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Installing Ubuntu on WSL Just Got Much Easier
Winsage
February 7, 2025

Installing Ubuntu on WSL Just Got Much Easier

A new tar-based distribution format for Ubuntu has been introduced for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing developers and system administrators to install and manage Ubuntu WSL instances without using the Microsoft Store. This format enables local hosting of images, providing enterprises with more flexibility and simplifying deployment. Users can install Ubuntu by executing the command wsl --install ubuntu in the Windows Terminal or by downloading an image and double-clicking the .wsl file. Both methods require WSL version 2.4.8 or higher. The new tar-based format will become the default, while the older appx format will still be supported.
Android 16's Linux Terminal will soon let you run graphical apps, so of course we ran Doom
AppWizard
February 3, 2025

Android 16’s Linux Terminal will soon let you run graphical apps, so of course we ran Doom

Google is enhancing the Android Linux Terminal app to allow users to run graphical Linux applications on Android devices, similar to Chrome OS. The app enables the download and operation of a Debian distribution within a virtual machine, facilitated by the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). Initially introduced in the Android 15 QPR2 beta, the Terminal app is currently a developer option with limited accessibility. Updates have improved the installation process and user interface, but key features like hardware acceleration and a complete graphical environment are not yet publicly available. A recent demonstration on a Pixel 9 Pro showed the ability to access a graphical environment using the 'weston' command. The team successfully ran Chocolate Doom within the Linux Terminal, although attempts to run more complex applications like GIMP were unsuccessful. This development indicates progress toward Android's capability to run Linux applications, aligning with Google's strategy to integrate Chrome OS with Android.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2 is here with our first look at the working Linux Terminal app
AppWizard
December 17, 2024

Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2 is here with our first look at the working Linux Terminal app

Google has released Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2 for testers in the Android Beta Program, which includes bug fixes and new features. The update is available for devices such as Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, Pixel 9, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet, with a build number of BP11.241121.010. Notable bug fixes include resolving access issues in developer settings, fixing connectivity problems with glucose sensors, addressing call placement delays, enabling charging optimization settings, correcting null pointer issues, improving responsiveness on the Pixel Fold, enhancing audio transitions, and resolving Bluetooth connection failures. The Linux Terminal app is now functional, allowing users to run Linux instances, and features like notification cooldowns have been introduced. Users can provide feedback through the Android Beta Feedback app or the official subreddit.
The Google Glass companion app might find a new life with Android XR
AppWizard
November 15, 2024

The Google Glass companion app might find a new life with Android XR

Google has introduced the Android Glasses Core app as part of its latest Android beta update, which shares the same package name as the companion application for the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2. Samsung is expected to launch a new extended reality (XR) product in 2025, powered by a Qualcomm chipset, with a collaborative effort between Samsung, Qualcomm, and Google to develop a new version of Android for XR devices called Android XR. The recent beta release of Android 15 includes the Android Glasses Core app, categorized as a privileged system app, which has not been publicly available before. The app was previously associated with the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2, launched in 2019, and facilitated streaming applications when paired with an Android phone. The version in the beta is newer and features a refreshed icon, suggesting a potential shift in purpose. Speculation arises that Google may be repurposing the Android Glasses Core app for upcoming Android XR products. Additionally, the Google Play Store is preparing for applications designed for Android XR headsets, indicating a seamless installation process, while Samsung aims to enhance connectivity among its products, including XR devices.
Android 15 QPR2 confirms Google is adding a Linux Terminal app, finally
AppWizard
November 12, 2024

Android 15 QPR2 confirms Google is adding a Linux Terminal app, finally

The latest beta release of Android 15 QPR2 includes a Terminal app that allows developers to run Linux applications within a virtual machine. This feature can be activated through a developer setting under Settings > System > Developer options by toggling the “Linux development environment” setting. The Terminal app is designed to download, configure, and run an instance of Debian within a virtual machine environment, utilizing the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). The Terminal app currently faces stability issues, crashing upon launch. The introduction of this app indicates Google's intention to enhance productivity on Android devices and suggests a strategic push to enable developers to leverage Linux applications on mobile devices.
It may be a running joke that Microsoft Edge is only used to download Google Chrome, but the real pro move is far better than that
Winsage
October 25, 2024

It may be a running joke that Microsoft Edge is only used to download Google Chrome, but the real pro move is far better than that

Many users open Microsoft Edge primarily to download Google Chrome, despite Edge's evolution into a robust browser. The Windows Package Manager is a terminal-based utility favored by Windows 11 users for streamlining software installation from various sources, allowing users to install multiple applications with a single command. It uses manifests to guide downloads and can be complemented by third-party services like winstall.app for a more user-friendly experience. Users can install Google Chrome quickly by entering the command "winget install google.chrome" in the Terminal app, bypassing the need to use Edge. The Windows Package Manager's capabilities are expanding, and users can create their own manifests for missing applications. Tools like PowerToys Run enhance keyboard-centric workflows, facilitating quick access to the Terminal.
Wow! Google is Working On Running a Native Linux Terminal App on Your Android Device!
AppWizard
October 15, 2024

Wow! Google is Working On Running a Native Linux Terminal App on Your Android Device!

Google is developing a native Linux Terminal app for Android, which will be accessible through developer settings. The app will use the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) and connect to a local virtual machine (VM) running Debian, allowing users to execute various Linux commands. Currently, users need to manually set up the Linux VM, but Google plans to simplify this process. The app will include features like disk resizing, port forwarding, and disk partition recovery, with mock settings pages already added. Additionally, there are efforts to improve support for AVF APIs and merge the Terminal app with LinuxInstaller for easier Debian image management. Recent updates have enhanced host-guest communication related to the VM functionality of the Terminal app. This initiative aims to enhance Android's capabilities and support for running Linux applications.
Android will soon let you run Linux apps with refreshed Terminal app
AppWizard
October 14, 2024

Android will soon let you run Linux apps with refreshed Terminal app

Google is integrating Linux support into Android by developing a new "Terminal" app that uses Android's Virtualization Framework to run a Linux virtual machine (VM). The app is currently in early development, requiring users to manually configure the Linux VM with a Debian image. Future updates from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) will simplify this process by incorporating the "LinuxInstaller" utility into the Terminal app, allowing users to download and set up a Debian Linux instance directly. Additionally, Google is enhancing the Virtualization Framework with features like backup and restore for VM snapshots, nested virtualization, and compatibility with ARM and x86 processors. The Terminal app will also receive updates to improve functionality, including settings for disk space resizing and port forwarding. These developments are expected to benefit developers by enabling the use of Linux tools and applications, potentially launching with Android 16.
Google is preparing to let you run Linux apps on Android, just like Chrome OS
AppWizard
October 11, 2024

Google is preparing to let you run Linux apps on Android, just like Chrome OS

Google is developing a Linux terminal app for the Android ecosystem, integrated into the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). This app will allow users to run Linux commands directly on their Android devices. A new developer option for the Terminal app has been introduced in Settings, simplifying access. Although some manual configuration is still required, Google plans to automate these tasks and merge the existing LinuxInstaller app into the Terminal app. Future enhancements will include features like snapshot backup, nested virtualization, and compatibility with x86_64 architecture devices. Testing has been conducted on devices such as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel 9 Pro XL, indicating a potential broader reach beyond Chromebooks. The app is speculated to debut with the upcoming Android 16 update. This development aims to benefit developers by enhancing Android's capabilities as a desktop-class platform.
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