Database Info

Knox improvements have a dark side...

Apparently Samsung's getting ready to roll-out the announced N3 Knox improvements (consumer use vs. corporate device management) to the SGS4. One of the new Knox features allows device owners to prevent the wiping of the device in the event it's stolen. That's pretty cool. But apparently there are some pretty big security and permission changes that are being put in place to make it work based on a 9/4 SGS4 update Samsung pushed out. These are the changes from Chainfire the creator of SuperSU and Triangle Away.
SELinux enabled and set to "restrictive"
A more secure bootloader
A new warranty status indicator inside the bootloader
Inability to downgrade once the new bootloader's installed
What does it mean? The N3's locked down pretty tight and not at a carrier's direction. It's too early to say what the long-term impact will be but the devs are working on getting the flexibility that's gone back.
Follow this thread for more info...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432100
Here's Chainfire's post on G+...
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Chainfire/posts/5ggu7naWtaW#+Chainfire/posts/5ggu7naWtaW

Yeah,Knox security and locked bootloader is probably going to be a major headache.
Hope there is a permanent solution for this, time will tell
GT-N7105 via Tapatalk 2

I hope someone is going to figure it out. Im stuck with Verizon so if i buy it i don't have the option to buy it unlocked. But I'm not going to knowingly buy a locked device and then whine and complain about not being able to unlock it. Not being unlocked could be a deal breaker for me.
Sent from my XT926 using Tapatalk 4

If thats true, then its a big blow to the dev community

i already preordered mine out of contract. This is really something that concerns me. Coming from the note 1 I really only care about the screen size/ quality/ camera/ and snapdragon 800. i got 15 days to return and this might be the reason why. I find flashing to be fun.(phones and self=) 21 days of pondering after being pretty dam sure on next phone.

Is Knox included by default for all N3? or is it just for business customers?

CLARiiON said:
Is Knox included by default for all N3? or is it just for business customers?
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I don't know for sure if Samsung has said one way or the other, but from a production standpoint, it would be easier to include it on all phones.
My main concern is that with a locked bootloader, adding a custom recovery is much more difficult. I prefer being able to create my own phone backups and use them as-needed. Android's stock recovery hasn't changed since at least the OG Droid, and therefore lacks this ability. Otherwise, my personal reasons for wanting to flash have significantly reduced since my first Android device.

Devans32 said:
Not being unlocked could be a deal breaker for me. Sent from my XT926 using Tapatalk 4
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daraj said:
If thats true, then its a big blow to the dev community
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joverclock said:
This is really something that concerns me. I find flashing to be fun.
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This is indeed a concern and could be a deal breaker for me too. As joverclock said, I too really enjoy tinkering with my phone and have missed the active development activities with my EVO 4G LTE that I enjoyed with the original EVO.

Dev Edition?
DCLocal said:
This is indeed a concern and could be a deal breaker for me too. As joverclock said, I too really enjoy tinkering with my phone and have missed the active development activities with my EVO 4G LTE that I enjoyed with the original EVO.
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Them ( CFO Shamwow VZW) selling phones at retail price locked is a joke. Full price I want to do whatever with the phone. vzw s4 seems pretty well locked on the MDK (latest) revision without the possib to odin downgrade.
Any rumors of a dev version ( unlocked bootloader ) in similar way with this?
Not unlocked no note 3 for me. I have preordered i605-note 2 and Adam Outler unlocked it in 7 days ( including ordering the phone). maybe he can help again.
Many thanks
Abe

CLARiiON said:
Is Knox included by default for all N3? or is it just for business customers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's on my att S4
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

