The recent release of Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 has introduced an exciting new feature: a Terminal app that allows developers to run Linux applications within a virtual machine on Android devices. This feature marks a significant step in Google’s effort to enhance productivity on larger screens.
Despite Android phones possessing the computing power to handle desktop-level applications, the lack of user-friendly porting options for many developers has been a hindrance. Google’s initiative to integrate Linux apps into Android aims to bridge this gap, particularly for those using larger displays either through accessories or on their own devices.
After installing the latest beta on a Pixel phone, it became clear that this Terminal app was part of a broader push to enhance the functionality of Android. In the developer options, users can toggle on a "Linux development environment," which enables the ability to run a Linux terminal. However, initial attempts to launch the app revealed that it currently crashes without successfully initiating a virtual machine.
The Terminal app is designed to work similarly to experiences found on Chrome OS, where it can download, configure, and run instances of the Debian Linux distribution. This functionality relies on the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), first introduced with Android 13 and significantly improved in Android 15. While Google has no plans to allow full Chrome OS operation on Android devices, the focus remains on enabling Linux app execution.
The app’s existence was anticipated based on previous code changes, and its unveiling in the Android 15 QPR2 indicates Google’s commitment to delivering this feature sooner than expected, possibly before the next major update in Android 16.
As of now, it’s unclear whether this Terminal app will be available on devices from other manufacturers, but many current Android devices support the necessary AVF. As development progresses, more devices are expected to join in, expanding the ecosystem’s capabilities even further.
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