Database Develop

[Q] Could it be? A full Milestone Root??

http://software2tech.com/tag/how-to-root-motorola-milestone-xt701/
It's called Easy Root. It supposedly uses some new BlueTooth Exploit.
Apparently this is a full milestone root that allows overclocking tethering and stuff, I will get back when I try it and confirm it works.
In the mean time, has anyone tried it?

I think it will work. I used universal androot and everything worked fine with it.

I use it, it works fine.

i dont see whats so hard about swapping .sbf files and dropping an update...
are people really too lazy to get things done anymore?
..everyone seems to just want an "easy button"

Personally I don't think things should be too easy...sometimes people do things without fully understanding what they're doing, then show up for warranty service/tech support and are kicked out of the room

Ph0z3 said:
i dont see whats so hard about swapping .sbf files and dropping an update...
are people really too lazy to get things done anymore?
..everyone seems to just want an "easy button"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has nothing to do with the simplicity, and everyone to do with Donny's OS. He's exclusively a Mac user, which means there's suddenly a lot of things that are so hard about swapping .sbf files, seeing as Motorola decides that the third largest computer producer in North America doesn't need RSD Lite. He's looking for a one-click root on recommendation from another thread in this forum.
You should consider all possibilities before judging someone for their methods.

GlitchZero said:
This has nothing to do with the simplicity, and everyone to do with Donny's OS. He's exclusively a Mac user, which means there's suddenly a lot of things that are so hard about swapping .sbf files, seeing as Motorola decides that the third largest computer producer in North America doesn't need RSD Lite. He's looking for a one-click root on recommendation from another thread in this forum.
You should consider all possibilities before judging someone for their methods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot man, it's true thoughh! I am actually pretty tech savy, I used to have an iPhone and decided to switch to android because I got bored. I just didn't realize there was little Mac compatibility. I am still just trying to figure this whole thing out

Is this supposed to be a full root? as in the milestone kernel?
Regards, PK

I have no idea what you mean by "as in the milestone kernel" as I'm sure you know, we cannot touch the Kernel.
As by full root, I believe this is "Level 1" root (?) - though I maybe corrected on this.

Sounds like you know exactly what I am talking about. Yes I was talking about what you refer to as "level 1" root. Long-shot & wishful thinking but a fair question don't you think? "Root" on every other phone I have means just that.
Overwhelming yes, but "never"? Know how many times the frigging pentagon gets compromised everyday? This is a frigging cell phone, nasty encryption yes but there's more than one way to skin a cat...who knows.
Anyway the points moot, if the chattering class is on target the milestone "kernal" is already out there being fiddled with...supposedly on it's way.
PK

It works - easy peasy.
donnydotter said:
It's called Easy Root. It supposedly uses some new BlueTooth Exploit.
Apparently this is a full milestone root that allows overclocking tethering and stuff, I will get back when I try it and confirm it works.
In the mean time, has anyone tried it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works - easy peasy.

pk2 said:
This is a frigging cell phone, nasty encryption yes but there's more than one way to skin a cat...who knows.
PK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true , sadly there was no big interest from dev/ hackers to succeed at doing this , now this phone is already considered an old phone ( 11 months old) so chances are 'cat' will be out of the bag and nobody will care anymore ..
I like the device enough to consider the XT720 if the fastboot trick would allow us to boot custom kernel ... sadly I will probably be on the hunt for another TRUE DEV phone this time .

DAGr8 said:
I like the device enough to consider the XT720 if the fastboot trick would allow us to boot custom kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..i boot from fully off, to fully loaded in about 9 to 12 seconds... restart only takes about 34 seconds to complete the cycle. Not sure why everyone is flipping-shiz about this fast-boot thing. Just look around and try some roms and edit them up some.
The TelusLite v5 rom boots around 15 seconds by default. You can lower it by adding in mem-hack and overclocking it.

[Q] KitKat OTA not yet received

Hi there guys, I have not (yet) rooted my Z1 or flashed any custom roms.
I have however, been waiting patiently for the new KitKat OTA update. I've been reading loads of news posts about how Sony has released the firmware globally now but I still have not received it and I'm starting to feel quite left out .
Is there something I'm missing or can anyone recommend a way of triggering the update?

wait, but if you are really desperate just flash a 4.4.2 FTF

gregbradley said:
wait, but if you are really desperate just flash a 4.4.2 FTF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surely if they're are already rolling out "globally" then something has gone wrong with my phone?
Also does this new firmware come with the same KitKat writing to SD problems?

freerangeninja said:
Surely if they're are already rolling out "globally" then something has gone wrong with my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No not necessarily, rollouts take upto 2 months depending on location and carrier
Also does this new firmware come with the same KitKat writing to SD problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not a problem, it is actually a fix for a security vulnerability and it is implemented on all KK versions.

