this post was submitted on 21 Apr 2025
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Yeah let me know when I can install mainline Linux.
Definitely a step in the right direction, but the fact that android uses the Linux kernel but still manufacturers keep so much proprietary... It kills me
They're doing this because they want to switch chrome to be android based, and they want to have desktop apps available right away since chrome doesn't have much.
Not just that - modern Androids compile apps in a VM these days to reduce the attack surface of the compiler. You can also push other services into VMs that support the main image. You could even push some vendor drivers into VMs and help keep the main kernel less of a vendor fork fest.
I mean... This is kinda close. The "Linux Terminal" app is running a full Debian install in a KVM VM. On the newest version of the app (like on Android beta or on GrapheneOS), you even have a full GUI that you can use.
In theory, we should be able to boot any mainline Linux distro in a VM, if someone writes an app for it, as AVF (Android Virtualization Framework) is just a wrapper around Linux KVM with some restrictions. (for now the built-in app only supports Debian)
It reminds me Linux in chromeOS. Do apps use Wayland or X?
Are you sure you're talking about the Linux Terminal app that's available in developer options and not Termux? For me, all Gnome things and Xfce things are present in the repos (and it's using the deb.debian.org default Debian repos, so it makes sense)
Can I plug in an hdmi cable/keyboard/mouse and use it like a desktop and is there some way I can mount the android storage? (Eg can I get access to docs/pics/downloads)
On Pixel 8 and above, you can plug in external displays, but it will only mirror your phone screen. Supposedly, Android 16 will allow you to "extend" the screen, ie. treat it as a separate screen. Also, the GUI stuff for the Linux Terminal will only drop in Android 16, so yeah, I'm stoked for that release.
Sounds awesome!
It depends of your definition of mainline Linux. You can install Linux on your phone with thanks to postmarketOS Of course only if your phone is supported.
Im not sure what you mean, like, run android on mainline linux? if that is the case you already can. Not on all devices, but I think the pixel can run mainline kernel, I know ofc you can run androidx86 on mainline, if you mean via terminal I think you can sideload mainline. At least, if you compile your own rom you absolutely would be able to.
He clearly means the opposite
it's not clear at all what he means.
did you even read the comment I replied to? he asked about mainline kernel...