Anything else is just a nice bonus
kenjiwing said:
I need root for
Adaway
Lower the dpi (its way too high)
Anything else is just a nice bonus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both is possible without root
Hi All
Soon to be retiring my trusted rooted Samsung S7 Edge I have had for nearly 30 months for a new S20.
I have been rooting my androids for over 10 years now but am thinking that when it comes to the S20 I no longer wish to root. The reason is the security of the device is pretty high on my agenda and unfortuntely I dont get the time nowadays to keep my phone up to date via the unconventional means.
I have use few rooted apps over the years such as Titanium backup and few apps within Magisk such as the Youtube Vanced (no ADS) and also viper4android.
Before I make this decision can anyone convince me that rooting is still the way to go and I can do it without taking up too much of my time? I can already see there is some rooted builds already available. Is it even more dificult to perform the root process with the newer phones? I assume Knox won't work and other similar apps which rely on a unrooted phone or are there ways around this?
Any advice on this would be appreciated.
Thanks
On Samsung devices rooting allows you to debloat the phone a lot, which on my Galaxy S8 improved performances and battery peformances A LOT (it was a fast as the bloated S9+ of my parents on daily usage)
Also it allows you to install apps such as Viper4Android as you said, also it allows me to backup my WHOLE phone so that if any **** happens I can just restore everything.
The update process is fairly easy when it works, just download the updated zip and flash it via TWRP, however except some issues which would require you to reinstall, everything. sometimes with custom roms.
On my side as soon as a good custom rom is here, I will root it and go to a custom rom.
Also the rooting process doesn't take too much time, I'd say 1 hour if you encounter no problem, and yes knox features won't work tho I don't use any of them so.
Personally, rooting isn't near as great as it use to be. Adblock can be done via VPN or through private DNS. Music sounds just as good without Viper. Performance and battery life are incredible. You can uninstall anything via adb. Only thing I wish we could do without root is backup everything as well as titanium does.
Kind of similar situation here... I also used s7, rooted and flashed every device since android 2.1, and guess what - my s20 is still in factory condition
I'm not sure how long it will last, but for now I'm managing to find replacement for most things I got used to, without root. If i got bored some day, I might root it, but for now I'm enjoying it as it is :angel:
Same here. I'm enjoying my root free s20+
Haven't rooted since note 2.. Even on my s7 and note 8.. Except had to root my note 8 when samsung decided to lock usage of dual sim with sdcard. Before that I modded my simcard (remove the simcard from the plastic card, file off few mm off my sdcard and stick the simcard chip on the microsd card) on s7 and note 8 that allows me to have dual sim.
When samsung updated my note 8 to one ui, they locked dual simcard function when they detect the sdcard. So had to root my note 8.
Now that the s20 allows dual sim (1 sim and 1 esim) and sdcard, there really isn't a reason to root the phone anymore, well for me that is..
Having rooted phones with magisk is just horrible. Had to reset the phone every time there is an update (prerooted custom rom, dr ketans rom) and sometimes magisk just doesn't hide root properly. It fails sometimes then i have to update magisk..
Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk
I'm wondering the same, and did root my S20+. It was painful and it half work: Google Pay and Netflix no longer work. And I did use Magisk Hide to no avail. Now when I sell it it Google Pay might work, but Samsung Pay will not (didn't verify).
Nowadays I found a way to do a lot of things without root. With a little PC app I unlock a lot of features and it makes root far less mandatory. So I mainly root to test my apps. For my daily device I no longer intend to root it.
Dont take this the wrong way but i am really curious. What are the pros for rooting phones, especially $1000+ phones, in 2020?
I dont remember the last phone i rooted. I wanna say my Nexus 5 but really cant recall.
Could you please share which pc app you are using, I'd like to try it.
Thanks
3c said:
I'm wondering the same, and did root my S20+. It was painful and it half work: Google Pay and Netflix no longer work. And I did use Magisk Hide to no avail. Now when I sell it it Google Pay might work, but Samsung Pay will not (didn't verify).
Nowadays I found a way to do a lot of things without root. With a little PC app I unlock a lot of features and it makes root far less mandatory. So I mainly root to test my apps. For my daily device I no longer intend to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crows said:
Could you please share which pc app you are using, I'd like to try it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's this app: https://3c71.com/3cc
You'll need to use one of my apps which is able to take advantage of it transparently. It's pretty recent and still work in progress. I have to check every features one by one to know which one works with this method. Recently added disabling app (and their individual components) and force-stop. Just that is pretty awesome IMO . Allows debloating a device painlessly.
It will also enable app data backup in the future. Limited to apps which have authorized data backup by Google framework.
I'm so excited since I discovered all the things that could be done that way.
Im downloading now, when you say use one of your apps, what do you mean app on phone?
3c said:
It's this app: https://3c71.com/3cc
You'll need to use one of my apps which is able to take advantage of it transparently. It's pretty recent and still work in progress. I have to check every features one by one to know which one works with this method. Recently added disabling app (and their individual components) and force-stop. Just that is pretty awesome IMO . Allows debloating a device painlessly.
It will also enable app data backup in the future. Limited to apps which have authorized data backup by Google framework.
I'm so excited since I discovered all the things that could be done that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crows said:
Im downloading now, when you say use one of your apps, what do you mean app on phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, an app on phone. You'll get links for them and more details when you start the companion app. For now only toolbox allows disabling (called freezing) apps, but there's an app coming soon for app management alone that will have that.
Does it allow to edit root files such as CSC files?
