Linux applications

Winsage
November 13, 2025
Discussions about ChromeOS in the enterprise have highlighted a persistent challenge known as the "app gap," which hinders widespread adoption due to reliance on critical legacy Windows applications. Traditional Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions have been cumbersome and costly, leading to subpar user experiences. Google has introduced Cameyo by Google, a first-party Virtual App Delivery (VAD) solution that addresses the legacy app gap without the complexities of traditional VDI. Cameyo delivers only the necessary applications securely to any device, either streamed in the browser or as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), allowing users to run legacy applications alongside modern web apps. This development enables IT departments to transition their fleets to ChromeOS while maintaining access to essential Windows applications. Additionally, Cameyo integrates with Chrome Enterprise Premium, enhancing security and control over client-based applications. This solution also allows organizations to incorporate AI capabilities into legacy applications, providing a flexible path to modernization without losing past investments.
Winsage
November 13, 2025
Google has launched its Cameyo Virtual App Delivery service for enterprise customers using Chrome, ChromeOS, and ChromeOS Flex. This service focuses on delivering only the necessary applications rather than a full desktop environment, providing secure access across devices. Cameyo allows enterprises to stream legacy Windows and Linux applications as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) within the Chrome web browser, integrating seamlessly with native ChromeOS and Android applications. Google acquired Cameyo in 2023 to enhance its virtualization offerings. The service also enables the integration of Gemini AI capabilities into legacy applications, improving productivity by summarizing documents and recalling user context.
AppWizard
October 21, 2025
Google has introduced a feature in its Pixel 10 smartphone that allows Linux applications to run efficiently on the Android platform, utilizing GPU-accelerated rendering within Android’s Terminal app for near-native performance. This capability, part of the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 update, is exclusive to the Pixel 10 and is made possible by the integration of the Gfxstream library. The Pixel 10's Tensor G5 processor and PowerVR GPU facilitate this advancement, which enhances app performance and expands Android's utility for professional workflows. However, challenges such as compatibility issues and the need for further optimization remain. There is speculation about whether this feature will be available on older Pixel models or non-Google devices, depending on collaborations with chipmakers like Qualcomm. The advancement could accelerate the convergence of mobile and desktop operating systems, particularly benefiting developers in fields like AI and machine learning. Despite ongoing GPU-related issues in gaming, the integration of GPU acceleration may lead to more ambitious applications in the future.
AppWizard
October 21, 2025
Google has enabled GPU-accelerated rendering for Linux applications in its Android Terminal app, currently exclusive to the Pixel 10, as part of the upcoming Android 16 QPR2 update. This feature utilizes Gfxstream technology to improve graphical performance, addressing previous limitations that restricted the app to command-line programs. The integration of Gfxstream allows the app to connect the virtual machine’s graphics API calls directly to the host device’s native GPU, enhancing rendering tasks. The Pixel 10's firmware includes a specific overlay file that enables Gfxstream support, which is not present in other Pixel devices. Although the Pixel 10 can run graphical desktop Linux applications using its GPU, the implementation is still in progress, with access to only 47 of the 142 Vulkan extensions supported by the device, and some extensions malfunctioning, resulting in suboptimal performance for certain applications.
AppWizard
October 20, 2025
Google's Pixel 10 features GPU-accelerated rendering for Linux applications through Gfxstream, a graphics virtualization layer that forwards graphics API calls from a Linux virtual machine to the phone's GPU. This results in improved performance compared to devices using CPU-based software rendering like Lavapipe. The Pixel 10's implementation allows for quicker window draws and smoother scrolling for graphical Linux applications. Initial testing shows that while performance gains are evident, there are limitations, such as partial support for Vulkan extensions, which can lead to some applications performing slower than expected. The virtualization framework ensures a secure and isolated Linux environment, enhancing usability for developers and power users. There is potential for broader support of Gfxstream on newer Pixel models and select partner devices in the future.
AppWizard
October 20, 2025
Google has updated its Linux Terminal app on Android, specifically for the Pixel 10, with the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 release. This update introduces GPU acceleration for graphical Linux applications by integrating Gfxstream, a technology that forwards graphics API calls from the Linux virtual machine to the Android device’s GPU. Users have reported successful activation of GPU acceleration, with evidence of the new “Graphics Acceleration” menu in the Terminal app settings. The Gfxstream feature is currently exclusive to the Pixel 10 due to a specific overlay file, and while it allows the device to utilize its GPU for better performance in running graphical desktop Linux apps, only a limited number of Vulkan extensions are accessible, leading to potential performance issues with some applications.
Winsage
October 1, 2025
The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows users to run Linux distributions on Windows without dual-booting or virtual machines, supporting both terminal and GUI-based applications. HiFile is a free multi-platform file manager for Linux with a dual-pane interface, while Foliate is an e-reader app exclusive to Linux that supports EPUB files and offers customization options. Apostrophe is a minimalist writing tool designed for distraction-free writing, supporting Markdown and document export in PDF or HTML formats. Some applications, like Obsidian, may perform better in the Linux environment even if they have Windows versions, enhancing workflows for users.
AppWizard
September 26, 2025
Google is enhancing its Linux Terminal app for Android with an upgrade that will utilize the device's GPU instead of the CPU for running graphical Linux applications. This update aims to improve performance and battery efficiency. The app, initially launched earlier this year, supports command-line Linux programs and has been expanded to include GUI applications. Currently, it relies on a software renderer, Lavapipe, which has led to performance issues. Google is testing a technology called gfxstream, which allows graphics instructions to be transmitted directly to the GPU, potentially improving the speed of Linux GUI applications. Evidence of this feature was found in the Android Canary 2509 release, where a hidden "Graphics Acceleration" option was discovered, indicating the presence of a "GPU-accelerated renderer" toggle believed to activate gfxstream. This option is not yet fully operational. Once implemented, GPU support is expected to significantly enhance the performance of Linux applications on Android.
AppWizard
September 26, 2025
Google is enhancing the performance of graphical Linux applications on Android devices by implementing gfxstream, a graphics virtualization technology that forwards graphics API calls from a guest Linux virtual machine to the host’s GPU. Evidence of this feature was found in the 2509 Android Canary release, where a hidden “Graphics Acceleration” setting was discovered in the Terminal app, allowing users to toggle between a “software renderer” and a “GPU-accelerated renderer.” Although the Terminal app has not fully utilized gfxstream yet, the hidden option indicates potential integration. Gfxstream is expected to provide superior performance compared to VirGL, which uses a less efficient double translation process for graphics API calls.
Search