Google is working on a plan to allow Linux apps to run on Android devices, expanding the flexibility of the system. This is a big move, as until now, Linux app support has been limited to Chromebooks through the Linux support system. Android users who wanted Linux had to rely on limited third-party tools.
Linux on Android via VM
The key to this change is a new terminal app that uses the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). With this app, users can run Linux commands on their Android device through a virtual machine (VM).
At first, setting up this feature needed some know-how, as users had to activate the app and set up the VM by hand. Google is now working on making this process much simpler. The terminal app will soon be able to set up and run a Linux system, like Debian, with minimal input from the user. This development is aimed at making Linux on Android easier for all.
Plans for Full Integration
Recent code changes in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) show that Google plans to add a Linux Terminal option to the developer settings of Android. With this option turned on, the terminal app will be able to run Linux commands via the VM on the Android device. For now, users still have to set up a Debian image and VM by hand, but this will change soon as Google aims to automate the process.
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Key Features of the Terminal App
Google’s efforts do not just focus on running Linux on Android. The company is also working on other features for the terminal app and the AVF. Some of these updates include:
- VM Snapshots: Users will be able to save and restore states of the VM for easy access later.
- Nested Virtualization: This feature allows users to run a VM within another VM, expanding the flexibility of the system.
- Settings Control: Users will have control over options like disk space, network port settings, and more.
Linux for All Devices
Google is not limiting these Linux features to devices with large screens. Tests with devices like the Pixel Tablet and the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro XL show that this terminal app will be usable on a wide range of Android devices, not just tablets or Chromebooks. This opens up the door for running Linux on a smartphone.
Benefits for Developers
The support of Linux apps on Android could greatly help developers. With Linux tools running directly on their Android devices, developers could use apps like Android Studio without the need for a desktop setup. This step could strengthen Android as a desktop-like platform, especially as more Linux apps are optimized for ARM-based processors, which are found in most Android devices. In summary, Google’s plan to support Linux marks a big step forward. It could make Android a more flexible platform for both users and developers alike, with more tools and options for those who rely on Linux.