Hmm.
A "fix", for me at least, doesn't involve removing functionality from the device especially when workarounds have already been found.
Reminds me of when Sony removed the second OS function from the PS3 on "security" grounds.

freerangeninja said:
Hmm.
A "fix", for me at least, doesn't involve removing functionality from the device especially when workarounds have already been found.
Reminds me of when Sony removed the second OS function from the PS3 on "security" grounds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has nothing to do with Sony, google have implemented it and as part of the contarct with google EVERY company must implement it.
This solves the security problem that was in place before, it should have been done a lot sooner and in actual fact makes your device more secure. It didn't make sense that it was not in place before.
Yes, there are workarounds, but they break the security, so you make your choice....
Eventually apps will be updated with the correct permissions and you wont even notice the difference

gregbradley said:
This has nothing to do with Sony, google have implemented it and as part of the contarct with google EVERY company must implement it.
This solves the security problem that was in place before, it should have been done a lot sooner and in actual fact makes your device more secure. It didn't make sense that it was not in place before.
Yes, there are workarounds, but they break the security, so you make your choice....
Eventually apps will be updated with the correct permissions and you wont even notice the difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's say I don't use a device with the SD, I use one without it and to store my stuff, sensitive information, I use the internal. Where is now the security in all of this?

eclyptos said:
Let's say I don't use a device with the SD, I use one without it and to store my stuff, sensitive information, I use the internal. Where is now the security in all of this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The internal SDcard supports file permissions. The external one did not.

gregbradley said:
The internal SDcard supports file permissions. The external one did not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then Google screwed all of Us and now we have to update our phones (spend another cash) with the high internal storage, great.

eclyptos said:
Then Google screwed all of Us and now we have to update our phones (spend another cash) with the high internal storage, great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep you just understand it, that's just pain in the @ss...

[Q] Best way to create a bounty or ask a dev to help get an app working on lolipop?

Might sound silly but one of my favorite Android games (Jet Set Radio) was never updated to run on lollipop. Sega has instead just pulled the app from the market. The game starts to load but soon crashes. Without knowing anything about development i have a feeling the problem is probably not a serious one and a talented developer maybe able to get the .apk working again

Hand76 said:
Might sound silly but one of my favorite Android games (Jet Set Radio) was never updated to run on lollipop. Sega has instead just pulled the app from the market. The game starts to load but soon crashes. Without knowing anything about development i have a feeling the problem is probably not a serious one and a talented developer maybe able to get the .apk working again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure, if Sega publicly puts up its source for the game. otherwise, no developer will ever touch it.

simms22 said:
sure, if Sega publicly puts up its source for the game. otherwise, no developer will ever touch it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That. ^^^
Also, just don't. Don't start bounties, don't create pressure on a developer to do anything. If you want to see what is what, send them an email offering to pay them directly.
Also, if the program/game was popular and they pulled it, then it was probably more than trivial changes needed to make it work again.

doitright said:
That. ^^^
Also, just don't. Don't start bounties, don't create pressure on a developer to do anything. If you want to see what is what, send them an email offering to pay them directly.
Also, if the program/game was popular and they pulled it, then it was probably more than trivial changes needed to make it work again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sega is just a terrible Mobile company. They recently pulled many titles some of which still work even without updates on lolipop.
I heard the Company as a whole is focusing more on mobile but with moves like this how? Unless they will rely on the strength of a few key titles (like SonicRush) and say screw the rest

Hand76 said:
Sega is just a terrible Mobile company. They recently pulled many titles some of which still work even without updates on lolipop.
I heard the Company as a whole is focusing more on mobile but with moves like this how? Unless they will rely on the strength of a few key titles (like SonicRush) and say screw the rest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems to be a little bit harsh. Not sure why you think that they would keep dumping resources into software that is EOL.

