How to root the Sprint Galaxy S3 on Android 4.3 (SPH-L710)

My friend had a lot of issues rooting his Galaxy S3 after the 4.3 update, and asked me for help. The first successful method I found was explained in this YouTube video, but it's a little hard to follow. I wanted to document the steps here.

1. This should be obvious, but backup anything important on your device! Also, if you wish to not void your warranty, do not proceed.
2. Install Samsung Kies 3.
3. Download the following 2 files:
   http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2189539
   Odin v3.09, open the EXE.
   http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446393
   philz_touch_6.00.8-d2spr.tar.md5
4. (Optional) If you've messed up the current installation, or prefer a fresh install, restore the factory 4.3 as follows:
1. Turn off the device and remove the battery. Write down the HEX number on the sticker found underneath it.
2. Start the device in Download mode (hold the power button, volume down, and home at the same time). Plug it into the computer.
3. Open Samsung Kies 3, go to Tools > Firmware Upgrade and Install.
4. Follow the instructions. When prompted, enter the Model number SPH-L710. The MEID number is the HEX value that you noted earlier.
5. Grab some lunch, the download and install will take a while.
5. Start the device in Download mode (hold the power button, volume DOWN, and home at the same time). Plug it into the computer.
6. Launch the Odin v3.09 EXE.
7. Ensure the first block under "ID:COM" shows something, like "COM0". This confirms that Odin can see the device.
8. Click the AP button under Files. Select the philz_touch file.
9. Uncheck "Auto Reboot".
10. Click Start. This will install the PhilZ Touch recovery mod.
11. When installation is complete, power down the device (if necessary). Start the device in Recovery mode (hold the power button, volume UP, and home at the same time).
12. Select PhilZ Settings. Select the third option titled Re-Root System. Click Yes to confirm.
13. After a few seconds, a message on the bottom will state the system has been rooted. Select Reboot System from the top of the home menu.
14. When the phone reboots, complete Android setup and install SuperSU from the Play Store. If your phone is busy updating other apps, you can go to My Apps and click Cancel before installing SuperSU. Otherwise you'll have to wait for all of the apps to update.
15. Open SuperSU. When prompted to install the binary, select to install it using the normal method.
16. SuperSU should then ask you if you would like it to disable Knox. You definitely want to disable this, as it will try to remove root from your device. Click OK. If it fails, you'll need to look for other ways to disable it.
17. Your device is now rooted! You can check by installing any root app, or a simple Root Checker app.

Refer to the video mentioned above if you would like a visual reference. Note that I have updated a few steps to use Kies 3 and a newer version of Odin.

I can't guarantee this will work forever, but I hope it helps somebody out. Let me know if any of my instructions need clarification.

First-Gen (2012) Nexus 7 32 GB for $99

Many people saw this DEAL ALERT when GameStop liquidated their new Nexus 7 first-gens for $99. I know you saw it, because they sold out in quick fashion.

Staples was price matching, but they too quickly sold out. I was accidentally sold a 2013 Nexus 7 for $99, and had to painfully return it.

However today, a week after the sale, I noticed that the old model is still available at Staples online. Eureka! I returned to the store, and they placed an online order for me with the price match guarantee!

This is a great deal, especially considering Woot just sold out of the REFURBISHED ones at $160. Hope your Staples is as nice as mine. Good luck!

Check your Google Calendar with Tasker

I recently decided to play with Tasker for Android, and I've been having a blast with it! Here's one snippet some people may find helpful. It checks my Google Calendar and saves some info about today's schedule to a global variable.

To try it out, first you have to retrieve your Google Calendar private XML URL. It is found in your Google Calendar settings menu. Download this JavaScript file, and change the "username" variable to your Google username. Change the "key" variable to the "private-XXXX" portion of your private XML URL.

Save the updated JavaScript to your device, and create a new task like below.

The JavaScript action is under "Script", and Say is under "Misc". For the JavaScript "Libraries" attribute, click the search icon and select jQuery.

 

I use this as part of my morning profile. It's very flexible if you don't mind playing around with JavaScript. Let me know what you think!

Here's another link to the JavaScript file.