[Kernel Patch] Enable Dex desktop with any HDMI adapter - Samsung Galaxy Note 8 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, &

*** For kernel developers only! *** Users please read post #2 ***
One of the coolest features of the new Samsung flagships is the Dex desktop, which transforms our phone in a basic desktop. The only annoyance is that it works only with the official Dex dock, which is too expensive (retails at $100-150).
After some kernel hacking we found a way in the S8 forum to disable the check for the Dex dock. Now our phones display the Dex desktop with any USB-C to HDMI adapter!
So here we bring you the kernel patch to enable the Dex desktop on any HDMI adapter! With love from the S8/S8+ development team!
Download it here!
Note that I don't own the Note 8 so I couldn't test this patch. However looking at the sources, this part didn't change from the S8 kernel so normally there's no need for additional modifications. I still release it as UNTESTED, and I'm waiting for feedback.
I repeat: this is for kernel developers, not for normal users. This patch has to be integrated in a custom kernel and flashed on a rooted phone.
So NO, you can't have it before there'll be custom kernels for the Note8. And NO, you can't have it if you don't want to root your phone!
Credits go to @karatekid430 and @kbarni
Some personal notes at the end: I think the Dex desktop won't do miracles at it's actual state, but it gives you a pocket-sized chromebook-level computer. It won't be a workhorse, but for simple tasks at home or while traveling (browsing, email, videos, music, text processing) it's perfectly ok.
I prefer to use a multiport adapter which can be bought on ebay for less than $10, which provides HDMI and USB output as well as a USB-C charging port. Here you can see it in action: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73780850&postcount=878
I think this solution has lots of advantages over the official dock:
- It's more compact for traveling
- It doesn't block the phone's speaker and the jack port
- It works with any charger
- It's 10x cheaper than the official dock.

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For users: If you want thus feature, it's included in the Notorious kernel and IronKernel.

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Thanks for making the patch, @kbarni - I might be good at code and logic, but I am not good with practical skills like Git.
My latest thoughts would be to 3D print a case and embed an adapter inside the case, which connects to the USB-C port and gives all of the extra ports from the sides of the case. It would be chunky, but convenient.
I am getting a Galaxy Note 8 (Exynos) but will not be rooting - if you want this for your Note 8, I can assist in you compiling a kernel with it, or you can wait for somebody to apply the patch into a maintained custom kernel.

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Wow, I didn't know someone is actually providing the resources (to Android kernel devs) to allow this to be done with just a regular USB C to multi adapter (with HDMI).
Wait... actually, I can imagine that a mod like this could theoretically allow someone to make a DeX laptop without taking apart the official dock.
(Edit: I also agree with the advantages you stated at the end of your post. It reminds me of the Switch dock mods, but with less hassle and wasted plastic.)
Actually, I just feel like replying because, here in Singapore, a lot of DeX docks were given out with Galaxy Note8 pre-orders (along with coupons for discounts on a Samsung curved monitor and Microsoft wireless combo), so they turn up on the local classifieds for anywhere between S$50 to S$150. After reading this post, I'm clued as to the fact that the DeX Dock pre-order bonus isn't in all countries, but at least it was here. I can post a screenshot of the classifieds search page if you want.

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I want this! Or a cheap DeX[emoji16]
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

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I have Microsoft Continuum. And connected Note 8 N950F to the same and display. Screen was mirrored directly to the Monitor. Desktop like display was not shown.

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dineshh said:
I have Microsoft Continuum. And connected Note 8 N950F to the same and display. Screen was mirrored directly to the Monitor. Desktop like display was not shown.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you install a compatible kernel, like Notorious?

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kbarni said:
Did you install a compatible kernel, like Notorious?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I didn't my Phone is just 7 days old, don't want it out of warranty so soon

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dineshh said:
No I didn't my Phone is just 7 days old, don't want it out of warranty so soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you are at the wrong place, mate! This forum is about custom roms and kernels.
Anyway, you have three choices to use Dex:
- buy the official dock
- buy an unofficial but Dex compatible adapter (check the other Dex related forums)
- install a patched kernel, like Notorious and use any adapter.

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I know just checking out the phone for any issues. Another week and I'll be Enlightened with all the mods

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dineshh said:
I have Microsoft Continuum. And connected Note 8 N950F to the same and display. Screen was mirrored directly to the Monitor. Desktop like display was not shown.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you explain the full process, how to make it work and what are the things needed?

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raisqureshi said:
can you explain the full process, how to make it work and what are the things needed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply connected the Note 8 to Continuum and display got copied to the Monitor

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dineshh said:
Simply connected the Note 8 to Continuum and display got copied to the Monitor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any working link for that (Continuum)?

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raisqureshi said:
any working link for that (Continuum)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No link required. Just connect your Note 8 to continuum, power to the dock, HDMI between dock n monitor n you are good to go.
And this all with stock kernel. I'll flash the mod kernel in few days n will give you results for the same too.

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Is anyone using this patch and then using a wireless charger when using desktop mode? How hot does the phone get?

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Yep. On the S8 forum some users tested Dex with a patched kernel and wireless charging works.

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Is there a way to manually patch the kernel while the system is running? I've got a snapdragon variant and now that we have root, it would be nice to be able to modify a system file to enable DEX mode on a generic hdmi hub.
Thanks!
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

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pyraxiate said:
Is there a way to manually patch the kernel while the system is running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Patching the kernel means modifying the source code, recompile, package and flash the new kernel from TWRP.

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kbarni said:
No. Patching the kernel means modifying the source code, recompile, package and flash the new kernel from TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand this. In Linux you can modify certain kernel components during runtime. Android runs on a Linux kernel. Therefore certain kernel configurations and modules can be modified while running.
I read through the patch and it looks like there's an alternate dock driver used. I'm wondering if instead, we could edit the one already in use while rooted, then reboot to make the modified driver take effect.
On a snapdragon note variant, we don't have an unlocked bootloader and therefore can't flash a kernel. I'm just looking for a work around either through ADB or using a terminal on the rooted device itself.
I do remember pushing files directly on a rooted device itself with a local terminal using "dd if= / of=". I doubt this is impossible for something like this, but I'm not that familiar with android itself as it's been a while since I've tinkered under the hood.
Looks like it's time to start tinkering again....
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

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Yes, I know that unfortunately you can't flash a new kernel on Snapdragon N8.
Indeed, we patched the Displayport and CCIC drivers, to bypass checking for the Dex dock product ID.
While in Linux you can have some kernel modules in separate files (*.ko), the Android kernel is built in a single image file which is copied to the boot partition. So you can't switch easily the kernel modules.
Anyway, I'm not a kernel expert, so maybe it can be hacked, I just won't be able to help you (except from providing the patch file).
With the Snapdragon Note8 the safest bet is to buy a cheaper Dex-compatible third party adaptor from Amazon or Alibaba (SMOS, Goodock, CF003 etc...).