How to Root Your Samsung Galaxy S3... and Why? Top 3 Root-Required Apps
How to Upgrade Your AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 to Jelly Bean 4.1 (CyanogenMod10)... and Why?
- GooManager - This makes keeping up with gapps updates super easy. With the specific configuration on my phone (ClockworkMod Recovery) the automated install/update functions don't work. However, searching for the latest version of gapps, downloading it, and rebooting into recovery to install it couldn't be easier. This is a great app to keep on hand and it is official, so it stays up to date unlike some other ROM management apps that check for updates of gapps.
- Triangle Away - This is good to keep handy since the Samsung Galaxy S3 has a flash counter. This app allows you to reset the flash counter so that it appears your device has never been flashed. I suggest doing this ONLY if necessary. There are risks involved with running this tool. I keep it handy just in case I decide to flash back to stock and un-root my phone.
- Titanium Backup (Pro) - This is a must-have for any rooted Android. This app is a life-saver when it comes to maintaining app data. You can backup and restore any app, even system apps. Same with data. You can even backup and restore bluetooth settings and accounts. Set an automated schedule for backing up apps and store a few versions at a time. You can also sync to Google Drive or Dropbox.
- ROM Toolbox Lite (Pro) - This is a 'monster app' according to the developer. That is not an exaggeration as it basically includes the functions of 20+ individual apps. While I like the convenience, I still prefer to use the individual apps intended for these various functions. This app still makes the list though due to its epic feature list.
- ROM Management is like ROM Manager: a tool for checking for ROM/gapps updates.
- App Manager is a mix between Titanium Backup and the built-in Android App Manager: allows you to perform a number of operations against any installed app.
- Root Browser is like ES File Explorer: allows you to browse the root directory and open/edit files.
- Scripter and Terminal Emulator: allows you to create, save, and run command line scripts and Linux utilities.
- Ad Blocker: directly edits your hosts file with the proper entries for blocking ads, porn, casino, and risky sites. Also includes a DNS changer tool and app level ad detection settings.
- Auto Start Manager: like startup management for a PC, this lets you enable or disable broadcast receivers for any app on startup.
- Configure Apps2SD: allows you to force all apps to install to SD Card or internal storage. Default setting is auto.
- Rebooter: gives quick access to special reboot options such as reboot, reboot recovery, power down, or reboot the status bar only.
- CPU Control and Kernel Tweaks: allows you to overclock or underclock the CPU to save battery or boost performance.
- build.prop Editor: makes editing the build.prop file easy so you can alter the lcd density, decrease call ring delay, increase wifi scan interval, and more.
- Memory Manager and Task Manager: this is an improvement on the built-in task manager to improve performance and save battery life.
- SD Booster: makes read/write on the external SD faster by increasing cache size.
- Font Installer: allows selection from over 150 fonts that can be applied for a custom look.
- Boot Animations: allows selection from over 300 boot animations that can be applied for a custom look on bootup. You can also use your own custom GIF.
- Theme Manager and Statusbar Icons: lets you customize your selected theme and install new ones
- Theme Chooser: allows you to browse 100's of themes available for download (this doesn't work on the current version of CyanogenMod 10 for the AT&T SGS3)
- ROM Manager (Premium) - With a ClockWorkMod Recovery rooted Android, this app is obligatory. It offers shortcuts and utilities for functions that can be performed through the actual recovery. You don't really need this, but it can come in handy to keep tabs on updates and to process backups/restores.
- BusyBox (Pro) - This is a must-have for any rooted Android. Just install it, run the install process, and you're done.
- ES File Explorer - This should be standard for any rooted Android. Install this to gain full read/write access to your internal storage, internal SD card, and external SD card. This (along with DroidEdit) makes tasks like updating the hosts file super easy.
- Adobe Flash Player (apk) - Unfortunately, Adobe Flash is no longer supported in Android 4.1+. This means you'll have to download and install Flash from a source other than the Play Store. Luckily, it is super easy to do. The link goes to an XDA forum thread which has more details. It mentions installing Dolphin Browser, but simply installing the Flash apk worked to enable Flash in the default browser in my case.
- Headseticon - After installing CyanogenMod 10, I no longer received a headset icon in the notification bar when plugging in an aux cable. This app fixes that and goes the extra step of letting you pick a an icon from an extensive list of options. You can also define a default volume level and even set an app to open when you connect an aux cable.
- avast! Mobile Security - This is a must have app for any rooted Android. It combines top-of-the-line virus protection, firewall, phone locator, remote phone management, and more to give you the ultimate in security and control of your data's integrity.
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