doitright said:
Seems to be a little bit harsh. Not sure why you think that they would keep dumping resources into software that is EOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
End of life? Some games they pulled were only released for mobile in the last 12-18 months. Unless this was a quick cash in deal on a few high profile games. Make a quick buck and than abandon the title when it comes time to needing an update

Hand76 said:
End of life? Some games they pulled were only released for mobile in the last 12-18 months. Unless this was a quick cash in deal on a few high profile games. Make a quick buck and than abandon the title when it comes time to needing an update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They pulled it from the app store for incompatibility issues. I followed a link saying "get it from play before it disappears" and I was able to install it.

danarama said:
They pulled it from the app store for incompatibility issues. I followed a link saying "get it from play before it disappears" and I was able to install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea but Jet Set Radio just doesn't work on lollipop

Hand76 said:
Yea but Jet Set Radio just doesn't work on lollipop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doesn't work on m either, I tried :angel:

Hand76 said:
Yea but Jet Set Radio just doesn't work on lollipop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know. Just saying, it hasnt been pulled yet. ...and their intention is to fix it on ios8 so all is not lost.

danarama said:
I know. Just saying, it hasnt been pulled yet. ...and their intention is to fix it on ios8 so all is not lost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless something has changed they cancelled that too.
https://www.afterpad.com/sega-cancels-jet-set-radio-ios-8-update

Info overload : Please help me turn an SV98LN OS 5.4.0.0 into a NEXUS flavoured unit

Hi all, appreciate best practice is always to read posted guides but I'm getting kinda old and too many threads are only relevant at particular points in time when the 5th Gen Fire was newer. So basically I'm lost in conflicting info on the guides and need some direction.
Starting point is i) I've got 'basic' experience of rooting and flashing roms, so my PC has got ADB drivers etc. ii) I have a stock OS 5.4.0.0 5th Gen Fire which is my elderly mothers and the intention is to get the crap OS removed and make it a simple Nexus 7'like device.
Can somebody please give me some step-by-step advice. I'm at the point where the device is developer enabled and ABD enabled. But the guides I've seen are all based on old OS's so I fear the whatever I try next will just brick the unit.
Thx in advance

As of now, 5.3.2.1 - 5.4.0.0 can not be rooted, much less have the bootloader unlocked to install a custom ROM.

aww bummer
OK second question : How should I treat the term "As of now"? Do you think there is any likelihood of a 5.4.0.0 root solution happening soon? i.e. weeks or months?
If its not gonna be a while, then I might just install the non-root google-play stuff and just shift the bloaty stuff out of sight if I can.

ebod said:
aww bummer
OK second question : How should I treat the term "As of now"? Do you think there is any likelihood of a 5.4.0.0 root solution happening soon? i.e. weeks or months?
If its not gonna be a while, then I might just install the non-root google-play stuff and just shift the bloaty stuff out of sight if I can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: The usual warning: I am not responsible for any damage done to your device. If using ANY of these guides, you're doing so at your own risk.
That's about your only option at the moment. You can use the guide here, which will install the appropriate google services needed. You can then use this guide to manually 'uninstall' system/Amazon applications (you aren't really uninstalling them, just disabling them). Or use the automatic tool here, which will uninstall a significant number of the Amazon 'bloatware' and install the Google services and a few other Google related apps.
I CANNOT STRESS THIS NOTE ENOUGH: Whether you uninstall apps manually or automatically, please be aware you have to replace the Amazon apps BEFORE you uninstall them. For example, if you want to use contacts, you should install the necessary Google Contact APKs, open 'Contacts' then uninstall Amazon contacts. DO NOT UNINSTALL the Amazon Contact Storage APK or no contact applications will function properly, if at all. There is a guide here where you can install Google Contacts and get a fun little surprise as a result of doing so.
A factory reset will bring back all system apps you uninstall whether you uninstall them manually or automatically. So if anything stops working or you uninstall something that broke something else, factory resetting will fix the tablet, but you'll have to start over.
If you want to use a custom launcher like Nova Launcher, you can read this post which will describe how to do so. In this post I explain how to disable Fire Launcher without breaking the home button. Please read the WHOLE post, including the very bottom where there's a link that describes a 'fix' for the recent apps button (square button) which has a fit when you uninstall Fire Launcher (even on rooted devices). Just tap on 'hide Fire Launcher BEFORE' at the bottom which will take you to a page where you can activate widgets. Read the very bottom and it will tell you how to 'fix' the recent apps button. When you swipe closed apps using the recent apps button, swiping the last one will kick you to the lock screen or black you out for a moment. The fix is kinda cheesy, but it is a fix. I use it on my HD 8.
In this post I describe what Amazon apps I did NOT uninstall. Note this list of apps will differ slightly from the ones installed on the HD 7, but not by very much. This list MIGHT allow you to use Gmail (which doesn't work on any tablet model) and a few other apps.
Very soon, I plan to make a thread with a detailed tutorial on how to do all of this, so it's in one single spot for everyone to find.

