Debian 8 on the Nexus 5
Pocket Linux
© Lead Image © watchara rojjanasain, 123RF.com
Maru OS provides a desktop Debian on a smartphone.
Today's Android devices have plenty of RAM and viable processors: How great would it be to present the software directly on smartphones on an actual Debian system? Maru OS [1] makes this a possibility.
The system created by American developer Preetam D'Souza combines two operating systems in one firmware. Its custom ROM (v0.2.3 at press) for the Nexus 5 (it only works on this device so far) is available for download under a free license, providing both Android 5.1 in the Android Open Source Project version and Debian 8 "jessie." The Debian system only comes into play if the user connects the Nexus 5 to an HDMI-capable monitor via an adapter.
This solution immediately offers several advantages over the classic Android system: It is much easier to use Debian on a larger monitor than Android, which is particularly optimized for small displays and touchscreens. Additionally, basically all applications provided in the Debian project for the ARM platform start on the Debian system. Along with LibreOffice (v4.3), this also includes tools such as Gimp or the popular Apache web server. Even some rather exotic programs like Blender and LaTeX run on the Android smartphone.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.