I may be missing something here, but I was just wondering:
With the ability to sideload apps, what's the point in rooting? What can you do with a root that you can't do via sideloading?
I could understand if the root was permanent and couldn't be removed via a software update, but as I understand it, this is not the case.
So why root? What are the benefits? I'm willing to give it a shot, but before I do, I really need to understand what the upside is. Possibly I'm just not educated enough on the subject, so if anyone has any thoughts- I'd love to hear them.
jimmysuggs said:
I may be missing something here, but I was just wondering:
With the ability to sideload apps, what's the point in rooting? What can you do with a root that you can't do via sideloading?
I could understand if the root was permanent and couldn't be removed via a software update, but as I understand it, this is not the case.
So why root? What are the benefits? I'm willing to give it a shot, but before I do, I really need to understand what the upside is. Possibly I'm just not educated enough on the subject, so if anyone has any thoughts- I'd love to hear them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ability to side load apps doesn't mean we can get all apps to work. For example: android market, 3rd party keyboards, etc... Will not work on this device without root permissions to change what the permissions of the app is itself. I believe the developer who was able to override the n button to take you to a 3rd party home launcher also requires root. You can remove unwanted apps (chess, whatever other lame games were built in) that you wouldn't be able to otherwise.
MOST importantly (at least for me) you can run titanium backup and backup apps+data to avoid losing info and having to re-download everything all over again in the event of a reset.
Okay, good points, thanks for the info.
I'm a little scared to give this a shot but maybe I'll bite the bullet and try it.
The n button app doesn't require root, least not the original. Haven't check it since then as it worked perfectly for me in the first iteration.
Until we can load CM on it, mine will be staying unrooted. Got everything else I needed with sideloading.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You can sideload everything, but will you be able to receive updates?
Dfroelich said:
You can sideload everything, but will you be able to receive updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite a few of us hope that we can not receive updates. BNs handful of crappy apps really can't benefit from updates and the truncated version of Android they've used doesn't have enough substance to be worth updating. Those of us who have sideloaded this into a modern, useful device often prefer to be left to our own devices (pun intended).
I think he may have meant can you get updates to the apps you sideload. And I'm pretty sure the answer to that is no. But I could be wrong about that.
jimmysuggs said:
I think he may have meant can you get updates to the apps you sideload. And I'm pretty sure the answer to that is no. But I could be wrong about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, you may be correct. If that was the question then what I'm finding is that I'm getting market updates just fine. Some of the apps I have sideloaded from non-market sources are updating too, some might not be but how would I know? The few apps I have needed to copy to the root will not be able to update as far as I know.
My first response incorrectly assumed you meant OTA (over the air) updates of the whole shebang from BN.
You can always update the same way you got the initial program, sideloading. I haven't had any trouble updating my Amazon Market apps though.
I don't have googles market currently.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Installing adfree is worth it.
Sent from my HTC Mecha using Tapatalk
jimmysuggs said:
I think he may have meant can you get updates to the apps you sideload. And I'm pretty sure the answer to that is no. But I could be wrong about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the sideloaded app installs appropriately then updates should not be a problem. It your choice to accept the update or not.
...btw, yes I was referring to app updates, and not OTA.
skeeterpro said:
If the sideloaded app installs appropriately then updates should not be a problem. It your choice to accept the update or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you get updates to sideloaded apps? Do you just download the updated apks and install? I'd imagine that would not be able to save any app data. You could use titanium...but no root!
Dfroelich said:
...btw, yes I was referring to app updates, and not OTA.
How do you get updates to sideloaded apps? Do you just download the updated apks and install? I'd imagine that would not be able to save any app data. You could use titanium...but no root!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On unrooted devices I have sideloaded apps with when an update to that program is posted by the developer, a notification is automatically sent out. Granted, that is with Market apps but I have not seen a difference between Google Market apps, AppBrain, Amazon or Android Market. Don't recall ever loading anything from BN Market as I never wanted anything from there. They have a habit of charging for apps that can be had for free on other Markets.
You could always manually login and check each app for an update, too.
Related
I have a tablet with android 2.3.5 on it, but I notice there are lots of apps written for android 3.0 honeycomb. I'd like to play with some of them, but the market tells me the apps are not compatible with my device. And it won't let me even download them.
Is there a way I can make my tablet report to the market that it's running 3.0?
Thanks.
Dan
Even if you did that, the apps still wouldn't work. They would just say "error parsing package" before even installing. If they "happened" to install, they would just force close on start.
Theonew said:
Even if you did that, the apps still wouldn't work. They would just say "error parsing package" before even installing. If they "happened" to install, they would just force close on start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to disagree with this. There are plenty of apps that don't work on certain devices according to the Market yet run perfectly fine on those devices. When it comes to apps made specifically for 3.0, you're more likely to run into problems with functionality, force closes, or screen size. Parsing errors are generally from a problem with the download or package itself, but I could be wrong.
Your options are to change the build.prop to read 3.0 (assuming that's how the Market discovers your build) or to download from another source. I don't know if Amazon does some type of device check or not, but you can try that.
If you decide to try editing your build.prop, back it up first just in case.
Sent from my Evo + MIUI using Tapatalk!
plainjane said:
Parsing errors are generally from a problem with the download or package itself, but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is wrong (in some cases). Parsing package errors occur based on firmware version. If you tried to install an app made for Gingerbread on Froyo, you would get this error. Since the OP wants Honeycomb specific apps to be able to run on Gingerbread, this error is highly likely to occur. Even if the an app worked, then there would be major functionality problems.
I think I follow: if the functionality the app is expecting isn't there, then there *will* be a problem. That makes sense.
However, I have managed to get my hands on a Motorola utility (MotoPrint) from a xoom image I found on the web, that *did* work. Admittedly, it was either going to work or not.
In this instance, it piqued my interest. And made me think that the app creators *may* be, um, overselling the "newness" of their apps by promoting them as "honeycomb." And I just wanna play. XD
I've already tried editing build.prop to no avail tho. So that's why I'm soliciting ideas.
Dan
Try and sideload the apps in question? But as posted some apps that require HC will not run or run correctly on GB.
:edit:
cranky_dan said:
However, I have managed to get my hands on a Motorola utility (MotoPrint) from a xoom image I found on the web, that *did* work. Admittedly, it was either going to work or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You already figured it out
Okay then. Thanks for ringing in, everybody.
> You already figured it out. <
I always wonder if there's another way that my noob eyes and brain don't know. So thanks.
Dan
Golleeee. Ah sure am smurt!! XD
Dealing with apk files can be easier than the android market.
And everything is free if you know where to look *cough*
Based on your first post, google will not allow you to buy the apps you want, correct?
That's not a fault of anything you are doing. Google doesn't want you to buy those apps apparently. That doesn't mean you can't "get" them.
BenKranged said:
Based on your first post, google will not allow you to buy the apps you want, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the apps I have been viewing on Tablified are Honeycomb. Many are free. There are few nice ideas that I'd simply like to see if they work on my VeganGinger G-tab.
Google simply says the app is incompatible with my tablet, and greys out the install button.
So far, this is the most annoying thing in Android to me. Dammit, just let me try it. I know I may not get *all* the functionality. I'd just like to see if it's a tolerable thing for me. Without needing to jump thru hoops.
Dan
Welcome to fragmentation.
Heres a legal source for free apks.
http://androiddev.orkitra.com/download/apps/
On a sidenote I use a Galaxy S Captivate with 2.2 froyo.
There are some apps (games mostly that I have encountered) that will not run at all on less than android 2.3.x regardless of where you get the apk from.
So I can only assume the same is true with 2.3.x/3.x
Thanks! I appreciate it!
I haven't opened my Nook Tablet yet, but was wondering about the over the air updates.
Does the tablet automatically update, without your knowledge, to the newest OS... or is it more like the iPhones over the air updates that tell you there is one available and you then can download and install it?
moviecouple said:
I haven't opened my Nook Tablet yet, but was wondering about the over the air updates.
Does the tablet automatically update, without your knowledge, to the newest OS... or is it more like the iPhones over the air updates that tell you there is one available and you then can download and install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does so automatically and without your consent as long as your device is "on" (e.g. asleep) with WiFi on. Turn off WiFi and you are apparently safe. My interpretation of other posts is that it won't happen while you are actively using the device but I've seen no hard proof of this.
Then I have a follow-up question. If it does this automatically... then how can I prepare my device for rooting and sideload apps. You need to be connected to the internet to do this at certain points. Won't it auto update before I have a chance to do all this?
Although mine is still sitting under the Xmas tree, you would have to connect to a router first before you could recieve a FOTA, so you should have the opportunity to turn off Wifi.
moviecouple said:
Then I have a follow-up question. If it does this automatically... then how can I prepare my device for rooting and sideload apps. You need to be connected to the internet to do this at certain points. Won't it auto update before I have a chance to do all this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
takes 3-5 minutes to download OTA update. Only turn on wifi long enough for downloads needed for root or just sideload them and you should be just fine. Follow video's on my channel if you need a walk through. I am uploading one now on how to block ota using indirects titanium backup apk patch
Since I already have Fotakill.apk on a SD card (transferred from my Galaxy Tab), couldn't I just sideload that into my Nook Tablet first before I do anything else to block the OTA? Will that work and then start the rooting/sideload steps?
moviecouple said:
Since I already have Fotakill.apk on a SD card (transferred from my Galaxy Tab), couldn't I just sideload that into my Nook Tablet first before I do anything else to block the OTA? Will that work and then start the rooting/sideload steps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone posted that the Fotakill apk didn't keep them from getting the update. Need to either freeze devicemanager or edit the settings file for it. There's an easy tutorial in the development section that does the settings file change for you using Titanium Backup.