CLARiiON said:
Is Knox included by default for all N3? or is it just for business customers?
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Samsung KNOX & Find My Mobile
The new GALAXY Note 3 comes with enhanced privacy and security protection provided by Samsung KNOX. Users can activate Samsung KNOX with ease which allows them to run and store security-sensitive applications and data inside a protected execution environment called “container.” The security inside the container is strengthened by system-level protection of Samsung KNOX against malware and phishing attacks as well as hacking attempts on physical devices when devices are stolen or lost. For instance, important personal pictures or video can be stored in the container with no worries for data leakage due to hacking. In addition, users may choose to store enterprise applications and data such as corporate email, contacts and calendar and allow the IT department to manage the container through EAS (Exchange ActiveSync Server). These features make the GALAXY Note 3 an ideal device for BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device to work)
Furthermore, the GALAXY Note 3 is equipped with an improved Find My Mobile feature that allows users to disable the phone when it is stolen or lost. With the enhanced user authentication, the technology prevents stolen mobile phones from being reset to factory settings, and allows users to remotely track or erase the data from their lost or stolen mobile phones.​
A user doesn't have to activate it but the hooks it needs and control over the bootloader it requires will be on every N3. The same hooks and bootloader changes were just pushed out to the SGS4 which is what has their forum up in arms. I'm guessing Knox was inert on consumer SGS4's originally because it required corporate device management s/w to enable it. Now that it's being aimed at consumers it's going to be on all Samsung's devices that can support it. The devs on the SGS4 forum are still trying to understand what the changes mean and how to work around them. It broke all Chainfire's apps (One Click Root, SuperSU, Triangle Away, Mobile Odin) so he's especially keen at addressing Knox's new "features."

Samsung had a big presence here at the Atlanta Airwatch Connect conference. They mention the new Knox capable hardware "burns in on hardware" when it is rooted and cannot be undone.
I'm not enough of a techie to ask them more specifics about how they accomplish this. But thought I would pass it on here so someone smarter than I can valid this claim.
I might just cancel my preorder if this is true.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app

jetjock said:
Samsung had a big presence here at the Atlanta Airwatch Connect conference. They mention the new Knox capable hardware "burns in on hardware" when it is rooted and cannot be undone.
I'm not enough of a techie to ask them more specifics about how they accomplish this. But thought I would pass it on here so someone smarter than I can valid this claim.
I might just cancel my preorder if this is true.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Yes if this is true I will be getting back form 739 from best buy and giving it to someone else.

We have been lucky with the s4 here in canada..non locked bootloader. The last at&t ota locked theirs down and they have root but thats all.now it seems the international devices are being locked down also.
I hope the CAN version of the N3 continues the no lock trend but I kind of doubt it. I planned or pre ordering but I think ill wait and see first.
I refuse to spend $800 on a device and not be able to do what I want with it.
sent from my S3, S4 or Note2

Samsung is gonna be hurting if they shy away the regular Joe consumer to try and get enterprise customers. I would think consumers outnumber enterprise people but even if not true, Samsung won't get all thebeneterprise with apple, Microsoft and blackberry in the running also. I am hoping for an unlocked USA LTE band compatible with unlocked bootloader. My next phone needs to hold me until 64bit chips makebwaves on android and I think the note3 can do that in the meantime. The note2 probably could but I am smartphone techno nerd and the note 2 will be ancient history to me if I owned it more than 15 months.

Just thought I'd let you all know:
I have the new MH8 firmware on my S4 that has the new locked bootloader and Knox security.
I had no trouble rooting it, installing CWM Recovery and flashing CM10.2. All works fine.
The downside is that once you're on this new bootloader you cannot downgrade stock firmware using Odin.
That's the only limitation I've come across.
I can still flash any custom ROM, any custom Kernel and any custom recovery

@rbiter said:
Samsung is gonna be hurting if they shy away the regular Joe consumer to try and get enterprise customers. I would think consumers outnumber enterprise people but even if not true, Samsung won't get all thebeneterprise with apple, Microsoft and blackberry in the running also. I am hoping for an unlocked USA LTE band compatible with unlocked bootloader. My next phone needs to hold me until 64bit chips makebwaves on android and I think the note3 can do that in the meantime. The note2 probably could but I am smartphone techno nerd and the note 2 will be ancient history to me if I owned it more than 15 months.
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XDA looks at Knox's impact to customization and shivers. The masses look at it as a safe and unique place to store their porn and a way of increasing the chances of getting their lost/stolen device back. We're 5% of the market and the masses are 95%. Samsung losing 5% of their sales is about equal to all the devices HTC will sell in 2013. We're opinion leaders and early adopters but we're not indispensable.
P.S. - I'm not agreeing with what Samsung's doing so please don't shoot the messenger.

