[Discussion] DeX : too good to be true ?

[oF2pks]

The DeX concept looks great: http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/samsung-dex/ (but...)
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s8-review-1603p10.php

I already read multiple reviews on DeX and could not find answers to basic interrogations :
-will DeX-use shorten the total number of discharge/charge cycles of the battery, by simultaneous charging/OS powerhouse ?
-is there any wireless connections between s8 and DeX ?
-are they any broken s8' functionalities when plugged ?
-...
(There is no teardown yet.) https://forum.xda-developers.com/album.php?albumid=14179 shows DeX using a Parade
PS176 DisplayPort-> hdmi 2.0b
On software side, I also noticed reviewers warning that Microsoft is a kind of fake on desktop/1080, without additional licenses (Office 365 subscription) : what else ?

The DeX' Virtual Desktop Infrastructure presentation is real appetizing ( even more with the s8 & s8+ 4.4.x kernel/"linux"), hope some owners will discuss and reveal the future-proof "truth" of that puck.

"Hazy specs" :

If you look into s8+ attached defconfig, apparently "regular" vdi config are not set in this (very) NEW 4.4 kernel:

# CONFIG_USERFAULTFD is not set
# CONFIG_VIRTIO_PCI is not set
# CONFIG_VIRTIO_MMIO is not set
# CONFIG_XEN is not set
# CONFIG_VIRTUALIZATION is not set

Maybe the advertised VDI for "Enterprise Mobility Management" (EMM) will use a different kernel (or the future Note 8 only)?
DeX is a sophisticated cradle/hub only, fully compatible with Knox (fingerprint & iris scan) that relies on Samsung original charger.
For now, DeX is still working after Knox tripped or even twrp/su-"ified".
Following Note7 fiasco and with a non-removable battery , it would be reassuring to know if DeX-use is powered/charged by the puck :
-via the embedded s8' battery while already in (slow) charging (electric "zugzwang"?=> destructive degradation & overheat)
-via an embedded independent s8' circuitry different from the one which is already (cool) charging the battery
I remember you, that (conversely to laptops), with almost all android devices, we are not supposed to use a device when on charge, and to charge before capacity under 50%.

Edit : related critics
http://www.vdcresearch.com/News-events/emob-blog/Samsung-DeX-The-Future-of-Enterprise-Computing.html
https://www.xda-developers.com/sams...m-revolution-but-aimed-at-the-wrong-audience/

[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Accessories > Samsung Dex by @SmilerOnline ]

 

[NicksOnTheWing]

One thing I think I discovered is that not just any Android app will work, only Dex-compatible ones (which seems like a really good way fro Samsung to screw themselves on the Dex concept right out of the door). I don't want to use Msoft Office - I want to get on Facebook, use a Reddit client and play Hearthstone.

I hope I'm wrong. I bought the phone almost entirely for Dex. I originally intended to get a Remix device when it launched for the desktop-docking experience but figured it'd be smarter to give my money to a bigger company that can really support the concept well. In a worst case scenario maybe I'll have to flash a Remix rom to the device to get the experience that Samsung promised (or hinted at, I guess).

 

[foresterh]

All Android apps will work just not in "dex mode"

My understanding is that all of the apps (on the phone) will work, but ones that don't support "dex" mode will only run in full screen "phone" mode, so you can't tile/resize/etc the windows or anything special.

 

[YellowGTO]

One thing I think I discovered is that not just any Android app will work, only Dex-compatible ones (which seems like a really good way fro Samsung to screw themselves on the Dex concept right out of the door). I don't want to use Msoft Office - I want to get on Facebook, use a Reddit client and play Hearthstone.

I hope I'm wrong. I bought the phone almost entirely for Dex. I originally intended to get a Remix device when it launched for the desktop-docking experience but figured it'd be smarter to give my money to a bigger company that can really support the concept well. In a worst case scenario maybe I'll have to flash a Remix rom to the device to get the experience that Samsung promised (or hinted at, I guess).

Source? From what I understand normal android Apps work they just aren't optimize for resizing like Dex apps.

 

[thelestat]

Source? From what I understand normal android Apps work they just aren't optimize for resizing like Dex apps.

From Google's and Samsung's documentation, apps do need to be compiled to support resizable windows in dex (an additional property in the manifest).

However if the app is designed to support Android windowed mode the app should work just with a fixed window size. I've already updated one of the apps I support to be resizable, just waiting for my dex dock to actually see if it works correctly.

 

[NicksOnTheWing]

Sorry for spreading misinformation - I'm happy to say I was wrong in what I thought earlier! I reached out to a fella on Twitter that had one and he happily showed me:

 

[oF2pks]

From Google's and Samsung's documentation, apps do need to be compiled to support resizable windows in dex (an additional property in the manifest).

However if the app is designed to support Android windowed mode the app should work just with a fixed window size. I've already updated one of the apps I support to be resizable, just waiting for my dex dock to actually see if it works correctly.

From what I read, SamsungBrowser, Office365 (check attached/'PhoneArena') and Adobe are compatible; Chrome is next app to provide superposable graphics on DeX UI/1080.