So then what's the overall best way right now to Root/Sideload and kill the OTA's? I can use either windows or Mac and I also have a Galaxy Tab to grab apk's.
Too many threads on what works or doesn't work.
Can anyone confirm that the update will not hit will actively using devise. I can side load the five apk's that I want in short order. Then if I understand how the update works, I will still have access to the pre-update apps. after 1.41 is downloaded. I'm just not comfortable rooting right out the box at the moment. Long time member but first time poster, thanks to everyone for all info. on this site.
So if I just wanted to sideload apps without rooting... all I would need to do is
Enable "Unknown Sources"
Enable "USB Debugging" and other USB debugging further down
Untick Automount
moviecouple said:
So then what's the overall best way right now to Root/Sideload and kill the OTA's? I can use either windows or Mac and I also have a Galaxy Tab to grab apk's.
Too many threads on what works or doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows Root
Mac Root
Block OTA
I don't think anyone truly knows. I got hit by 1.4.1
Sucks...
curtym said:
I don't think anyone truly knows. I got hit by 1.4.1
Sucks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto. I wish we had a moderated sticky post at the top of the forum, with no commentary and no questions that provides the current known state of affairs with respect to preventing the over the air update. I know many of the devs here are tech wizs and while it may be obvious to them and think it is reasonable to squirrel through multiple forums and threads to figure it out, it would be so much easier for everyone concerned to have a one-stop location that a select few folks could keep updated.
Thanks and keep up the good work
If you were smart, you would've backup your apps and data with Titanium backup or similar app. If you got 1.4.1, do factory restore, reroot, and block the ota update.
OTA update are automatically. It happen when your NT is asleep and charged. Same with NC. You can do manually update too by copying the update zip to the media folder, I think from NC experience.
I have been nagged enough times, I am shooting a video today on restoring back to 1.4.0 and rerooting then blocking OTA
Here is an app to block OTA. Click it once an a message will pop up to indicate if it was successful or not. Your device must be rooted. You version number should contain OTA Blocked if successful.
http://www.multiupload.com/TEQGTBV2G4
This is likely unnecessary for anyone using snowball-mod.
Without knowing the details of what this app does, I can't say for sure, but it would likely do no more than what snowball-mod does automatically.
cfoesch said:
This is likely unnecessary for anyone using snowball-mod.
Without knowing the details of what this app does, I can't say for sure, but it would likely do no more than what snowball-mod does automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is for people that do not want to lose the BN apps. This will just block OTA and nothing else.
brianf21 said:
This is for people that do not want to lose the BN apps. This will just block OTA and nothing else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wanna block OTA updates? There's an app for that. Brilliant!
brianf21 said:
This is for people that do not want to lose the BN apps. This will just block OTA and nothing else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, totally. It's good at what it does, I just wanted to remind people that the snowball-mod doesn't need it, so random peoples with it installed don't think they need to download this and apply it.
Great news though to those who want to keep a mostly-stock Nook Tablet.
BTW, what does it do precisely? Just update values in the devicemanager.db? Just trying to get an understanding of what people are doing to block OTAs. I'm super paranoid about things like that. After all, if I'm forced back to stock B&N NT, it's going back, because it's a $250 lump of coal at that point to me.
cfoesch said:
Yeah, totally. It's good at what it does, I just wanted to remind people that the snowball-mod doesn't need it, so random peoples with it installed don't think they need to download this and apply it.
Great news though to those who want to keep a mostly-stock Nook Tablet.
BTW, what does it do precisely? Just update values in the devicemanager.db? Just trying to get an understanding of what people are doing to block OTAs. I'm super paranoid about things like that. After all, if I'm forced back to stock B&N NT, it's going back, because it's a $250 lump of coal at that point to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It verifies root, extracts sqlite3 and libncurses.so if needed then it updates fota and appends OTA Blocked to the version number.
Nice work on your package. It's pretty sweet. You could integrate this into your scripts and launch an intent via the nook's cli using the am command. Since there are no buttons to press, there is no need for human interaction.
Interesting.
