Google is preparing to let you run Linux apps on Android, just like Chrome OS

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Overall Reaction

  • Many are excited: Android already feels close to a general-purpose OS; first‑class Linux app support could make phones/tablets viable as primary computers and even replace laptops for some.
  • Others are skeptical or indifferent, preferring to run Android apps on desktop/Linux instead of Linux apps on Android.

Existing Solutions (Termux, VMs, DeX, etc.)

  • Termux + X11/VNC already allow many CLI and some GUI Linux tools on Android; people run servers, dev tools, even long‑running processes successfully.
  • This new feature appears VM‑based (AVF/pKVM), more like ChromeOS’s Crostini than native syscalls, so Termux may remain faster and better integrated with Android APIs.
  • Some fear Google may use this to justify restricting or deprecating tools like Termux, qpython, or rooted/Docker hacks; others argue these are niche and not really a target.

Architecture, Permissions, and Capabilities

  • Expected model: a fully isolated Linux VM/container, with its own storage and optional shared folders, including sudo inside the VM but no privileged access to Android itself.
  • Users doubt Google will grant broad access to SMS, cameras, or app data; likely limited for security and policy reasons.
  • Questions about running Docker/podman and using the phone as a small server; ChromeOS’s Debian VM can do this, so people hope Android will as well.

ChromeOS, Fuchsia, and Platform Strategy

  • Many see this as Android catching up to ChromeOS’s Linux support and/or part of a slow unification: ChromeOS taking Android’s stack, Android getting Linux VMs, Fuchsia gaining Linux compatibility.
  • Others argue there may be no grand strategy, just overlapping projects and internal fiefdoms; ChromeOS deprecation is viewed as possible but not certain.

Convergence and Desktop Use Cases

  • Strong interest in “phone as desktop”: plug into monitor/keyboard (similar to Samsung DeX) and get a full Linux dev or productivity environment.
  • Comparisons made to GNU/Linux phones (Librem 5, etc.), which already run Linux apps natively and Android apps via compatibility layers, but with weaker hardware and higher prices.

Trust, Control, and Antitrust Concerns

  • Several commenters object to Google’s control over what runs on user devices, tying it to broader worries about monopolies, privacy, and locked bootloaders.
  • Others note similar concerns exist with Apple and Microsoft; antitrust and regulatory angles are discussed but outcomes are viewed as uncertain.