Towelroot

[matt]

Proceed at your own risk

A new exploit by the hacker Geohot can root this device without first unlocking the boot loader.
http://towelroot.com/
Download the zip, extract and run. Install supersu or superuser from Google play. Open and update binaries.

To unlock boot without wiping data: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.segv11.bootunlocker

This method does not require adb, fastboot, or a computer.

sent by mirrorflash Morse code

[matt]

This works on a number of nexus phones and tablets, but not nexus 7 2012.

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[matt]

Version 2 no longer a zip. Download and run. Still not compatible with 2012.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[birdastrompgman]

I made a showing how easy it is to root the second generation N7 using Towelroot

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[matt]

Nice! Towelroot's su allows any program root access. Recommend supersu or superuser app as gateway. This gives you the choice to allow on a per app basis. Otherwise some malware can do some real damage.

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[matt]

Here's an overview of the difference between the linux su command and a superuser app.
http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/18601/what-exactly-is-superuser-apk-and-su

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[matt]

It was always confusing me.
Su = switch user
Superuser = elevated status, administrator.
Superuser.apk = firewall

If you have superuser status, you are root enabled or "rooted". Any app you run also has the ability to make changes to system areas.

If you have installed superuser.apk or supersu.apk, you have a firewall to root and programs must ask your permission.

Towelroot elevates your status to superuser (administrator) but does not install superuser.apk.

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