Hacker Geohot Releases New Root Tool for Samsung Galaxy S5 and Other Android Devices

The only way to get rid of the unwanted bloatware is through root access and it is one of the most obvious incentives to root an Android smartphone.

Android phone users can get around any restrictions from the handset manufacturer or the mobile carrier may have already applied. By rooting users can run more apps; customise the smartphone to a greater extent, and can also possibly speed up the device.

Now, a hacker named George Hotz (or Geohot) has released a root method for most Android smartphones running an unpatched version of the Linux kernel.

Hotz claims that the method unlocks devices such as the unrooted Galaxy S5 on AT&T and Verizon, and the list also includes other Samsung devices like Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy S4 Active all running on the same carriers.

Geek reports that the root method by Hotz is known as Towelroot, and is based on a Linux kernel vulnerability. The Towelroot tool majorly bypasses the smartphone's system protection to gain root access.

The Geek notes, "The Towelroot tool developed by Geohot [George Hotz] differs from all the standard root methods in that it uses an exploit to root phones. Simply install the APK from Geohot's site and run it."

The site claims that the new root method by Hotz can root phones running Android 4.4.2 KitKat and earlier Android versions. Please note, that we do not recommending rooting your device, and if you do decide to go ahead, make sure you backup all your data in case the phone gets bricked. Also to be noted is that by rooting your Android device, you stand to void your device's warranty with some manufacturers.

A recent report suggested that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update which recently began rolling-out (starting with Google Nexus devices) would be available for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5 in the next couple of months.