Google develops Linux terminal application for developing …

To retain

• Google is developing a new Linux terminal application.
• It works in a complete Debian environment.
• Developers will be able to create native applications on Android devices.

For some time, Android has had a terminal application running a complete Linux environment, in text mode only. This application is activated via Android development options and allows users to execute Linux commands (even SSH).

From Google’s point of view, it was obviously not enough. Indeed, new indiscretions indicate that Google is preparing a new version of the Linux terminal application.

Develop directly on Android devices

This new Linux terminal application will allow developers to design Android applications directly on Android devices. It is a radical change compared to emulators operating on an office operating system.

The new Linux terminal application uses the Android virtualization framework to start on a Debian image executed on a virtual machine. This new terminal application offers a complete Linux development environment which makes it possible to exploit the tools necessary for the creation of native applications. This includes Android Studio.

There is a hook in the plan

Even with the native management of the development of Android applications, Android Studio is not available for ARM processors, which means that it cannot work in the Linux development environment on an Android device. To solve this problem, Google will have to add the support of ARM in the Linux version of the Android Studio IDE.

In addition to the development environment of this new terminal, a considerable advantage should be noted. Android Authority reveals that the current version of Android Canary (outing at the end of July) supports Linux applications with graphical interface. The American site indicates that several applications with graphical interface, including Chromium, Gimp and LibreOffice (on a Pixel 8 Pro), are compatible.

Google is thus preparing not only to simplify the creation and development of applications directly on Android devices, but also to allow the execution of complete (and even games) graphic applications. Imagine the possibilities, in particular by connecting an Android device to a screen, a mouse and an office keyboard.

This could also be a key element in the merger of Android and Chromeos by Google, which would allow developers to create applications for the combined platform, which would appeal to traditional computers, experienced users and players.

Release date

There is no indication as to the date of deployment of this functionality, but it can be bet that Pixel devices will have the premiere.