BarryH_GEG said:
XDA looks at Knox's impact to customization and shivers. The masses look at it as a safe and unique place to store their porn and a way of increasing the chances of getting their lost/stolen device back. We're 5% of the market and the masses are 95%. Samsung losing 5% of their sales is about equal to all the devices HTC will sell in 2013. We're opinion leaders and early adopters but we're not indispensable.
P.S. - I'm not agreeing with what Samsung's doing so please don't shoot the messenger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure the 5% are capable to influence another 30% of the masses not to buy Note 3
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

when will we know its locked? how long does it take for hackers/devs to find out that it can be unlocked..?
still not sure if i should pull the trigger for the pre order.. im assuming its a 50/50 chance because if i get it now and it can be unlocked and later they update it and it ships with that new update ill be bum and locked out on the fun
i need my root.. dont like ads/crapware

markysd said:
when will we know its locked? how long does it take for hackers/devs to find out that it can be unlocked..?
still not sure if i should pull the trigger for the pre order.. im assuming its a 50/50 chance because if i get it now and it can be unlocked and later they update it and it ships with that new update ill be bum and locked out on the fun
i need my root.. dont like ads/crapware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just realized how much I use Root lol, def gonna need that at a min if I want to switch

Getting Gear 2 to work on non Samsung phones

Now that the whole gear series has gone all Tizen on us.. what is the chance that they will work with non Samsung phones?
Is it going to be like now where you just get the Gear Manager apk working on the other phones and you are good to go? or is it going to be more complicated?
Anyone know anything about this Tizen crap at all?

Shouldn't matter. The thing holding back compatibility is that touchwiz is required on phone

so it should work on non samsung phones just like gear 1?

It already works, only a few thing are missing.
Check gear2neo qa subforum for the working gear manager apk !

It works with my nexus but I dont see the camera app on my Gear 2 Neo and I cant install any 3rd party apps on my watch like evernote and zite.
A little useless...

If you don't have a Samsung phone, why not wait on the Moto 360?

EVOme said:
If you don't have a Samsung phone, why not wait on the Moto 360?
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My sister got an s5 and got it for only $50. She just gave it to me for free.

EVOme said:
If you don't have a Samsung phone, why not wait on the Moto 360?
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Moto360 is one of those things that will one day come but no one can say battery will be good. No speaker phone on the Moto360 either.

idle0095 said:
Moto360 is one of those things that will one day come but no one can say battery will be good. No speaker phone on the Moto360 either.
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By the time that notification-only watch comes out, the Gear 3 Solo will land. It's rumored to have its own cellular/data radios.

BlackZenith said:
By the time that notification-only watch comes out, the Gear 3 Solo will land. It's rumored to have its own cellular/data radios.
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Samsung announced an "Android Wear" version of the gear coming this year as well... now I am second guessing this gear 2! =/ ...just after I took the Gear 1 back and waited for this! ...craaazy lol

GermanBrot said:
Samsung announced an "Android Wear" version of the gear coming this year as well... now I am second guessing this gear 2! =/ ...just after I took the Gear 1 back and waited for this! ...craaazy lol
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Based on this video, I wouldn't wait on that if you're wanting a "full feature" smart watch. Besides, I think the resale value of the Gear 2 should be decent when they release another successor. So you could sell the Gear 2 just like you did the Galaxy Gear...

BlackZenith said:
Based on this video, I wouldn't wait on that if you're wanting a "full feature" smart watch. Besides, I think the resale value of the Gear 2 should be decent when they release another successor. So you could sell the Gear 2 just like you did the Galaxy Gear...
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You sound a lot like myself and enjoy all those features that others call "gimmicks". A watch with all the features is exactly why I stuck with the Gear. I wouldn't put it past them to include a front facing camera (even for just the Smart Stay feature alone). But then again, sometimes you have to just stick with something and enjoy what you have. A watch with an IR blaster, Camera, and handling phone calls is a great start for my first... um.. watch? lol... thanks for the advice! =D
p.s. The video just lost some of my interest for Android Wear... thanks for posting that! Im glad Samsung took it to the next level already.

