Waydroid Archives

BetaBeacon

December 3, 2025

Valve is developing an Android compatibility layer for Linux, it’s called Lepton

Valve's Android compatibility layer for Linux has been named Lepton, based on Waydroid, allowing users to run Android apps on Linux. Lepton is speculated to be developed for playing Android games on the Steam Frame, set to launch in early 2026.

BetaBeacon

December 2, 2025

Valve is working on a “Lepton” Android compatibility layer for Linux and VR — Could we ever see Android games running on the Steam Deck and its Steam Machine PC?

Valve is developing an Android compatibility layer called Lepton, potentially allowing users to run Android apps on devices like the upcoming Steam Machine desktop PC. The integration of Lepton with the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset could enable users to run Android apps in virtual reality. The expansion towards Android compatibility is supported by recent additions of 'androidarm64' references in Valve's Steamworks SDK.

BetaBeacon

December 2, 2025

Valve compatibility layer for running Android games on Linux gets official name in Steam documentation

Valve has developed a new fork called Lepton to support Android games on Linux through a compatibility layer.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

I ditched Android emulators for this open-source app, and I can’t imagine ever going back

The integration of Android applications into desktop environments is increasingly popular due to their superior functionality compared to desktop versions. Applications like WhatsApp and Google Maps demonstrate enhanced usability on Android, with features such as flexible window resizing and better multitasking capabilities. Waydroid is an open-source project that allows Android apps to run on Linux systems without the performance issues associated with traditional emulators. It utilizes Linux namespaces and shares the host OS's kernel for near-native performance. Users can customize their experience by choosing builds with or without Google apps, and once installed, Android apps integrate into the PC's application menu. Waydroid offers smooth performance and the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously, although it has some limitations, such as restricted hardware access and notification issues. Despite these drawbacks, Waydroid presents a viable solution for users looking to combine Android and desktop computing.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

How to Run Android Apps on Linux with Waydroid

Waydroid is a container-based architecture that allows users to run Android applications on a Linux desktop with near-native performance. It boots a complete Android system directly on the Linux machine using Linux containers (LXC), optimizing resource usage and enhancing application performance. Waydroid is compatible with various Linux distributions and CPU architectures, utilizing Android’s Mesa technology for improved graphics performance. To install Waydroid, users must ensure their system is running a Wayland session and is up to date. The installation involves adding the official Waydroid repository and executing installation commands specific to the Linux distribution being used. After installation, users can launch Waydroid and set it up by downloading an Android image, choosing between a Vanilla image or a GAPPS image for Google Play Services access. To register the device for Google Play Store access, users need to retrieve their Android ID using a command in the Waydroid shell and complete the registration process on the Google Uncertified Device Registration page. Once registered, users can install and manage Android apps directly from the Google Play Store or manually using APK files.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

5 Android apps I run on my Raspberry Pi to improve my home

Running Android on a Raspberry Pi allows users to enhance their smart home experience by utilizing Waydroid to execute Android applications. The Shelly Smart Control app provides a user-friendly interface for managing Shelly devices, offering local control and cloud syncing. The Home Connect app enables control of smart appliances from brands like Bosch and Siemens, allowing centralized monitoring and automation. Fully Kiosk Browser turns the Raspberry Pi into a wall-mounted dashboard for displaying smart home information. The Aqara Home app facilitates local control of Aqara sensors and hubs, integrating with Home Assistant for device management. The Home Assistant Companion app provides seamless access to Home Assistant functionalities, including notifications and custom dashboards.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

How to run Android apps on Linux

Waydroid is a tool that allows users to run Android applications on a Linux desktop by creating a virtual environment. To install Waydroid, users need a functioning Linux system (specifically Ubuntu Desktop 24.04), a valid Google account, and sudo access. The installation process involves installing necessary dependencies, adding the Waydroid repository, and installing the Waydroid application. After installation, users must select GAPPS from the Android Type drop-down menu to access Google Play Services. To use the Google Play Store, users need to retrieve their Android ID by executing a command in the terminal and then register their device on the Google Uncertified Page using the retrieved ID. After registration, users can explore and run Android apps.

BetaBeacon

September 25, 2024

Valve appears to be testing ARM64 and Android gaming support for Steam on Linux

Valve is quietly expanding its gaming ecosystem to support Arm-based processors and Android. The leaked code reveals testing of an "ARM64" version of its Linux compatibility layer, Proton, with various games. This development hints at potential Arm support for desktop devices and the possibility of Steam being accessible on Android phones and tablets. Valve's interest in this area is likely due to the increasing popularity of Arm processors, with the company seeing potential for gaming on these devices.

Winsage

September 23, 2024

Valve could be planning to bring Windows gaming to Linux systems with ARM chips – Liliputing

Valve is testing a version of its Proton software for ARM processors, indicated by the designation "proton-arm64ec." This development suggests potential support for ARM-based devices, possibly hinting at an ARM-powered handheld device, a VR headset, or the expansion of SteamOS to third-party hardware. Valve has not officially confirmed these intentions, and the information comes from updates tracked by SteamDB.

Winsage

September 22, 2024

Steam likely coming to Arm chips with support for hundreds of Windows games — Valve testing ARM64 Proton compatibility layer | Tom’s Hardware

On September 20, Valve updated a test application on SteamDB, revealing a list of games being tested with its Proton compatibility layer, including an ARM64 version called "proton-arm64ec-4." This version is designed to enable Windows games to run on Linux and is currently being tested with hundreds of titles, including Left 4 Dead 2 and Shadows of Mordor. Valve appears to be prioritizing ARM64 support for SteamOS and aims to expand its Linux gaming audience beyond x86 hardware to include Linux ARM devices. There are indications that even Android ARM devices might benefit from Proton support. Speculation exists about Valve potentially developing its own ARM devices, but this is considered unlikely given the competitive pricing of the Steam Deck. Valve's efforts to enhance support for ARM devices align with its commitment to the Linux gaming community, especially as the ARM gaming landscape on Windows is still developing. A significant number of games confirmed to work on Windows for ARM are undergoing testing by Valve, indicating a promising future for gaming on Linux platforms.