3c said:
Yes, an app on phone. You'll get links for them and more details when you start the companion app. For now only toolbox allows disabling (called freezing) apps, but there's an app coming soon for app management alone that will have that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crows said:
Does it allow to edit root files such as CSC files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't give root access, but only gives access to "dev" features that you can do with ADB.
jojos38 said:
On Samsung devices rooting allows you to debloat the phone a lot, which on my Galaxy S8 improved performances and battery peformances A LOT (it was a fast as the bloated S9+ of my parents on daily usage)
Also it allows you to install apps such as Viper4Android as you said, also it allows me to backup my WHOLE phone so that if any **** happens I can just restore everything.
The update process is fairly easy when it works, just download the updated zip and flash it via TWRP, however except some issues which would require you to reinstall, everything. sometimes with custom roms.
On my side as soon as a good custom rom is here, I will root it and go to a custom rom.
Also the rooting process doesn't take too much time, I'd say 1 hour if you encounter no problem, and yes knox features won't work tho I don't use any of them so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can debloat using ADB....
3c said:
I'm wondering the same, and did root my S20+. It was painful and it half work: Google Pay and Netflix no longer work. And I did use Magisk Hide to no avail. Now when I sell it it Google Pay might work, but Samsung Pay will not (didn't verify).
Nowadays I found a way to do a lot of things without root. With a little PC app I unlock a lot of features and it makes root far less mandatory. So I mainly root to test my apps. For my daily device I no longer intend to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download magisk hide prop to fix that google pay issue. Now hide all google pay in magisk. I have a rooted s20+ exynos with working gpay.
ranjb said:
Hi All
Soon to be retiring my trusted rooted Samsung S7 Edge I have had for nearly 30 months for a new S20.
I have been rooting my androids for over 10 years now but am thinking that when it comes to the S20 I no longer wish to root. The reason is the security of the device is pretty high on my agenda and unfortuntely I dont get the time nowadays to keep my phone up to date via the unconventional means.
I have use few rooted apps over the years such as Titanium backup and few apps within Magisk such as the Youtube Vanced (no ADS) and also viper4android.
Before I make this decision can anyone convince me that rooting is still payg way to go and I can do it without taking up too much of my time? I can already see there is some rooted builds already available. Is it even more dificult to perform the root process with the newer phones? I assume Knox won't work and other similar apps which rely on a unrooted phone or are there ways around this?
Any advice on this would be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly the same situation ; Now it's possible to delete & / or disable so many apps i don't feel the need to root.
You don't need to be rooted to use YouTube Vanced , ive installed it already! But.... Viper4Android is a huge benefit for an audiophile (I had the LG G8 ThinQ , can't root it , sent it back , A Quad DAC with V4A ??)
Knox & warranty for me are the hindrances , apparently depending on your nation warranties must be adhered to by manufacturers if hardware fails even if you manipulate the software.
Titanium backup has carried me since my Sony Xperia z3 plus , i have old versions of apps like SwiftKey before Microsoft purchased it.
I'll probably root in a few months when things are more stable , i don't use Samsung pay or secure folders so.... Literally down to warranty reasons as this s20+ 5G (I don't need 5g , either 4G is so fast) is expensive, never thought I'd get a phone like this (suppose its a computer really)
An exposed module called LTE Only (There's other variants) is also useful as this phone sometimes opts for 5bars of h+ over 3 bars of 4g , so annoying that LTE only isn't standard given you can call over VoLTE & still receive texts
---------- Post added at 02:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:00 AM ----------
Djapatos said:
Dont take this the wrong way but i am really curious. What are the pros for rooting phones, especially $1000+ phones, in 2020?
I dont remember the last phone i rooted. I wanna say my Nexus 5 but really cant recall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends what you like or don't like.
I hate the Notion that the microphone gets activated by apps whenever the algorithm is triggered , rooted phoned allow the easy manipulation of app permissions - not that I've anything to hide it's just creepy , I don't use alexa or Google (whatever it's called) or bixby voice.
Essentially rooting your phone allows absolute manipulation of the system.
My S8 is rooted & has now employed a smashed screen , I thoroughly enjoy rooting but its actually to long winded for me now.
I don't think I've ever rooted & installed a rom once & left it , there's always wiping , reflashing , updating TWRP , updating roms , returning to stock to receive official firmware updates then reflashing updated rom
Ugghh as I write I think I've convinced myself. Rooting maybe dead for me. Being an audiophile / music maker I'd now only root an LG V or G phone as V4A & the incredible quad DAC is a heavenly combination for my ears
I stopped rooting years ago. It's just not worth it for most users.
Changed my mind , ended up rooting the phone (The adverts tipped me over the edge - seriously annoying).
debloated alot , disabled even more & can backup using titanium backup if i ever need to restart etc (quicker than / & i don't use cloud transfer).
i had to reflash after disabling too much & realised my data wasn't lost when flashing HOME_CSC rather than CSC which deletes everything (i know I'm preaching to the choir) which made me realise that updating this rooted s20+ is actually very easy.
jojos38 said:
On Samsung devices rooting allows you to debloat the phone a lot, which on my Galaxy S8 improved performances and battery peformances A LOT (it was a fast as the bloated S9+ of my parents on daily usage)
Also it allows you to install apps such as Viper4Android as you said, also it allows me to backup my WHOLE phone so that if any **** happens I can just restore everything.
The update process is fairly easy when it works, just download the updated zip and flash it via TWRP, however except some issues which would require you to reinstall, everything. sometimes with custom roms.
On my side as soon as a good custom rom is here, I will root it and go to a custom rom.
Also the rooting process doesn't take too much time, I'd say 1 hour if you encounter no problem, and yes knox features won't work tho I don't use any of them so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need root to debloat a phone. Just ADB. I removed nearly everything Samsung soon as I got the phone.