title: “vendor" folder of Android file system
body: <p>I am developing an Android application which communicates with <strong>iOS</strong> device from an <strong>Android</strong> device using an <strong>OTG</strong> <strong>cable</strong>. I am using <strong>Android</strong> ported version of <a href="https://github.com/xxDroid/libimobiledevice-android" rel="nofollow">libimobiledevice library</a>. The library contains shared libraries (.so files) and binary executable files to establish communication between Android and iOS device using concept of <strong>usbmuxd</strong>.</p>
  
  <p>This library requires to install certain .so files (shared libraries) to the location <strong>“/vendor/lib”</strong> and some binary executable files to the location <strong>“/vendor/bin”</strong>. After research I understood that these locations are accessible if the Android device is <strong>rooted</strong>. </p>
  
  <p>I have following questions:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>Why libimobildevice library will need such <strong>root privileges</strong>? In general, what types of advantages can be gained (in terms of permissions) by putting shared library files inside “<strong>vendor</strong>” folder?</li>
  <li>Are there any the locations on Android device’s file system which are equivalent to the putting files inside “vendor” folder?</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>I have tested this library on my MOTO-X which is <strong>not rooted</strong> and I was not able to detect the attached iOS device from my Android application.</p>
  
  <p>I’d appreciate any suggestions on this topic. Thank you in advance.</p>