GermanBrot said:
Samsung announced an "Android Wear" version of the gear coming this year as well... now I am second guessing this gear 2! =/ ...just after I took the Gear 1 back and waited for this! ...craaazy lol
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Don't ask me why, but I believe that watch won't be a flagship product as Gear.
It would be like a WP-like device for Samsung. Samsung also makes WP devices, but they hardly give much attention to that compared to Galaxy devices. Why do you think that Samsung wants Android Wear devices to succeed? They have invested in Tizen, and they want to people to buy into that instead of Android Wear devices. This also gives them a big incentive to control the whole ecosystem with Tizen-based devices.

CLARiiON said:
Don't ask me why, but I believe that watch won't be a flagship product as Gear.
It would be like a WP-like device for Samsung. Samsung also makes WP devices, but they hardly give much attention to that compared to Galaxy devices. Why do you think that Samsung wants Android Wear devices to succeed? They have invested in Tizen, and they want to people to buy into that instead of Android Wear devices. This also gives them a big incentive to control the whole ecosystem with Tizen-based devices.
Click to expand...
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Thats a good point, but on the other hand, the tables are turned in this case. WP has like what, 4% market share, while Android has around 54% or so? It makes sense not to put too much love into WP. In this case, its the opposite where Tizen is .001% (thats a random guess...lol) and Android is way in the lead.
Luckily they talk to each other nicely, and I am assuming Tizen relies mostly on HTML5 and CSS to run apps so its more widely compatible (correct me there if I am wrong). I just know as much time, money and development they have put into Tizen, I could guess (and this is a guess) that they have already spent at least double in android development. I cant see them dismissing this on the same level as WP.
You did make a good point though, we can all tell they really REALLY want Tizen to succeed. lol

GermanBrot said:
Thats a good point, but on the other hand, the tables are turned in this case. WP has like what, 4% market share, while Android has around 54% or so? It makes sense not to put too much love into WP. In this case, its the opposite where Tizen is .001% (thats a random guess...lol) and Android is way in the lead.
Luckily they talk to each other nicely, and I am assuming Tizen relies mostly on HTML5 and CSS to run apps so its more widely compatible (correct me there if I am wrong). I just know as much time, money and development they have put into Tizen, I could guess (and this is a guess) that they have already spent at least double in android development. I cant see them dismissing this on the same level as WP.
You did make a good point though, we can all tell they really REALLY want Tizen to succeed. lol
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NOTE: This discussion might be OT, but I feel it's important.
You bring up very valid points, I appreciate that. It's good to have such discussions. BTW, Android has around 81% market share (worldwide) according to last IDC numbers.
Yes, Tizen relies of HTML5 and CSS. You have the option to make web apps and also native apps. Gear will (atleast initially) use Web runtime.
The reason why Samsung is investing in Tizen is purely from future perspective. Android doesn't give them total control of the ecosystem. Just have a look at present Android -- Google control Android. If I am brutally honest - the best parts of Android are not open. Google services, apps, maps, youtube, search are not open. You just can't have app store without taking all other google services along with that. Samsung doesn't like that as it limits their chances to create a serviceline of their own. Samsung would love to have have users do everything within their ecosystem. Like after getting a Samsung phone, they would want the users to buy the apps from their store (not Google Play), purchase music from them, rent videos from them etc., So how they plan to do it? They have now tie-ups with Amazon for books, tie-up with Yahoo for various web apps, Nokia Here as default map applications, 7digital, Slacker etc., Samsung also have to think what happens if google decides to keep Android for themselves? or start putting strict conditions to use their services?
Check this Tizen Whitepaper. Some very interesting statements --
Tizen’s open governance – which is designed to prevent any single entity from controlling the platform – will help it avoid the pitfalls of previous broad-based industry initiatives, which ultimately suffered from perceived vendor control.
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Tizen is designed to fill an important gap in today’s smartphone landscape: namely the perceived need for an open platform free from control by a single entity.
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It's not Apple or Microsoft that they are targeting, Google/Android is the target.

