XDA Developers' Android Hacker's Toolkit

Book description

Make your Android device truly your own

Are you eager to make your Android device your own but you're not sure where to start? Then this is the book for you. XDA is the world's most popular resource for Android hacking enthusiasts, and a huge community has grown around customizing Android devices with XDA. XDA's Android Hacker's Toolkit gives you the tools you need to customize your devices by hacking or rooting the android operating system.

Providing a solid understanding of the internal workings of the Android operating system, this book walks you through the terminology and functions of the android operating system from the major nodes of the file system to basic OS operations. As you learn the fundamentals of Android hacking that can be used regardless of any new releases, you'll discover exciting ways to take complete control over your device.

  • Teaches theory, preparation and practice, and understanding of the OS

  • Explains the distinction between ROMing and theming

  • Provides step-by-step instructions for Droid, Xoom, Galaxy Tab, LG Optimus, and more

  • Identifies the right tools for various jobs

  • Contains new models enabling you to root and customize your phone

  • Offers incomparable information that has been tried and tested by the amazing XDA community of hackers, gadgeteers, and technicians

XDA's Android Hacker's Toolkit is a simple, one-stop resource on hacking techniques for beginners.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Title Page
  4. Introduction
  5. Part I: What You Need to Know
    1. Chapter 1: Android OS Internals: Understanding How Your Device Starts
      1. The Penguin Down Below
      2. How Your Android Device Starts
      3. Custom Recoveries: The Holy Grail
    2. Chapter 2: Rooting Your Android Device
      1. Why Should You Root?
      2. Backing Up Data
      3. How You Can Root and Leave Your OEM’s Control
      4. Rooting Two Devices
      5. The Root of It All
    3. Chapter 3: The Right Tool for the Job
      1. Ready, Set, . . . Wait I Have to Have What?
      2. USB Cables
      3. USB Debugging
      4. What’s Driving This Thing?
      5. Using the Android Debug Bridge
      6. The Power of Fastboot
      7. Harnessing the Power of the Penguin with ADB Shell
      8. BusyBox: Giving the Penguin Back Its Power
    4. Chapter 4: Rooting and Installing a Custom Recovery
      1. How to Use Exploits
      2. Hacking Utilities
      3. Recovery Mode
      4. Using ClockworkMod Recovery
      5. Backup and Disaster Recovery
    5. Chapter 5: Theming: Digital Cosmetic Surgery
      1. Changing the Look and Feel of Android
      2. Tools Used in Theming
      3. The Editing Process
    6. Chapter 6: You've Become Superuser: Now What?
      1. Popular Multi-Device Custom ROMs
      2. Kernel Tweaks
      3. Root Applications
  6. Part II: Manufacturer Guidelines and Device-Specific Guides
    1. Chapter 7: HTC EVO 3D: A Locked Device
      1. Obtaining Temporary Root
      2. Using S-OFF and Permanent Root Requirements
    2. Chapter 8: Nexus One: An Unlockable Device
      1. Root Methods Available
      2. Resources Required for this Walkthrough
      3. Walkthrough
    3. Chapter 9: HTC ThunderBolt: A Tightly Locked Device
      1. Root Methods Available
      2. Resources Required for this Walkthrough
      3. Walkthrough
    4. Chapter 10: Droid Charge: Flashing with ODIN
      1. Resources Required for this Walkthrough
      2. Walkthrough
      3. Troubleshooting
    5. Chapter 11: Nexus S: An Unlocked Device
      1. Connecting the Device to a PC
      2. Resources Required for this Walkthrough
      3. Walkthrough
    6. Chapter 12: Motorola Xoom: An Unlocked Honeycomb Tablet
      1. Resources Required for this Walkthrough
      2. Walkthrough
    7. Chapter 13: Nook Color: Rooting with a Bootable SD Card
      1. Resources Required for this Walkthrough
      2. Walkthrough
    8. Appendix A: Setting Up Android SDK and ADB Tools

Product information

  • Title: XDA Developers' Android Hacker's Toolkit
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: May 2012
  • Publisher(s): Wiley
  • ISBN: 9781119961550