Is there any point in running this if we've already used Indirect's method of changing the device manager? Or should we do both? Would they contradict each other somehow?
jimmysuggs said:
Interesting.
Is there any point in running this if we've already used Indirect's method of changing the device manager? Or should we do both? Would they contradict each other somehow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I made this with future versions in mind. So when they come up with a way to root 1.4.1 and later, then this could be used.
brianf21, thanks for taking the time to create stuff like this, it's greatly appreciated.
Question: would it make sense for me to run your app now, even though I've already used indirect's method? It sounds like doing so might protect me against future updates, am I reading this correctly?
brian, why not just update FOTA Checkin timer to 0?
Indirect said:
brian, why not just update FOTA Checkin timer to 0?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would have required forethought and planning. Thanks for all the work you have done. I am going to check out your latest script here in a little bit.
jimmysuggs said:
brianf21, thanks for taking the time to create stuff like this, it's greatly appreciated.
Question: would it make sense for me to run your app now, even though I've already used indirect's method? It sounds like doing so might protect me against future updates, am I reading this correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you shouldn't need to.
Thanks
Sent from my BNTV250 using Tapatalk
I used the app and it came back with "failure." any ideas why?
Sent from my Nook Tablet using (((sonicboom)))
Thanks again
Sent from my BNTV250 using Tapatalk
"Failure! Over the air updates set to"
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
Thanks, Brian. Is there a way to re-enable OTA updates? Or is this a one-time, one-way thing? Just asking before I try it.
Failure! Over the air updates set to
For those of you running this app and it saying failure, you have to install and run indirect's ADB Root Hijack first, then run the OTA block app.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1419598
That is the link to Indirect's ADB Root Hijack.
I did that and it worked like a charm.
OK, I got the NT back to 1.4.0, ran the hijacker, ran the OTA blocker, but my "n" button doesn't work. Any suggestions w/o restoring it and losing all my content?
Well, its come to the time to allow my kid their first, own, smartphone. Actually, I will be passing onto him, one of my older Android phones; old as in running Gingerbread. One of my phones as is its rooted.
Is there some way to block him from installing apps or allowing app updates? Possibly with a password or PIN, that only I would know?
Yea, I know how to stop auto-updates. But, I am sure if the phone asked him to manually approve downloading and installing an update, he would naturally comply and click on "yes" (or "accept" or whatever the prompt says).
I kind-of look at this as being training wheels for a smartphone. By the time he cracks any such password, he'll be ready to go without such restrictions. :angel:
Probably is an app store that does that but google play doesnt. Keep looking, but probably need a child lock of some type
You could root it and delete the google play app
I think you need tot flash an official firmware... And root it afterwards...
What kind of phone do you have?
0mega007 said:
You could root it and delete the google play app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that would stop me, too, from updating and adding new apps.
I don't want to stop it overall. I just want to stop him from doing such (at least until he learns the ins-and-outs).
droidsinfo said:
What kind of phone do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MOT Droid 3.
WaltA said:
MOT Droid 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a link to the official firm update...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1643521
If you do this everything wil be reseted and you can root it afterwards...
My job gives me a Samsing S4 from Verizon that is filled with bloat. I have to manually go in and disable everything which takes about 4 hours or so. I am looking for an app that can do it for me but it needs to be a well known app not something that somebody just posts an apk. Any auggestions?
We are not allowed to root the phones. It would be great if I could put a googe play edition or developer edition rom on it or something but I don't think that's possible.
bird11 said:
My job gives me a Samsing S4 from Verizon that is filled with bloat. I have to manually go in and disable everything which takes about 4 hours or so. I am looking for an app that can do it for me but it needs to be a well known app not something that somebody just posts an apk. Any auggestions?
We are not allowed to root the phones. It would be great if I could put a googe play edition or developer edition rom on it or something but I don't think that's possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to root your phone for all this. You can only flash stock rom on the device without rooting it.
What bloat wares are we talking about specifically? Do you mean all the S-voice/S-Note/Air gestures??
They can be activated and deactivated from the pull down menu. Other things need to be disabled manually!There is no work around this without root. You can try the widgets on the screen that allow you to disable wi-fi and bluetooth but its nothing new than what samsung offers from the pulldown menu
Hit thanks if this was helpful!
You should did root
Sent from my GT-I9082 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
What, you mean you don't absolutely NEED NFL Mobile? And Verizon Navigator is so much better than Google Maps!
[/sarcasm]
You can't remove system apps without root. Clean Master has a function to remove bloat if you're rooted. I don't know if this is changed to disabling if you're not rooted, because my devices are rooted. I seem to remember a previous version of Clean Master had something like that. It merely took you to the app info scree, one at a time, but at least it did it sequentially instead of you having to hunt for each one on your own. Maybe that still exists.
