Saturday, September 22, 2012

Is jailbreaking or rooting really necessary?

Source: HowToGeek
Jailbreaking for iPhones and rooting for Androids are words commonly thrown around, but how many actually know what these two words mean?

Jailbreaking refers to changing things in iOS products that generally could not be changed. For example, jailbreaking gives you access to Cydia, an "app store" for themes, apps, settings, and much more. With a jailbroken device, you are able to change the icons of each app, the keyboard colours, and lock screen settings. From what I have experienced, a jailbroken device is much more unstable, and may lead to lag, crashing and unexpected errors. It has gotten so bad that I restored my device back to factory device settings.

Rooting refers to unlocking the bootloader, and have full control over the device. With a rooted phone, one is able to install a new ROM, change notification icons, and can almost change anything imaginable. Popular ROMS, such as CyanogenMod, is available for many devices. Those that have a skinned device are now able to have stock Android. Another plus for rooting your phone is that you are able to "update" your phone before your carriers release them. For example, a developer may decide to port a ROM to your device, and have it based on Android 4.1. Not only can you change the ROM, you can make your speakers act differently, such as installing Beats Audio. There may also be speed improvements, as scripts such as the V6 SuperCharger. Similar to jailbreaking, you can also restore back to factory default settings, and wipe the number of ROM installs on the device.

Is this really necessary? For the average user, rooting and jailbreaking is not necessary for the phone to function. Advanced users, users that enjoy tinkering with settings will enjoy the freedom to add things they aren't allowed to. The user freedom is something that many will enjoy, and rooting and jailbreaking may fulfill that joy.

Note: I am not promoting jailbreaking or rooting. Please note that jailbreaking or rooting WILL void your warranty. 

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