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Android Terminal supports graphical Linux apps

Users can run full desktop apps on Android with the new update.

July 24, 2025 at 10:20 PM

You can finally run Doom and other graphical apps in Android's Linux Terminal

Google's update allows for running full graphical Linux applications on Android.

Android adds graphical support to Linux Terminal

In a significant update, Google has integrated support for graphical Linux applications in its Linux Terminal app for Android. This feature, available in the latest Canary build, enables users to run desktop apps that were previously inaccessible on Android. The addition includes a useful “Display” button to launch a graphical environment and enable hardware acceleration, improving performance for graphics-intensive tasks. This development enhances the existing capabilities of the Terminal app, which allows for running a Debian virtual machine. The potential for running Linux software, including games on Android devices, is considerable, marking an important progression towards the integration of Chrome OS and Android. However, while this feature offers great promise, its current availability is limited to the Canary channel, leaving the broader user base without a clear timeline for rollout to Beta or Stable versions.

Key Takeaways

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Google's Linux Terminal app can now run graphical Linux applications.

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The feature is currently available in the latest Android Canary build.

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Users can launch a graphical environment with the 'weston' command.

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Hardware acceleration can be enabled for better performance.

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This update may pave the way for running PC games on Android devices.

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The rollout schedule for this feature in stable releases remains uncertain.

"The addition of graphical app support is a big deal."

This highlights the significant improvements to Android's Terminal app.

"Running Linux applications that aren't available on Android expands possibilities."

This points to the vast potential of the Terminal app's capabilities.

The introduction of graphical app support in Android's Linux Terminal transforms the usage of Android devices, potentially turning them into more versatile computing tools. By enabling users to access a wider range of Linux applications, Google is gradually closing the gap between Android and traditional desktop environments. This move points to a future where mobile devices could seamlessly run powerful software previously confined to desktops. While there is excitement regarding running PC games on Android, the challenge remains to ensure compatibility across devices, particularly given the predominance of ARM architecture. This update is a testament to Google's commitment to improving user experience, though it also raises expectations about the speed of feature adoption across Android versions.

Highlights

Graphical capabilities in Android's Terminal are a game changer.
Running Linux apps on Android could redefine user potential.
Google continues to blur the lines between Android and Chrome OS.
The future of Android is now looking a lot like a desktop.

Concerns about hardware compatibility and user accessibility

The move to support graphical Linux apps raises questions about compatibility on various devices, especially given the dominance of ARM CPUs in Android devices.

As Google refines these tools, the future integration of Android and Chrome OS may reshape how users engage with technology.

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