Since Android 4.1, many bloatware type apps can just be disabled via the the built-in Application Manager in your Settings app. Disabling it will hide it from the launcher and make it so it does not run, essentially doing the same thing as uninstalling it. It is better this way because some phones will not properly update if something is modified or removed from the /system partition. Also worth noting in regards to this as it is a popular misconception, removing these unwanted apps will not provide you with more usable storage as they are contained in /system/app and the apps you install via the Play Store or 3rd party sources will only install to /data/app unless rooted and moved.
That being said, TowelRoot is a newer rooting method for many newer phones running 4.4+(especially Galaxies like the S4 and Note 3). This root method is done via an app on the phone and only takes seconds and does not trip Knox. You could root, freeze what you needed and then unroot without anyone the wiser, though, of course, this is done at your own risk - like any other mod.
lpimpale said:
You will have to root your phone for all this. You can only flash stock rom on the device without rooting it.
What bloat wares are we talking about specifically? Do you mean all the S-voice/S-Note/Air gestures??
They can be activated and deactivated from the pull down menu. Other things need to be disabled manually!There is no work around this without root. You can try the widgets on the screen that allow you to disable wi-fi and bluetooth but its nothing new than what samsung offers from the pulldown menu
Hit thanks if this was helpful!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I flash stock roms without rooting?
As I mentioned every time I need to do a factory reset it takes about 4 hours of disabling things to get it to the state I want.
There's this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2058944
xda'dra said:
You should did root
Sent from my GT-I9082 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't.
Planterz said:
What, you mean you don't absolutely NEED NFL Mobile? And Verizon Navigator is so much better than Google Maps!
[/sarcasm]
You can't remove system apps without root. Clean Master has a function to remove bloat if you're rooted. I don't know if this is changed to disabling if you're not rooted, because my devices are rooted. I seem to remember a previous version of Clean Master had something like that. It merely took you to the app info scree, one at a time, but at least it did it sequentially instead of you having to hunt for each one on your own. Maybe that still exists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
es0tericcha0s said:
Since Android 4.1, many bloatware type apps can just be disabled via the the built-in Application Manager in your Settings app. Disabling it will hide it from the launcher and make it so it does not run, essentially doing the same thing as uninstalling it. It is better this way because some phones will not properly update if something is modified or removed from the /system partition. Also worth noting in regards to this as it is a popular misconception, removing these unwanted apps will not provide you with more usable storage as they are contained in /system/app and the apps you install via the Play Store or 3rd party sources will only install to /data/app unless rooted and moved.
That being said, TowelRoot is a newer rooting method for many newer phones running 4.4+(especially Galaxies like the S4 and Note 3). This root method is done via an app on the phone and only takes seconds and does not trip Knox. You could root, freeze what you needed and then unroot without anyone the wiser, though, of course, this is done at your own risk - like any other mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can disable them but it takes about 4 hours to do it each time. There's a lot of them. About 95% of stuff needs to be disabled.
Towelroot looks great unfortunately I am not able to root the phone. They don't use knox. I can do anything but root the phone really. I really just want vanilla android I'm a bit sick of touchwiz. I'd love to just flash to the developer edition or something.
bird11 said:
My job gives me a Samsing S4 from Verizon that is filled with bloat. I have to manually go in and disable everything which takes about 4 hours or so. I am looking for an app that can do it for me but it needs to be a well known app not something that somebody just posts an apk. Any auggestions?
We are not allowed to root the phones. It would be great if I could put a googe play edition or developer edition rom on it or something but I don't think that's possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S4s bootloader is locked so basically not a lot to choose from. And as others have mentioned you need root to gain access to remove bloatware. Sadly samsung phones on VZW are filled with it as well as many other phones, it's not limited to just samsung.
And navigator may be better than Google maps but maps is free and having been a former user of both NFL mobile (when it was free) and navigator I'm happy I got rid of both of them
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
bird11 said:
How do I flash stock roms without rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash any ROM without rooting, and aren't you already on stock?
I think you're gonna have to just live with it...
el-figurin said:
You can't flash any ROM without rooting, and aren't you already on stock?
I think you're gonna have to just live with it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm almost sure they are on stock as its a work phone and mentioned in the first post that they aren't allowed to root
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
ShapesBlue said:
I'm almost sure they are on stock as its a work phone and mentioned in the first post that they aren't allowed to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, not much to do with those restrictions...
el-figurin said:
Yes, not much to do with those restrictions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very true. Some people however don't know you need root to remove bloatware or unneeded apps
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2