Although the new Google Nexus Q is quite an impressive piece of tech gear, still a few fans feel that the device is lacking in some overall functionalities. But that is just the past. Promising developers are already on the case and now the latest Nexus Q hack bringing apps, a launcher, and even Netflix to the spherical streamer.
As per Kornyone of XDA Developers, it took him longer to write these instructions than root the device. And he was actually “playing with it to see how capable it is with stock OS and kernel at handling 1080 content.”
But now when the steps are already here, you shouldn’t have much trouble following them, assuming you are good at hacking into stuff, in order to get your Q rooted so that you can run everything you want.
Note: If you proceed with these instructions, you will be unlocking your device. If you do not know what "fastboot oem unlock" means, you should research it first and understand that you are officially bypassing a disclaimer when running "fastboot oem unlock_accept". If you do not have Jelly Bean and got it off online retailers such as eBay, you will need to hack the actual APK from Google for core functionality. This document expects advanced understanding of Android, and many assumptions are made. Although this has been tested by the guys at XDA Developers locally, you should proceed at your own caution.
Remember: Once you start the process, note that the internal “SD card” will be erased. Moreover, you will unpair the device from your other Android devices and will need to set it up again.
What You Need:
Nexus Q
Android Development Kit, including the adb tool and fastboot.
For Kernel (modules) – git clone
Here are the detailed instructions:
Step 1: Plug your USB cable between your computer that contains the Android developer kit and the Nexus Q.
Step 2: Run adb reboot-bootloader . The LED ring will stay solid red. You should also be able to do this by holding your hand over the mute LED when it boots. Just let go when the ring turns red.
Step 3: Run fastboot devices to make sure you’re connected.
Step 4: Run fastboot oem unlock to unlock the bootloader.
Step 5: Within five seconds, run fastboot oem unlock_accept . The Q will erase user data and reboot.
Step 6: Pair your Android device again with the Q.
Step 7: Turn on debug mode again.
Step 8: Here’s a new boot.img file put together that modifies default.prop with the following values:
ro.secure=0
ro.debuggable=1
Step 9: Download nexusq-boot.img.
Step 10: Run adb reboot-bootloader .
Step 11: Run fastboot boot nexusq-boot.img to start the Q with root permissions.
Now you can upload su and back your regularly scheduled Android hacking.
Important: adb reboot recovery results in pulsing red LEDs. Touching the mute LED flashes white. The only way to get out of this mode was to tap the mute LED repeatedly (about five times), so don’t panic.
