XDA Developers Android Hackers Toolkit: The Complete Guide to Rooting, ROMs and Theming

Join the millions of rooters worldwide who are making the Android devices truly their own.

Do you love your Android device, but feel like you re not getting everything out of it you could? Written by Android expert, Jason Tyler, this book shows you how to take total control of your Android smartphone or tablet, regardless of brand name or release.

With the tools provided in this book, you ll be able to customize your device to suit your needs and style, while maximizing its power and capability. In plain English, Tyler introduces you to the inner workings of the Android OS, walking you through the terminology and functions, from major file system nodes to basic OS operations. For the more adventurous rooter, Tyler provides links to key information on the XDA site that shows you how to achieve an even higher degree of expertise and capability. In no time you ll learn to:

Identify the right tools for any job on most Android devices Back up your OS, data and apps Modify your device s ROMs or flash ROMs from other devices Theme the look and feel of your device to reflect your unique style Teach your old Android device amazing new trick

The ultimate beginner s guide to Android rooting, XDA Developers Android Hacker s Toolkit gives you the knowledge and tools you need to make your beloved Android phone or table truly your own.

Foreword xv

Introduction 1

PART I: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 9

Chapter 1: Android OS Internals: Understanding How Your Device Starts 11

Chapter 2: Rooting Your Android Device 21

Chapter 3: The Right Tool for the Job 37

Chapter 4: Rooting and Installing a Custom Recovery 63

Chapter 5: Theming: Digital Cosmetic Surgery 87

Chapter 6: You′ve Become Superuser: Now What? 99

PART II: MANUFACTURER GUIDELINES AND DEVICE–SPECIFIC GUIDES 107

Chapter 7: HTC EVO 3D: A Locked Device 109

Chapter 8: Nexus One: An Unlockable Device 119

Chapter 9: HTC ThunderBolt: A Tightly Locked Device 127

Chapter 10: Droid Charge: Flashing with ODIN 137

Chapter 11: Nexus S: An Unlocked Device 143

Chapter 12: Motorola Xoom: An Unlocked Honeycomb Tablet 147

Chapter 13: Nook Color: Rooting with a Bootable SD Card 153

Appendix A: Setting Up Android SDK and ADB Tools 159

Index 165

Jason Tyler has been an IT instructor and is currently Director of Technology for Typefrag.com. An avid Android hacker, Jason has been rooting and ROMing every Android phone he can get his hands on since the OG Droid.

Will Verduzco is a Johns Hopkins University graduate in neuroscience and is now currently studying to become a physician. He is also Portal Administrator for XDA–Developers, and has been addicted to mobile technology since the HTC Wizard. Starting with the Nexus One, however, his gadget love affair has shifted to Google′s little green robot.