[Galaxy Tab S2 Android Development] engine95:
I don't even know where to start.

Since you're used to Nexus, we'll start from there.

Nexus devices need to be built with Open Source as they all use AOSP/CM. Hence why you're used to git's and gerrit's. They don't use a proprietary Platform's like Samsung, LG, Sony etc.

When you get away from Nexus, then you have Platform's that are proprietary and/or specialized to that company. Samsung Touchwiz, HTC Sense, etc. Then the Company's will throw in, and we'll use Samsung as they're the only ones that seem to take this to the highest level, Knox security. Now we have a whole nuther level of crap to fix/modify so we can have phones/Tabs that we can actually use/modify. And make them the way we want.

There are a lot of common files that need, or can be modified across all Platforms. Sd card fix, to write to ext SD Cards. Mixer levels to increase volumes, change audio settings. And others.

The build.prop is where you can actually make a lot of changes that'll affect what the phone/Tab shows and does. MultiWindow, scrolling, memory, and a host of other things. Some, just start throwing in a lot of changes so it looks like they've really modified/optimized the Rom. But alot of them just don't work or do anything. The ones I add do make a difference and it's a lot of trial and error to see which ones actually work. Most of them are obvious as they are clearly marked at the bottom. And if I find a common "Addon" then I'll modify it in the actual place the company has something similar. So you would need to compare line-for-line what I've changed. I comb through every build.prop I get. I've found some that had errors in them form the Company's, and fix those.

Init.d scripts are used a lot and can make a lot of difference also. That's why I build kernels with this support. You can build it into the ROM, but it's faster through the kernel. Faster in computer terms. We may not actually see it. Or we may.

I have noticed that Tablet's aren't nearly as locked down as phones. We get a little more freedom with Tabs. Root/unlock.

As I've said before, I won't be using a Samsung phone ever. Even though they can be modified, it might as well be an Apple product with this Knox crap. I've used Samsung, HTC and LG phones though the years. And granted, they were all the older Android versions. But Sammy is trying to be too much like them. But that's just my opinion.

And Apple is another that I would never own. Taking an Open Source OS and making it theirs? Come on. Might as well be the Windows from the 80's. Yeah, I'm old. :p

Now that I've ranted on, I'll end this by saying that with this Tab, it's Knox/Security that's the biggest pain and learning curve. Selinux is on all Platforms and is modifiable.

I've had 2 Samsung Tabs now and only because I traded to this one. The prior was a Tab 4 and with the Marvell chipset. Big mistake as that's low budget.

I do have to admit though, I do like this S2. It's a nice, light, fast tablet that I'll have no problem keeping. Even if it never sees an update. I think it runs very well and will suit my needs. Latest and greatest is not always good.

Whew! Sorry bout that. I got on a roll, and just kept going. Hopefully that'll help you and others to figure things out a little easier.

Over and out. :silly: