OTA RootKeeper, released a couple weeks back by supercurio – Project Voodoo, is a nifty little tool that will help you keep root access when downloading OTA updates, which (as of late) have been notorious for taking these privileges away. The app stores a protected copy of “su” for devices that are already rooted. If an OTA happens to break your root after installation, OTA RootBreak can easily restore it for you.

The app works with any device using Ext3 or Ext4 filesystems and Google-style incremental update.zip and will not work on devices that rely on KIES, Odin, or older devices using YAFFS filesystems only.

Typical systems where its perfectly effective:
- Nexus S
- Galaxy Nexus
- Every Honeycomb tablet

Typical system where the protection won’t work:
- HTC Desire
- Samsung Galaxy Spica
- Samsung Galaxy S / SII

Additionaly, OTA RootKeeper allows users to un-root their devices while keeping an “su” backup. This feature has been aimed at Android developers and allows them to test the functionality of their apps with and without root. The developer also states that this feature was designed with a goal in mind:

“The goal here is not to encourage stupid and unacceptable behaviors by movie or content sellers trying to prevent you to purchase or watch digital media you purchased if your device is rooted.Vote with your dollars: Don’t accept being a customer of companies restricting your freedom with defective and and inefficient technical measures.”

If you’d like to test this application out, head over to the Android Market by clicking or scanning the link below.

Application: OTA RootKeeper
Developer: supercurio – Project Voodo
Cost: FREE