Works with Sony Xperia Z Ultra
I can connect with My Sony Z Ultra which is Android 4.3.
But, some functions are not working.
I used Gear Manager from this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2677686

CLARiiON said:
NOTE: This discussion might be OT, but I feel it's important.
You bring up very valid points, I appreciate that. It's good to have such discussions. BTW, Android has around 81% market share (worldwide) according to last IDC numbers.
Yes, Tizen relies of HTML5 and CSS. You have the option to make web apps and also native apps. Gear will (atleast initially) use Web runtime.
The reason why Samsung is investing in Tizen is purely from future perspective. Android doesn't give them total control of the ecosystem. Just have a look at present Android -- Google control Android. If I am brutally honest - the best parts of Android are not open. Google services, apps, maps, youtube, search are not open. You just can't have app store without taking all other google services along with that. Samsung doesn't like that as it limits their chances to create a serviceline of their own. Samsung would love to have have users do everything within their ecosystem. Like after getting a Samsung phone, they would want the users to buy the apps from their store (not Google Play), purchase music from them, rent videos from them etc., So how they plan to do it? They have now tie-ups with Amazon for books, tie-up with Yahoo for various web apps, Nokia Here as default map applications, 7digital, Slacker etc., Samsung also have to think what happens if google decides to keep Android for themselves? or start putting strict conditions to use their services?
Check this Tizen Whitepaper. Some very interesting statements --
It's not Apple or Microsoft that they are targeting, Google/Android is the target.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW ...kinda speechless on that white paper. It makes sense... so many are putting all their eggs in one basket. That was the semi beauty of Android... you dont like Samsung, and you can leave that brand and as long as your on Android, all the apps and etc you paid for follow you.
Do you think the entire reason Android Wear exists is because it (Tizen) scares the fire out of Google? I mean look at what all Tizen is capable of running from the G1 to G2/N ...the exact same CPU, and hardware... I think this even has a smaller battery than the previous with nearly double battery life. The dots are starting to connect! ...Let the content owners keep the data...(Amazon for books, tie-up with Yahoo for various web apps, Nokia Here as default map applications, 7digital, Slacker etc.,) and not depend on 1 "play/app store" ...regardless of OS...
I almost want to believe Android is so heavy on the resources that this is why they are wanting to "keep it simple"?

GermanBrot said:
WOW ...kinda speechless on that white paper. It makes sense... so many are putting all their eggs in one basket. That was the semi beauty of Android... you dont like Samsung, and you can leave that brand and as long as your on Android, all the apps and etc you paid for follow you.
Do you think the entire reason Android Wear exists is because it (Tizen) scares the fire out of Google? I mean look at what all Tizen is capable of running from the G1 to G2/N ...the exact same CPU, and hardware... I think this even has a smaller battery than the previous with nearly double battery life. The dots are starting to connect! ...Let the content owners keep the data...(Amazon for books, tie-up with Yahoo for various web apps, Nokia Here as default map applications, 7digital, Slacker etc.,) and not depend on 1 "play/app store" ...regardless of OS...
I almost want to believe Android is so heavy on the resources that this is why they are wanting to "keep it simple"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an interesting topic, but I sometimes feel it could get boring for other folks. But following are my own views in this topic:
1] Google would want all vendors simply following their guidelines and simply fighting on the basis of price (similar to laptop vendors). Just look at computers - everything runs Windows and with very little chance of customization. Vendors like HP/Lenovo/Dell simply compete on price or or make more powerful hardware. But look at the profit margin in that industry. Only Microsoft makes money from PC business! That's a cold hard fact. Google wants to do same in mobile space what MS did to desktop computers. Difference is that MS sold software, google wants to engulf everyone in their web services.
2] Samsung doesn't want to be a generic mobile vendor, say like those Chinese companies. The moment Samsung become like everyone else, why would you pay premium for Samsung phones?? That's exactly how Apple is able to always demand premium price for their hardware. At all times, they sold decent hardware with unique software. Samsung knows if you can't be different/unique in this market, you would be left to play the price game. And very soon, the profit margin will decrease to bare minimum.
On Tizen, I think it's pretty good foundation that they have. If you check Tizen 3.0 UI, you will see that they have also adopted flat UI design (Sept 2013 information). We will know which way this is going by Q2. First Tizen phone is supposed to come out by that time.
This is Tizen 2.2. 3.0 is supposed to be come by Q3.

