Ever wished you could run your favorite Linux apps directly on your Google Pixel like on ChromeOS? Well, your wish might soon come true. Google is working on a new feature that will allow you to run Linux apps right on your Android device.
With this, you’ll soon be able to access a vast library of Linux software, from powerful development tools to niche productivity apps. Whether you’re a developer, a power user, or simply curious about Linux, this feature is sure to excite you.
So, how does it work? According to Android Authority, Google’s developing an official solution that will let you run a full Debian Linux distro in a virtual machine (VM) on your Pixel. This feature, part of the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), comes bundled with a new Terminal app that connects to the Linux VM through a local WebView.
A couple of weeks ago, Google’s engineers quietly started working on this new Terminal app, which has since been integrated into Android’s developer options under a fancy new setting called “Linux terminal.” Right now, you still have to do some DIY setup, like downloading a Debian image and creating a configuration file for the VM. But Google’s working on simplifying the process, turning the Terminal app into a one-stop-shop that will handle everything from downloading the Linux distro to running it smoothly in a virtual machine.
Exciting, right? And there’s more. The Terminal app will soon support x86_64 devices and come with some cool features like resizing the disk, backing up and restoring snapshots, and even nested virtualization. You’ll also be able to configure port forwarding and recover partitions through settings that Google is actively developing.
Google has been testing the new Terminal app on devices codenamed “tangorpro” and “komodo”—better known as the Pixel Tablet and the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro XL. So, your Pixel could soon be a full-fledged mini development machine. While Google hasn’t announced an exact release date, it’s possible that we could see this feature arrive in next year’s Android 16 update.
For developers, this feature will open up new possibilities for creating and testing apps. For power users, it will allow them to access a wider range of tools and customize their devices in ways that were previously impossible. And for anyone who’s simply curious about Linux, it’s a great opportunity to explore this powerful operating system.
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