As Android devices age, manufacturers eventually cease the release of updated software builds that resolve bugs and add new features. Because the Android operating platform is open source, community developers have been able to study the system's coding and allow users to still gain the benefit of these newer software builds. Understanding how "rooting" a device can enhance its performance and capabilities may help users make an informed decision about attempting the process.
Updated Software
While Google and device manufacturers may say that older hardware cannot support newer software, Android community developers have created versions of the newer software that do play nice with aging devices. Once a device has been rooted, custom software builds can be installed that offer users new functionality and an enhanced navigational experience.
Data Tethering
Unlike newer Android phones, older devices may not come with the stock ability to share their data connection with a computer. By rooting an older Android smartphone and installing a custom software build, users can gain access to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Internet connection sharing. This will allow users to utilize laptops and other devices dependant on Wi-Fi for data connectivity to browse the Web wherever a user has 3G/4G signal. Users should note that some carriers charge for data tethering and, to avoid unexpected fees, placing a call to inquire about this first may be wise.
Enhanced Performance
Once a device has been rooted, users have almost complete software control over how their phones operate. This means that processors can be over clocked to speed up navigation and overall performance. Stock applications that take up valuable memory and are otherwise irremovable can also be disabled, resulting in less battery gobbling processes running in the background. Tweaks to how efficiently a device's radios communicate with wireless networks can also be made, giving users increased battery life as a reward for their tinkering.
Rooting Risks
While rooting an Android device may provide definitive benefits, it is important to note that doing so voids the warranty. For devices that are already more than a year old -- meaning the default 12 month warranty has already expired -- this may not be a concern but users still in their warranty period may wish to wait. There is also a chance that the device being rooted could be bricked if the process goes awry. This happenstance is called "bricking" because the phone essentially becomes as useless as the nickname's namesake. Great care should be taken when attempting to perform this procedure.
Tags: newer software, software builds, allow users, been rooted, community developers, community developers have, custom software