Database Users

[quick question] Why root transformer?

Why would I want to root the Asus Transformer? I have no need to overclock. Anyone have a reason why I should root?

The biggest thing I use root for is to delete apps that I have no need for. Less bloat allows it to run faster and increased battery life. But thats just me.

There is only one I can think of: to run Titanium Backup.
I got my Transformer about 2 weeks ago and am running 100% stock. I have few if any problems and find it basically an exceptional device.
It bothers me that I can't back up my apps and settings except through the cloud-based systems provided.
Oh, yes. I would also like to be able to change the screen dpi. You'd need root for that. Or is there some other non-root way to change the icon sizes on home screen?
glg

adfree also needs root, as does wireshark, and because you don't really own the device till you have root.

Custom themes, overclocking, Samba file sharing, control over startup applications, custom kernels, just to name a few.

you can just do more with a root device.

And don't forget the sheer unadulterated joy of learning how!
Along with releasing the breath you were holding while rooting? lol
Seriously, it's just fun to actually OWN something you bought!

There are reasons to root (many listed already) and reasons not to. I have carried a rooted EVO since the week it was released for many of the reasons enumerated here--but especially because it lets me tether my Transformer for free.
I purchased and rooted a Viewsonic G-Tablet because it was junk without a custom ROM. Rooting it freed me from the horrible stock launcher, and made the tablet markedly faster. It also gave me access to the Google Market, which the stock tablet did not provide. These were substantive improvements.
On the other hand, I have yet to root my Transformer because it remains a state-of-the-art device that is actively being updated by Asus. I am eagerly awaiting the Netflix app which is being blocked on rooted devices. Will there be a way to get around them blocking it? Perhaps, but if so it will probably be a PITA to deal with as Netflix is sure to try and keep the app functional only on approved (i.e. non-rooted) devices. Overclocking, putting a custom theme on the device, or blocking ads might be nice, but I'd rather ride the good wave for now. When there's a compelling reason to root it I will.

First Time Android Buyer

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums and I will be new to Android when my N7 ships hopefully soon.
I'm an Apple guy. I've had every iPhone and iPad. Currently rocking the 4S and iPad 3. Both on iOS 6.0 beta 2. I have also jailbroken every iPhone and iPad to customize it more, something XDA seems tailored to. I have never wanted to switch away from my iPhone because I enjoy it and honestly I haven't been impressed with many Android phone, until ICS. Now with Jelly bean 4.1, Android looks really solid, smooth, and mature. So I really want to give it a try. Again I don't want to switch phones and deal with all the carrier BS (bloatware, locked down, slow/no updates, etc) then Google unveiled the Nexus 7 for $200! So now for fairly cheap I can get a state-of-the-art Android device running 4.1, try a 7" tablet, and keep my iPhone.
So now my question is about unlocking/rooting the N7. With Android being as "open" as it is ie., being able to install non-app store apps, what's the benefits to rooting a Nexus device with no bloatware and the most up-to-date Android version? From my understanding the main reason people root their devices is to update their phone or to remove bloatware installed by the carriers.
Are there apps that you can only install if you are rooted? Are there more or less security issues with being rooted?

Rooting is awesome for many reasons, superuser rights (aka being able to play with files and commands that you don't have access to normally), but my main use for with a rooted phone is to freeze processes that I don't use, example i have handcent sms, so i usually freeze the sms client built into android.

Welcome to Android. I think you chose the right device to test the water. Not too expensive, while able to show off Android capabilities without the extra layer of crapps that manufacturers and mobile operators tend to add. I for one would be very interested in your first impressions and how you think IOS and Android compares over time.
In response to your question: some applications only work on rooted devices. Examples: Titanium backup, ROM Manager, some apps to get rid of ads within free apps, etc. But you don't need to root. I never rooted my tablet, and didn't find a reason to root my Nexus phone until very recently (for Titanium backup), but all my previous phones are rooted mostly to enable tethering, which is not disabled in the Nexus anyway.

After spending some time reading your post, the main reason to root in my opinion is to allow the installation of kernels and custom ROMs. Of course you can get some amazing apps through rooting, i.e. titanium backup and wifikill.
Making an experience tailored for you seems to be the main selling point of Android, and rooting allows you customization to the EXTREME.

I root my android devices to flash custom roms. Stock android is fantastic but teams like cyanogenmod and aokp take stock to the next level with tweaks that just add to the customization of the roms you are on. Some of the tweaks aren't mind blowing but still fun to play with. You can overclock your device to use all the processor's power, at the expense of your battery of course. You can use root only apps such as titanium backup or wifi tether. There are many more root only apps but those are the 2 off the top of my head. There are many advantages to rooting even if you are on a stock android device. just look around and do a little research see if you're interested Rooting isn't for everyone. Good luck and welcome to the forums.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium

kisrita said:
I for one would be very interested in your first impressions and how you think IOS and Android compares over time.
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I'm sure I'll write a review of the Nexus 7 after a few weeks, then maybe I'll do a Android from an iOS user post as well. Thanks for all the other advice guys, I'm sure I'll root it at some point just to try it, I'm a bit of a tinkerer.

