Android in an LXC container
Well Packed
© Lead Image ©bekas007, 123RF.com
Need Android apps in a separate window on the Linux desktop? Anbox is the answer. Unlike common Android emulators, the software relies on LXC containers and kernel namespaces. We tested the pre-alpha version.
In April 2017, developer Simon Fels introduced an early development version of his Android in a Box (Anbox) program [1]. Released under a GPLv3 and Apache license, Anbox brings favorite apps from the Android smartphone or tablet to the Linux desktop. The software uses a different approach than emulators like Shashlik [2] and Genymotion [3] or the development environment Android Studio [4]. To bring the apps natively to the desktop, Anbox encapsulates the Android system and the apps in a LXC container, to isolate them from the Linux system.
According to statements by the developer, the project is the result of a technical incentive and not aimed at a particular target group. The idea behind the packaged Android is good: The Anbox run time essentially comprises the session manager and the container manager, which is responsible for setting up the LXC container and exchanges data with the session manager.
In turn, the session manager communicates with the Android container via multiple sockets and ensures the integration of apps on your desktop when logged in.
[...]
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
-
KDE Unleashes Plasma 6.5
The Plasma 6.5 desktop environment is now available with new features, improvements, and the usual bug fixes.
-
Xubuntu Site Possibly Hacked
It appears that the Xubuntu site was hacked and briefly served up a malicious ZIP file from its download page.
-
LMDE 7 Now Available
Linux Mint Debian Edition, version 7, has been officially released and is based on upstream Debian.
-
Linux Kernel 6.16 Reaches EOL
Linux kernel 6.16 has reached its end of life, which means you'll need to upgrade to the next stable release, Linux kernel 6.17.
-
Amazon Ditches Android for a Linux-Based OS
Amazon has migrated from Android to the Linux-based Vega OS for its Fire TV.
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.