For many smartphone users, Android is a familiar companion, often taken for granted as they navigate their daily tasks. At its foundation, Android operates on a modified version of the Linux kernel, coupled with the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This combination creates a versatile platform that allows smartphone and System on Chip (SoC) manufacturers to customize their devices to cater to the diverse needs of users across various hardware configurations.
Recently, Android Authority uncovered that Google is developing a native Linux Terminal app for Android, a move that could significantly enhance the operating system’s capabilities and user experience.
Terminal Support On Android: What To Expect?
Google’s engineering team is diligently working on integrating a Linux Terminal app accessible through the developer settings on Android. This innovative feature will empower users to perform a variety of tasks seamlessly. The app utilizes the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) and establishes a WebView connection to a local virtual machine (VM) running Debian, facilitating the execution of numerous Linux commands.
Currently, users must manually configure the Linux VM with a Debian image and a corresponding vm_config.json file to operate the Terminal app. However, Google plans to streamline this process in the near future.
Moreover, Google developers are enhancing the app by incorporating essential settings such as disk resizing, port forwarding, and disk partition recovery. They have initiated this process by adding mock settings pages within the Terminal app.
In addition to these features, efforts are underway to bolster support for various AVF APIs. The team is also working on merging the Terminal app with LinuxInstaller, a tool designed to download and configure Debian images for VM operation.
Furthermore, recent updates focused on Debian have improved host-guest communication, which is likely linked to the VM functionality of the Terminal app for Android. The introduction of a native terminal app not only enhances the current functionality but also paves the way for running other Linux applications on Android devices, akin to the experience on Chrome OS.
While the prospect of running Linux applications may not captivate every mobile-centric user, it is nonetheless intriguing to witness Google’s exploration into the Linux domain. This initiative reflects a commitment to evolving Android into a more capable and developer-friendly platform.
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