Jake1702_ said:
As of now, 5.3.2.1 - 5.4.0.0 can not be rooted, much less have the bootloader unlocked to install a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For awareness/clarity: root and SuperSU (no other root manager) are the only prerequisites for installing a custom ROM on this device via FlashFire. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked.

Davey126 said:
For awareness/clarity: root and SuperSU (no other root manager) are the only prerequisites for installing a custom ROM on this device via FlashFire. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Davey, yeah I'm not ultimately looking for a rooted device, I just want a clean Nexus'like rom with no bloated crap on it. As a plan-B I will follow the other guide notes that DragonFire kindly provided. But primarily if you are still staying I can get Flashfire to install a custom Nexus rom, then please can you guide me to the appropriate instructions to make Flashfire come to life.
I have Flashfire installed...but it just warns there are no permissions etc.
Thanks

ebod said:
Thanks Davey, yeah I'm not ultimately looking for a rooted device, I just want a clean Nexus'like rom with no bloated crap on it. As a plan-B I will follow the other guide notes that DragonFire kindly provided. But primarily if you are still staying I can get Flashfire to install a custom Nexus rom, then please can you guide me to the appropriate instructions to make Flashfire come to life.
I have Flashfire installed...but it just warns there are no permissions etc.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom ROM (ie: Nexus) can not be installed on this device without root. I do not foresee that happening anytime soon with the so you're stuck with FireOS for a bit. It's not a bad skin once you get used to it.
@DragonFire1024 provided a nice summary of the available tweaks and associated caveats. I suggest going slow; start with the Google Play Store and some light visual customizations. Save the all-or-nothing 'debloat script' until have have a better idea of what to keep.
Most importantly, enjoy your new device and don't fret over what could have been.

This list MIGHT allow you to use Gmail (which doesn't work on any tablet model) and a few other apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Davey126 said:
For awareness/clarity: root and SuperSU (no other root manager) are the only prerequisites for installing a custom ROM on this device via FlashFire. The bootloader does not need to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not know that. If that's the case, as soon as root is obtainable I'm installing the Fire Nexus ROM.

Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're lucky then. Many users have had issues with Gmail either force closing or not working at all. Hope the rest was somewhat helpful.
---------- Post added at 05:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 PM ----------
Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
I did not know that. If that's the case, as soon as root is obtainable I'm installing the Fire Nexus ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*IF* it becomes available. I've had my tablets almost a year, maybe a months or so under one. That's how long I've been waiting. Some have been waiting longer.

Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Initially and for many months after the Gmail app worked fine on 5th-7th gen devices with Google Play Services/Store installed. The app started crashing on launch following a silent update (lasted about 2 months) then started working again a few weeks ago.

Davey126 said:
Jake1702_ said:
Ummm... Gmail works fine on my Fire.
Initially (and for many months after) the Gmail app worked fine on 5th-7th gen devices with Google Play Services/Store installed. The app started crashing on launch following a silent update (lasted about 2 months) then started working again a few weeks ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read somewhere where quite a few people had put a bug report in or something to that effect. A few days later there was an update to Gmail. That's about the time I installed it and it worked perfectly for me. I'm willing to bet Google did something that that made it possible to use again. Did Amazon do something to block is from using it? In my opinion, not likely. But what caused it? Not a clue. There is some speculation it had to do to with a permission, but that's only speculation. This is something we'll likely never get the answer to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Jake1702_ said:
... as soon as root is obtainable I'm installing the Fire Nexus ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't get your hopes up. There's a reason securing root on Amazon and other manufacturer devices has become more difficult over the past 12-18 months. While I appreciate the euphemistic optimism shown by some the tightened security and legacy code cleanup initiated by Google is actually a good thing for the general Android user community. Of course, XDAers hate it (spare me the sermon on someone controlling *your* device) but they don't represent the much larger community that Amazon and other market driven companies are targeting. Business/capatolism 101.