Johnnynho said:
I can connect with My Sony Z Ultra which is Android 4.3.
But, some functions are not working.
I used Gear Manager from this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2677686
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Click to collapse
Have you gotten 3rd party apps to work on your Gear 2? I mean do you have access on your device to Samsung Apps so you can download apps made for gear 2? I got Nexus 5 and all i can use are the default pre installed apps.

hawksking said:
Have you gotten 3rd party apps to work on your Gear 2? I mean do you have access on your device to Samsung Apps so you can download apps made for gear 2? I got Nexus 5 and all i can use are the default pre installed apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Haven't got 3rd arty apps to work as I also don't have Samsung Apps on my Sony Z Ultra.
For me, some pre-installed apps are missing such as Call Log and Media Control. Do you have on your Gear 2?

Root?

Who usually works on root for att devices? I know the bootloader is locked but is anyone working on it?

I haven't heard of someone specifically working on it. But they could be working on and keeping it on the DL so they don't get pestered to death.
Now from another thread, user @android-DEP did some research with adb commands here is his post:
android-DEP said:
Finally,i found the slideshow presentation i recently read that was posted online by the NSA, they're the ones implementing SELINUX to work with this KNOX bull****, plus all the other cute names of whatever other misc. technology, SAFE, TIMA.... i'm sure everyone saw the long list of garbage in the About section underneath where it shows the KNOX version.
The whole KNOX thing isn't where the issue is on the locked bootloader on NOTE 4. Since Knox was intended to be used in Enterprise corporate environments where a centralized server can be put in place to manage users devices, tripping that knox bit doesn't necessarily automatically void your warranty. About rooting Samsung KNOX-enabled devices and the KNOX warranty void bit. This is also discussed here, Knox Security & locked bootloader on new firmwares. Reading these 2 blogs was interesting and good info to know because I had a different idea of what this knox business was really all about.
Somewhere I stumbled upon a link to some NSA stuff to find out that the NOTE 4 was their chosen platform that they have thoroughly tested against every security standard in their books and all the new security changes they've implemented have held up to pass with flying colors. So one thing off the top I remembered clearly was that it is no longer possible to write to the /system partition within in domain or by any anything other than in recovery. Since previously the SELINUX was set to PERMISSIVE mode, there was wiggle room to work with whereas now it's set to ENFORCING by a mandatory device policy which simply denies all attempts and requests made to get access to the /system partition.
I was able to use adb to push busybox as well as the su binary files to /data/local/tmp directory where the shell has read\write privileges which let me use chmod 777 busybox, and the same thing for su. Then you can use them by first typing in ./busybox and whatever function\command you want busybox to perform. I spent last night and all of today just trying every single command and combo and variation of using busybox with just the su binary, I even installed supersu.apk and superuser.apk and kingroot.apk, tested a few dozen different mod strings variations using towelroot, I even decompiled a simple apk application to declare permission for request_superuser because using the "pm grant com.testapp.something android.permission.REQUEST_SUPERUSER", according the command usage instructions is supposed to grant the app whatever permission it's requesting that isn't by default granted by the system originally. So if an app is requesting some specific permission that was denied, "theoretically" that command should grant the privilege to the app so it would be able to run normally, but it just denies installing the app on the device no matter what I've tried.
Then I reread this statement from the NSA site on this exact phone
Security Evaluation Summary
The evaluation was carried out in accordance with the Common Criteria Evaluation and Validation Scheme (CCEVS) process and scheme. The criteria against which the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Alpha & Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE & 10.5 LTE with KNOX 2 was judged are described in the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation, Version 3.1 rev 4. The evaluation methodology used by the evaluation team to conduct the evaluation is the Common Methodology for Information Technology Security Evaluation, Version 3.1 rev 4. Gossamer Security Solutions determined that the evaluation assurance level (EAL) for the product is EAL 1. The product, when delivered and configured as identified in the Samsung Android 4.4 on Galaxy Devices Guidance Documentation, version 1.14, October 31, 2014 document, satisfies all of the security functional requirements stated in the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE & 10.5 LTE, & Galaxy Tab Active with KNOX 2 (MDFPP11) Security Target, Version 1.1, October 31, 2014. The project underwent CCEVS Validator review. The evaluation was completed in October 2014. Results of the evaluation can be found in the Common Criteria Evaluation and Validation Scheme Validation Report (report number CCEVS-VR-VID10597-2014) prepared by CCEVS.
Compliant Product - Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE & 10.5 LTE, & Galaxy Tab Active with KNOX 2
Then reading this was like getting punched in the stomach
Protecting the Android TCB with SELinux
And this
Security Enhancements (SE) for Android
So I doubt my futile efforts would be any match against whatever the NSA has signed off on. This task would require someone that has a far deeper understanding of manipulating the coding to try exploiting any known vulnerabilities like geohot or comex or djrbliss... I really doubt there will be root available for the at&t variant anytime soon, I'm on the verge of trading this phone for a galaxy S5 with someone just because the S5 is rootable and I never knew how much I relied on having root permissions, it's frustrating to not be able to do so many things with the phone that I never realized required root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using XDA Free mobile app