Following the end of UbuntuTouch development, and with Microsoft VDI support, via certified corporate collaborators (Citrix Receiver, VMware Horizon Client and Amazon WorkSpaces), it looks like the first winning android move against iPhone' success (since soc64 appearance)...

On geek side, it's unclear if DeX is Knox (un-tripped) dependant: apparently it's just a hollow charging hub that takes advantage of s8[usb3.1DisplayPort +soc64 +4.4kernel] ?
The Knox bonus, in DeX, is largely targeted as the un-hackable final solution for hybrid outdoor/office agents, without the need of shared & unsecured PCs in buildings.
Definitively, there is just zero assertion on gaming (dynamics) or education (durability >2years).
(I will update 1st post when teardown clarify the inside of the cradle.)

[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Accessories > Samsung Dex by @SmilerOnline ]

 

[dusanzk]

Could somebody tell me how multiple languages work with Dex?

I have a physical keyboard with English and Russian letters on the keys. Is there a keyboard switching shortcut just like in Windows or is there some other solution?

 

[Varekai]

-will DeX-use shorten the total number of discharge/charge cycles of the battery, by simultaneous charging/OS powerhouse ?

This is my biggest concern. I play Bleach: Brave souls a lot on my S6, and thus had to charge it quite often, 3-4 times a day leaving it plugged in. After one year I'm lucky to get 1.5 hour SoT and 7 hours standby. I know they said the S8 is supposed to be really good in that department, not losing a lot of it's initial capacity after the first year.

 

[StardustGeass]

Hi! I'm currently planning to buy S8 mainly because of dex.
If there are anyone who is already used dex, I want to ask whether it is possible to use an usb c extension on dex station to our S8?

I need it because I want to have a good protection on my S8 (planning on buying otterbox defender or love mei), but I also plan to use dex quite intensively.

Also, when using it with a game open, can we still multitask?
I mean like auto-ing a game, when we write on MS word in the same time.

 

[joexda75]

Another question is : Can Dex desktop mode can be ported on the Note 4 and work with the older samsung dock...It has also hdmi output and usb ports so it is similar to Dex stand?
Or Enable Dex mod wirelessly using miracast technology that works generally fine.

 

[skivnit]

I have the dex still unopened as my gear I think I buy way too much stuff I don't use...still haven't found a situation where id say this is where the dex can be useful

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Heavenly_Abyss2016]

Isn't this sort of thing already possible with DriveDroid and Linux already? Plus, I don't see this anywhere useful as that, and I don't see a use for this. Android is never meant to be the equivalent of a desktop OS in the first place.

 

[MrPhilo]

Anyone know what I'm not allowed to disable for Dex? Mine is coming this week. I've disabled Touchwiz Launcher as I use nova, that's the only app I can think off if they're in the same app

 

[MrPhilo]

Anyone else getting can't start Dex error? I've renabled everything and still the same problem

 

[oF2pks]

DeX teardown / twrp-su / s8:defconfig

I have updated 1st post with more info : teardown / twrp-su_OK / s8:defconfig attached
Thx to @Sv3nDV (imgur) you can look at teardown :

From what I gather, there is a realtek 8152 10/100 controller. Next to that is a cy7c656 USB 2.0 hub. A PS176 DP-HDMI converter is by the HDMI port. Near the USB-C port there is a chip I cannot read, I will get a better shot of that. Looks like its by a lot of power converter/regulation stuff. Its odd to me the base of the Dex says it is rated [email protected] amp but the included USB power brick is max 9v.

The other side of the board has 3 Cypress Semi chips. One is a cy 65210 which says USB billboard? Would that be the chip that determines what USB-C features are available during handshake? (again, not an expert at all lol). Then the Ethernet phy chip and some others.

I will open the Dex again when I get home from work and document how to do it, and take better shots on each chip for better ID.

DeX is using a Parade PS176 DisplayPort-> hdmi 2.0b
+ https://www.paradetech.com/parades-ps176-displayport-hdmi-2-0-converter-adopted-samsung-dex/

Thx to @zulu99 , for now, DeX ok with twrp/su .

You can follow THE "realtime" DeX guide with app compatibility: @SmilerOnline thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/accessories/samsung-dex-t3593828/page999

Don't forget to vote !

 

[Jca1982]

DeX owner question

Has anyone tried attaching a mass storage device to a DeX to see if it will work as a substitute media player?
I have a WD Live and if I can connect my 4tb it might make file transfer easier...

 

[Conito11]

Has anyone tried attaching a mass storage device to a DeX to see if it will work as a substitute media player?
I have a WD Live and if I can connect my 4tb it might make file transfer easier...

I had tested a mouse and keyboard Bluetooth in just 1 port, I mean: mouse and keyboard have 1 Bluetooth receiver so in 1 Dec usb port can use keyboard and mouse :silly:

And what about battery? Dex is a battery destructor?

 

[lestander01]

I had tested a mouse and keyboard Bluetooth in just 1 port, I mean: mouse and keyboard have 1 Bluetooth receiver so in 1 Dec usb port can use keyboard and mouse :silly:

And what about battery? Dex is a battery destructor?

Why use Bluetooth in usb, just start it on phone and connect you bt unit's.. and then you 2 free usb ports..

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