Davey126 said:
Initially and for many months after the Gmail app worked fine on 5th-7th gen devices with Google Play Services/Store installed. The app started crashing on launch following a silent update (lasted about 2 months) then started working again a few weeks ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might just have been the perfect period of time during when I had mine sitting and not being used. Guess I'm just lucky.
Davey126 said:
Don't get your hopes up. There's a reason securing root on Amazon and other manufacturer devices has become more difficult over the past 12-18 months. While I appreciate the euphemistic optimism shown by some the tightened security and legacy code cleanup initiated by Google is actually a good thing for the general Android user community. Of course, XDAers hate it (spare me the sermon on someone controlling *your* device) but they don't represent the much larger community that Amazon and other market driven companies are targeting. Business/capatolism 101.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is definitely possible, just not enough people spending time on this device, they are all focused on more popular brands/devices.

Jake1702_ said:
Might just have been the perfect period of time during when I had mine sitting and not being used. Guess I'm just lucky.
It is definitely possible, just not enough people spending time on this device, they are all focused on more popular brands/devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This I will actually agree with. But to be honest, I really thought we'd have a good chance after Prime Day. I really thought we'd have gotten it then, but I still have hopes.
That being said, the tricks and hacks we've discovered over the last few months are pretty amazing. The method of 'uninstalling' I mentioned a few posts ago, was never intended nor expected to work on these tablets. It had sat on XDA for a couple days before I literally said out loud: "oh what the hell. I can't break anything." So gave it a shot and was incredibly surprised to see it really did disable Amazon Video.
With the tricks and hacks I also mentioned a few posts back, really does go a long way in terms of a custom ROM. Aside from the technical aspects and apps, in my opinion it's pretty much a custom systemless ROM. Though some may disagree with me very much.
Feel free to ask any question you like. We'll do our best to help.

DragonFire1024 said:
This I will actually agree with. But to be honest, I really thought we'd have a good chance after Prime Day. I really thought we'd have gotten it then, but I still have hopes.
That being said, the tricks and hacks we've discovered over the last few months are pretty amazing. The method of 'uninstalling' I mentioned a few posts ago, was never intended nor expected to work on these tablets. It had sat on XDA for a couple days before I literally said out loud: "oh what the hell. I can't break anything." So gave it a shot and was incredibly surprised to see it really did disable Amazon Video.
With the tricks and hacks I also mentioned a few posts back, really does go a long way in terms of a custom ROM. Aside from the technical aspects and apps, in my opinion it's pretty much a custom systemless ROM. Though some may disagree with me very much.
Feel free to ask any question you like. We'll do our best to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny how for months now this device still hasn't been rooted, yet a few days after the release of the Samsung Galaxy S8, it was already rooted. Simply, those devices have much more people willing to take time to find exploits for, whereas the Fire does not. It's a shame really.
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk

Jake1702_ said:
Funny how for months now this device still hasn't been rooted, yet a few days after the release of the Samsung Galaxy S8, it was already rooted. Simply, those devices have much more people willing to take time to find exploits for, whereas the Fire does not. It's a shame really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There just may not be any at the moment. Amazon has done a lot to this OS, so much so, I've seen posts where users don't even consider it an Android base anymore. Depending on what you read, I've seen other sites where some say its too butchered.
Also keep in mind when an exploit is found, some have been around for a very long time. So one may exist, but no one has either found it yet so no method exists or as you say, may not care enough to take the time to make a method. Every Android device is different. The OS is customized and programed to a manufacturers liking who also add their own customization, then is passed off to a service provider who further customizes it. In that period exploits are patched or simply don't work because what's exploited in certain devices, may not exist in other devices. The list and possibilities really could go on.

DragonFire1024 said:
There just may not be any at the moment. Amazon has done a lot to this OS, so much so, I've seen posts where users don't even consider it an Android base anymore. Depending on what you read, I've seen other sites where some say its too butchered.
Also keep in mind when an exploit is found, some have been around for a very long time. So one may exist, but no one has either found it yet so no method exists or as you say, may not care enough to take the time to make a method. Every Android device is different. The OS is customized and programed to a manufacturers liking who also add their own customization, then is passed off to a service provider who further customizes it. In that period exploits are patched or simply don't work because what's exploited in certain devices, may not exist in other devices. The list and possibilities really could go on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if it would be possible "break" the bootloader, so-to-speak, to a point where it "works" but is flawed, allowing the installation of a custom ROM.

Jake1702_ said:
I wonder if it would be possible "break" the bootloader, so-to-speak, to a point where it "works" but is flawed, allowing the installation of a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not likely. I have a list of things to try on my head. Some simple, some outrageous. Truth is this HD 8 has been through hell. I've reset it more times than I can count. I've nearly disected it and to be honest I'm absolutely amazed I haven't broken it yet. So I'm giving her a break from that right now.
With that said, I have an HD 7 that's rooted. I have an idea to try some things using it, that could work on non rooted 7 and up tablets, that would be totally systemless that could open up the possibilities to some things. I've been disecting the HD 7 for some ideas and plan to do some testing very soon. I'm the type that will immediately look at all settings and functions and then look through every file, folder and directory I'm able to, so we can do what many of us have already achieved. Keep an eye on me

DragonFire1024 said:
Not likely. I have a list of things to try on my head. Some simple, some outrageous. Truth is this HD 8 has been through hell. I've reset it more times than I can count. I've nearly disected it and to be honest I'm absolutely amazed I haven't broken it yet. So I'm giving her a break from that right now.
With that said, I have an HD 7 that's rooted. I have an idea to try some things using it, that could work on non rooted 7 and up tablets, that would be totally systemless that could open up the possibilities to some things. I've been disecting the HD 7 for some ideas and plan to do some testing very soon. I'm the type that will immediately look at all settings and functions and then look through every file, folder and directory I'm able to, so we can do what many of us have already achieved. Keep an eye on me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone were to go so deep to a point where they took it apart, maybe it would be possible to modify the bootloader by setting up a custom one.
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk

Root or Not Root that's the question

Hi together,
I am wondering which benefits I can expect from rooting my device.
One thing that comes to my mind is having an option to use face unlock for older unlock APIs.
What do you guys think?

Tirade incoming...
I'm probably in the minority, but I won't buy a phone I cannot root. The idea that the phone that I paid $1000 for up front is under the control of other companies seems wrong to me. I have full control over my computers... my ISP doesn't tell me what I can run on it and can't force me to use their DNS; Microsoft doesn't tell me that I'm breaking a EULA by running admin programs; my bank's website doesn't refuse to load because I'm running a lot of browser extensions that can modify the page. Google says they respect that people want control over their phones but they also say they respect app creator's wanting to run on an unmodified device. I throw those companies to the wind and don't look back. If only Google would stop blocking access to things and requiring us to use root to gain them back. They give and take features almost constantly and it often feels like a losing battle.
Ideology aside, there are so many small things that can be done through rooting. The next best alternative is either awkward or non-existent. I could name them off, but each thing on their own is easily dismissable is about preference. But if I had to use a phone that had none of my modifications/tweaks, I would be fairly unhappy. I don't think you'll understand the difference until you're actually changing your phone significantly as a whole then have to consider going back. A lot of things you won't know you even wanted until you find that they're possible... and a lot of things you'll look at and not even care about, despite them being popular to other people. That's what rooting is to me. Choices and options... in a world where Apple and even Google think that less is more.
I think if you're willing to experiment and put a significant amount of time in doing so, you should dive in and find out what you like. But if you're on the ropes about it, then you might not get into it.

jljtgr said:
Tirade incoming...
I'm probably in the minority, but I won't buy a phone I cannot root. The idea that the phone that I paid $1000 for up front is under the control of other companies seems wrong to me. I have full control over my computers... my ISP doesn't tell me what I can run on it and can't force me to use their DNS; Microsoft doesn't tell me that I'm breaking a EULA by running admin programs; my bank's website doesn't refuse to load because I'm running a lot of browser extensions that can modify the page. Google says they respect that people want control over their phones but they also say they respect app creator's wanting to run on an unmodified device. I throw those companies to the wind and don't look back. If only Google would stop blocking access to things and requiring us to use root to gain them back. They give and take features almost constantly and it often feels like a losing battle.
Ideology aside, there are so many small things that can be done through rooting. The next best alternative is either awkward or non-existent. I could name them off, but each thing on their own is easily dismissable is about preference. But if I had to use a phone that had none of my modifications/tweaks, I would be fairly unhappy. I don't think you'll understand the difference until you're actually changing your phone significantly as a whole then have to consider going back. A lot of things you won't know you even wanted until you find that they're possible... and a lot of things you'll look at and not even care about, despite them being popular to other people. That's what rooting is to me. Choices and options... in a world where Apple and even Google think that less is more.
I think if you're willing to experiment and put a significant amount of time in doing so, you should dive in and find out what you like. But if you're on the ropes about it, then you might not get into it.
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To make that clear. I rooted every android phone I owned up to now. There has been always a thing that bothered me about the stock ROM.
But this time I feel like everything is working out of the box. (Except face unlock for ing, which sux)
I get your point and you are totally right. But I'm not sure if I want to change so much and having to update on my own and other things is to much work for me.

