Terminal app Archives

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2 is here, bringing Pixel testers more bug fixes

Google is rolling out Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2 to Pixel phones and tablets enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The update includes bug fixes and stability improvements, including a resolution for a lock screen clock issue. This is the second minor patch for Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3, following Beta 3.1. The build number for this update is BP41.250916.012 for the Pixel 6 series, while other eligible devices will see BP41.250916.012.A1. The update size typically ranges from 40MB to 50MB. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings, then System, and selecting System update.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Google Pixel 10 Debuts GPU-Accelerated Linux Apps in Android Terminal

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

Pixel 10 exclusive: GPU-powered Linux apps come to Android 16 QPR2

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

Pixel 10 leads Android in Linux app support

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’s Pixel 10 can now run Linux apps better than other Android phones

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.

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

The latest Android 16 QPR2 beta makes it easier to add app shortcuts to home screen

Google has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 for Pixel devices, focusing on stability improvements and new features. Key additions include a "+" button for app shortcuts on the home screen, a Live Caption shortcut in volume controls, and larger icons in the search bar. Stability fixes address issues such as failed Google Play System Updates, blank home screen shortcuts, inconsistent Wallet icon coloring, battery charging anomalies, swipe-up gesture malfunctions, theme application errors, rainbow artifacts in 50MP images, poor battery performance due to CPU usage, incorrect Bluetooth audio routing, access issues to 6GHz Wi-Fi networks in New Zealand, crashes in the Terminal app, typing issues in the GUI terminal, laggy animations, screen unresponsiveness upon unlocking, display freezes, and unexpected device crashes. Users can enroll in the Android Beta Program for early access, with over-the-air updates being rolled out, and the stable version expected by December 2025.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 makes the Linux Terminal way more useful with expanded file access

The upcoming quarterly update for Android 16 will enhance the Linux Terminal app by broadening its access to nearly all shared storage on the device, moving beyond the current limitation of only accessing files in the Downloads folder. This update aims to streamline file sharing and improve user experience by allowing the Linux Terminal to interact with a wider range of file directories, excluding system data directories and private app data. The feature is already available in the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, with a stable release expected in early December.

AppWizard

September 26, 2025

Google Prepares Faster Linux Apps on Android with GPU Support

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

Android will soon run Linux apps better, and that’s great for Google’s PC plans

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.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Lilbits: Desktop Linux apps on Android phones, Xbox PC gaming on ARM-based computers, and a cheaper Kindle color

Google has introduced an experimental Linux terminal application for Android users that allows the installation of Debian within a virtual machine, enabling command-line applications on Android devices. Users with Pixel 6 or later models running the latest canary builds of Android 16 can potentially enable graphical user interface (GUI) applications. An early preview of desktop Linux applications, including Chromium and GIMP, has been demonstrated on the Google Pixel 8 Pro using this new Terminal app. The Xbox PC app has added a feature for downloading games for local play on Windows 11 PCs with ARM-based processors, currently available to select members of the Windows Insider and Xbox Insider preview programs. HTC has launched Vive Eagle smart glasses in Taiwan, starting at 9, which include cameras, microphones, speakers, and AI features but lack a display. Amazon is reportedly developing a more affordable Kindle with a color display, featuring a 6-inch screen and improved color saturation.