Also this thread might be useful to follow for root info. It's at least got people conversing on the subject.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2961974
Also http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2930222
It's for the note 4 and correct me if I'm wrong but if it works for the note 4 it should work for the note edge as well.... right?
And also here is the bounty thread for note 4 root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2946770
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using XDA Free mobile app

Thanks for the links. I should have just stayed patient and ordered from tmobile. I wanted the phone so bad I went to att without even considering this would be a problem lol.

Darksynz said:
Thanks for the links. I should have just stayed patient and ordered from tmobile. I wanted the phone so bad I went to att without even considering this would be a problem lol.
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I did the same thing. I ended up returning the att model and bought the T-Mobile version. Att is always a struggle with the locked bootloaders. Could be awhile before root comes. I can tell you getting the T-Mobile one was well worth it. Root is great and it runs smoother than the att one. Could be an illusion but it seems a lot better.
Sent from my SM-N915T using Tapatalk

woke up today and was like man, i'd really like to root my AT&T Note Edge and debloat it some. now i'm sad...
don't give up on us devs !

I will personally murder any person of your choosing with my teeth if you can get the ATT Note edge rooted.
WITH. MY. TEETH.

I almost got to trade my note edge for a tmobile note 4 today..... almost. But then they stopped responding .... BUT I love the edge so maybe it for the better.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using XDA Free mobile app

Good news....i think ???

It's pretty funny how Exynos-powered Samsung devices used to be considered less developer-friendly, but it's now their Snapdragon counterparts that are getting harder and harder to crack. This was the case with the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge last year, as well as the current Galaxy S8 and S8+. Some talented developers were able to get theselocked-down Samsung phones rooted*earlier this month. It's now available to the public, and it's (appropriately) called SamPWND.
We first heard about this breakthrough back on August 11th; however, there wasn't a tutorial that could be followed. There is now, and as long as you're not a complete tech illiterate, it's pretty easy to parse. This tutorial focuses on the Galaxy S8+ (G955U and G955U1), but will also work on the Galaxy S8 (G950U and G950U1). It's important to remember that this does*not*unlock your bootloader, as this is exploit-based. On the plus side, KNOX won't be tripped, so you should be able to keep your warranty as long as your phone's stock software is reflashed before you send it in.
From android police site !!!!

Galaxy S7 End OF Support

Greetings,
Greetings,
I own a Galaxy S7 and I just read that Samsung has dropped support for the phone. That means no more security updates, etc.
I like the phone and would prefer not to replace it; not to mention avoiding the cost and/or commitment associated with a new device. How vulnerable will the phone become if I keep using it as is?
Can I install a custom ROM and will it make much difference with ongoing updates? Bear with me please. I'm not that mobile savvy.
Is it practical to install a custom ROM (I am primarily concerned about security)? If yes, and I go to the Play Store after installing the custom OS, will I be able to install apps; or will the phone be seen as a fake?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Graham

Hi, you should check in your device forum Section which seems active for information, guides, support, etc.:
Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 was released at Mobile World Congress in February 2016. It features a 5.1" Quad HD Super AMOLED display, with an "always on" function, used to display a clock and notifications. Under the hood, the Galaxy S7 is powered by either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890...
forum.xda-developers.com

Well I feel a bit...actually very...dumb. The article I read was a year old. I was looking at the specs on my phone and noticed a link to a story with a headline referencing S7 support. I read the article without checking the date. Guess I've been using the phone for a year since support ended So far, so good.
Sorry for the inconvenience.