adb restore across different devices, android versions Once upon a time, I ran this on an Android 4.3.0 Nexus 7 2012 running ParanoidAndroid:

adb backup -all -nosystem -apk -shared \
  -f backup-all-nosystem-apk-shared-201309132331 


Now I would love to restore at least one of those apps on my Android 4.3.1 Nexus 7 2013 running vanilla. (I haven't installed it.) I've preemptively ran:

adb backup -f backup-all-system-apk-noshared-20131027111818 -apk -noshared -all -system


and now I wonder: what could possibly go wrong if I restored the original backup? Would re-applying the backup I've just made on top of it get me to a... working system? Do I want to take additional safety measures?
Don't know if you figured this out or not, but Titanium Backup has a feature where you can import an ADB backup and then from there restore individual apps or all apps. Only down side, Titanium Backup does need root. That being said, I think it's worth it.

For details:
http://www.titaniumtrack.com/kb/titanium-backup-kb/titanium-backup-howtos.html#backup-without-root

In case that link goes away:


Connect your device and make sure its listed with the following
command:

adb devices
Run a FULL backup with the following command:

adb backup -f FullBackup.ab -apk -all
This will create a “package” called “FullBackup.ab” on the current location in your command prompt. This is your backup package.
Now you can root your phone.
Once finished rooting, insert the “FullBackup.ab” package on your sdcard
Hit the menu button and look for “Extract from ADB backup” option. This will prompt you to search for the file. Use the file manager that you installed earlier and navigate to the directory and select the FullBackup.ab file.
Now restore like as if the backup was made with Titanium Backup. Don’t forget to make a fresh copy of the backup using Titanium Backup. You’re Done!