Exactly what happens during OS porting

[gnipeh]

In my mind, when a new OS comes out, any rooted phone can just install the new OS. That is why custom ROM/OS developers don't need to specify which devices it can run on (I think there is a good chance my assumption in this matter is wrong)

Now it seems hackers are really porting ICS device by device, so it just makes me wonder why this is the case.

My gut feeling is when there is a major OS update, Froyo -> GB, or GB -> ICS, phones' kernels also need to be updated to facilitate the connection between OS and hardward, and since different devices have different kernels, what hackers need to do for porting is really to build a new kernel, or modify ICS to accommodate old kernel.

So, yes, I would like experts in this forum to educate me about whether my assumption about custom ROM/OS is true, and also my gut feeling about why we need to port ICS device by device is correct.

Much appreciated!

 

[vernotzy21]

In my mind, when a new OS comes out, any rooted phone can just install the new OS. That is why custom ROM/OS developers don't need to specify which devices it can run on (I think there is a good chance my assumption in this matter is wrong)

Now it seems hackers are really porting ICS device by device, so it just makes me wonder why this is the case.

My gut feeling is when there is a major OS update, Froyo -> GB, or GB -> ICS, phones' kernels also need to be updated to facilitate the connection between OS and hardward, and since different devices have different kernels, what hackers need to do for porting is really to build a new kernel, or modify ICS to accommodate old kernel.

So, yes, I would like experts in this forum to educate me about whether my assumption about custom ROM/OS is true, and also my gut feeling about why we need to port ICS device by device is correct.

Much appreciated!

Your pretty much right kernel,drivers ect ect all must be installed before android can use a specific device
Android is pretty much the same on all devices but must be tailored for each one

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