SeppGoPro said:
To make that clear. I rooted every android phone I owned up to now. There has been always a thing that bothered me about the stock ROM.
But this time I feel like everything is working out of the box. (Except face unlock for ing, which sux)
I get your point and you are totally right. But I'm not sure if I want to change so much and having to update on my own and other things is to much work for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you. Rooting used to be fun and easy but it's more work than I want to deal with at this point.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using XDA Labs

It takes me longer the download the stock image to do updates with than it takes me to re-root the phone after the update. I wonder why it seems like a lot of work to you.
PS. My broadband ISP is slow....

jljtgr said:
It takes me longer the download the stock image to do updates with than it takes me to re-root the phone after the update. I wonder why it seems like a lot of work to you.
PS. My broadband ISP is slow....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It takes more time, which you actively have to spend. It's not like ow there is an update. Ok install done.
You have to go through all steps. You have to e.g. change settings in build.prop again. Flash kernel or what ever.
One example with rooted and problems with apps I'm always unsure if it's due to root or due to the rom. Stuff like this.

I don't have to do either of those things. My build.prop changes are systemlessly handled by a Magisk module that just works as soon as I'm rooted again. YMMV.
I've spent more time writing in this thread than my monthly process takes. If you don't have that time, then fine. You've answered your own question?

I've rooted all my devices except the pixel ones. There's absolutely no need for me to root a pixel device, everything is working as I want out of the box. That's one reason that development for the pixel 4/xl is nearly non existent.

ROOT! #1 reason Fingerface for fingerprint only APIs, other than that I agree the Pixel phones don't need any modifications. I hope the Pixel 5 will bring back the FP, face unlock sucks with a mask!

dave5777 said:
ROOT! #1 reason Fingerface for fingerprint only APIs, other than that I agree the Pixel phones don't need any modifications. I hope the Pixel 5 will bring back the FP, face unlock sucks with a mask!
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Yes this would be the only reason for me.

first reason finger face
second reason motion sense..
now on android beta 2.5 not rooted

Why choose android if you are going to use a limited system?
If i could live without root i would just go iPhone way

fuarkgl3 said:
Why choose android if you are going to use a limited system?
If i could live without root i would just go iPhone way
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Click to collapse
Cause the limited system will do what most people need it to do

dave5777 said:
ROOT! #1 reason Fingerface for fingerprint only APIs, other than that I agree the Pixel phones don't need any modifications. I hope the Pixel 5 will bring back the FP, face unlock sucks with a mask!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull it down for half a sec.

Mackay53 said:
Cause the limited system will do what most people need it to do
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Again. If you are going to use a limited system why choose android over iOS?
I don't understand your reply

fuarkgl3 said:
Again. If you are going to use a limited system why choose android over iOS?
I don't understand your reply
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Because many people like what Android has to offer over iOS, simple. Rooting isn't as useful as what it used to be

Does google pay work currently root? Magisk hide?
Or is that out of the question now...

xtravbx said:
Does google pay work currently root? Magisk hide?
Or is that out of the question now...
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From what I've been reading it's going to be hard to get Google Pay to work with root. I only use root to bring back the 2 button gesture using a Magisk module. I don't know if it's worth it anymore.

xtravbx said:
Does google pay work currently root? Magisk hide?
Or is that out of the question now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google pay works right now for me and I'm rooted running 11 beta 2.5.

fr0st420 said:
From what I've been reading it's going to be hard to get Google Pay to work with root. I only use root to bring back the 2 button gesture using a Magisk module. I don't know if it's worth it anymore.
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Click to collapse
I want to root so I can run ProtonVPN (or any VPN really) alongside Adguard. You can't run them side x side without root....
Admittedly a little sick of the whole big brother thing, so wouldn't mind obscuring my traffic a bit.