I believe root is also necessary if you want to use otg usb storage with the stickmount app. This allows you to attach a usb/microsd card, greatly increasing storage space
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

I've had my N7 for a few days now and I'm really enjoying it so far. I really like the 7" size and the weight as compared to the iPad. Battery seems really good to. I have it rooted and working on getting a launcher setup that I like.
The app selection is TERRIBLE when compared to iOS, that for sure. I can't find a good twitter client or Google reader app.
From My Nexus 7

I haven't had the opportunity to compare available apps in both stores, but I keep hearing that comment. I haven't had trouble finding an app when I needed one, of course that might be because I'm not aware of everything that could be available. As an examples, I don't know what you mean by google reader. An ebook reader? News reader? Search engine? Something else? I can't help with twitter apps, I never understood what people need that for, I never tried it... Too old I guess... But since twitter is well known, there must be one among the half million apps in the play store? Perhaps its not yet compatible with Jelly Bean?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Welcome to the Android world.
Like you I have been using IOS (as well as Android.. so not totally new to Android at all..).. every iPhone up to the 4S
I think the arrival of the Nexus has brought over a few from IOS, JB has helped with that... the one thing I heard from many who complained Android wasn't for them was they found it "clunky" and not as refined as an IOS device, I think the N7 has changed and will change that perception.
As mentioned already you will find Android Apps not as good overall compared to IOS (my opinion anyway.. especially games if you are a gamer) but I think you will love that fact you have have more control of your OS (instead of waiting for the Dev team to release the lastest jailbreak using Redsnow etc..) and you can say goodbye to horrible bloatware iTunes lol
Have you tried to tether from iPhone to the Nexus yet?? Reason I ask is I had a Samsung tablet and my 4s wouldn't connect to it, something to do with being an adhoc connection (although I think there is ways around this..) I know my Galaxy Ace connects no probs and has a great speed while tethering to the Nexus.
Enjoy your Nexus

I had problems tethering my N7 to my iPad 3, until I restarted the iPad. Since then its been working great.
For the other commenter, Google Reader is popular RSS feed aggregator. Basically its a way to see when website publish a new story, and you never miss an article. WWW.reader.Google.com
From My Nexus 7

jayman16 said:
I had problems tethering my N7 to my iPad 3, until I restarted the iPad. Since then its been working great.
For the other commenter, Google Reader is popular RSS feed aggregator. Basically its a way to see when website publish a new story, and you never miss an article. WWW.reader.Google.com
From My Nexus 7
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I understand now. You're looking for a news reader. I'm no expert on this, and only tried two of the following, but check out the links to reviews of what some consider the best news readers on android currently. Maybe one of these will work? Sometimes it takes time to find the best app, so keep looking if none of these are right.
http://www.bestandroidtablet.us/taptu-a-cool-news-reader-for-android-tablet/
http://geekshavelanded.com/android-news-reader-showdown/

Most effective way to turn root on and off?

Just ordered my Nexus 4 yesterday and it shipped today (love Google's "by March 29th" ship date misdirection). I'm pretty excited about finally going Nexus after a long string of skinned Samsungs.
But one thing I'm finding with my Nexus 7 is that while I prefer to be rooted so I have access to things like USB-OTG and Titanium Backup, I'd really like to be able to use apps like Wallet with my phone without being told my device isn't supported and potentially causing issues. And realistically, for day-to-day use, I don't anticipate needing root.
Is there a preferred, easier, smoother, more effective way to handle only turning on root occasionally?
I just installed Voodoo OTA RootKeeper on my 7, and found that it works, but at some point the functionality "goes away," and root returns. Not sure if it's a restart that causes it or what... or maybe that I simply have the SuperSU that NRT put on there in addition to Superuser. Either way, though, I'd like to see how to avoid that with the Nexus 4 from the start.
So what's my best bet for unlocking and rooting my Nexus 4 as soon as it arrives (so I can restore some backups) and then unrooting (or disabling root) until the next time I need it?

Nexus 7(v.1 2012) - Make it usable?

Hi,
I want my son(4 years old) to use the Nexus 7 tablet, and I think i need to root it and do some modeification. I need a ROM that has only the most necassary apps. The tablet will only be used with some apps, and watching movie files and some audio files.
Is there a recommended setup for this? I guess I'm not the first guy to do this? I run v 5.0.2 now, and I think it runs ok.
EDIT: I only need Play app from the google apps

Sometimes I think they are going out of their way to mess up the old Nexus 7. I've had mine a long time, rooted it and have been using official CyanogenMod releases all with the same number of apps and the N7 keeps getting slower and slower. The only thing I can think of is that all the built in apps just get more bloated with each update and I don't see any benefit, actually I see the opposite.

You might try the 5.1.1 update. That helped my N7
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app

First Time Rooter (primarily for tethering), keeping Android Pay

I have never rooted an Android Phone. I have a new 6P, and have lost the ability to tether that I previously had on my Moto X 2014. I understand that I need to enable it in the build.prop file (and to do that, I need to root). However, I am also a regular user of Android Pay., and don't want to lose it.
Having never rooted before, I am looking for the easiest to follow/most foolproof method to root so I can enable tethering without losing Android Pay. I am fairly technical, and have previously jailbroken by iphones. But, since I've never rooted Android, I'm looking for the clearest/most direct path. For the time being, I don't have requirements for other functionality (via rooting) beyond Tethering, however I will begin to explore the rest of the rooting/ROM world after it's working smoothly with Android Pay.
I would appreciate a pointer to the set of steps (as "cookbook" as possible) either on this site or elsewhere that will give the greatest chance of success to a first timer. (From what I read, may have to be a "systemless" root in orderto keep Android pay).
Any and all assists/pointers/comments are appreciated!
P.S. If it makes any difference, I'll be using a Mac for the root.

Tether works out of the box for me... I'm on Verizon unlimited and I didn't need root or anything to use it.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

As of earlier today or so, Android Pay will not work while rooted at all (either system or system-less).
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Tethering is native.

Just found out today that android pay no longer works with systemless root. Since android pay is important to you, I wouldn't root.

The OP wants to hotspot illegally unlimited without restriction thus they want to root...
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

GatorsUF said:
Tether works out of the box for me... I'm on Verizon unlimited and I didn't need root or anything to use it.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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I happily concur, I am a Verizon Unlimited subscriber, and I just click on hotspot from the menu and life is good.