What is Android
Android is based on Linux OS Kernal, which makes it open source and yes Android source is available. Android evolved as a smart phone OS. Google purchased the original developer of Android in August 17, 2005 and announced the OS in November 5, 2007. Apps are primarily written in Java. With over 400,000 apps available (mostly for free). As of December 2011 over 10 billion, yes billion, downloads. Apple utilizes the same format. It was there Idea. No wonder the new Microsoft Windows 8 is following in their footsteps. But I digress. Google developed the Open Handset Alliance in November 2007 with over 86 hardware, software, and telecommunication companies to develop the Smart Phone market. Linus Torvalds said that “eventually Android and Linux would come back to a common kernel, but it will probably not be for four to five years”.
Also most older 7 inch tablets used android 2.2 and earlier. This was, at the time, a smart phone OS. and the resolution was pushed to the max with 7 inches. Since then they started naming the OS revisions after desserts.
- 2.3 Gingerbread refined the user interface, improved the soft keyboard and copy/paste features, improved gaming performance, added SIP support (VoIP calls), and added support for Near Field Communication.
- 3.0 Honeycomb was a tablet-oriented release which supports larger screen devices and introduces many new user interface features, support for multi-core processors, hardware acceleration for graphics and full system encryption. The first device featuring this version, the Motorola Xoom tablet, went on sale in February 2011.
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- 3.1 Honeycomb, released in May 2011, added support for extra input devices, USB host mode for transferring information directly from cameras and other devices, and the Google Movies and Books apps.
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- 3.2 Honeycomb, released in July 2011, added optimization for a broader range of screen sizes, new “zoom-to-fill” screen compatibility mode, loading media files directly from SD card, and an extended screen support API. Huawei MediaPad is the first 7 inch tablet to use this version
- 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, announced on October 19, 2011, brought Honeycomb features to smart phones and added new features including facial recognition unlock, network data usage monitoring and control, unified social networking contacts, photography enhancements, offline email searching, app folders, and information sharing using NFC. Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich is the latest Android version that is available to phones. The source code of Android 4.0.1 was released on November 14, 2011.
- 4.1 Jelly Bean Is do out July 2012. Release is expected as early as April 2012 primarily for tablets.
Basically any Gingerbread OS can be upgraded. Even Rooted. The applications are already out there.
What is root?
‘Root’, is the name of the login account in the Linux operating system that has complete full access to all system resources. It is also referred to as ‘superuser’. This is akin to the ‘Administrator’ account in Windows. Essentially it gives you full access to any file in the operating system. Android is a modified version of Linux built for mobile devices. Hence forth the same terminology for Linux applies for Android.
As with computers, it is often beneficial to lock down accounts to prevent end-users (you and I) from altering data that can potentially break the functionality of the system by limiting access to certain files and actions. However, by locking down the end-user, it also means that the user loses full control of the system. Typically access is denied to this account on retail mobile devices.
‘Rooting’ refers to the process by which the user gains access to the root account.
Being ‘rooted’ is when the end-user has the ability to login to the root account. When rooted, the shell (terminal, or command prompt) will either display a ‘#’ sign to the left, or has the ability to do so. To the right you will see a root shell on an Android device in the application ‘Terminal Emulator’.
The benefits for a manufacturer to lock down the device for end-user use is obvious: avoid unnecessary technical support, and limit functionality not required by the typical end-user.
What are some of the things I can do if I have root to my Android device?
- Custom firmwares bringing increased performance and functionality
- Custom themes
- Changing core (system) applications such as calendar, maps, clock
- Freedom to do as your wish on your own phone
Here’s a sample of functionality otherwise not available on some unrooted devices enabled after rooting:
- ability to take a screenshot on the device without use of additional tools
- control the CPU, including undervolting and overclocking
- control the keyboard back light
- perform backups and restores quickly and reliably using superuser-only tools
- access to the international Android market
- ad blocking
- data access control via application white lists or blacklists
- install applications on the SD card
Small gallery of functionality enabled by being rooted:
Ability to install carrier unsupported firmwares
The Kindle Fire OS is a modified version of Ice Cream Sandwich. Modified for Amazon, with restrictions on what you can do and who’s apps you can use. I have heard the Kindle Fire has already been rooted and modified. I don’t know if Googles Android has been successfully ported over or not.
Manufactures of 10 inch tablets have kept the price up competing with Apple. As the demand for under $200 tablets go up they will be forced to lower their price to compete. With Google announcing a 7 inch tablet (some are calling the GooPad) for release in March. It’s clear they aren’t going after Apples iPAD market but the Kindle Fire. Now Amazon is announcing a 10 inch version of the Kindle Fire for release later in the year. As the market heats up we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
Wait isn’t this dangerous?
Root access allows the end-user to perform otherwise restricted actions such as modifying system files.
Is this dangerous? Potentially? Yes.
Are the chances of me screwing up my phone or mobile device high? Depends on what you are modifying, but in most cases, no.
As long as you are careful to read to understand the consequences of what you are doing to your phone, you will not end up with an expensive brick! The term “bricking“ is used to describe a device which has had its software modified improperly to the point where it is no longer functioning. This term gets its name from the fact that, once bricked, a device will assume the functionality of a brick.
If you do not understand what you are doing, read first and ask if you still do not understand! This is important!
