Samsung has announced the start of testing in the Linux environment which can be used to form a complete desktop, by connecting a smartphone to a stationary monitor, keyboard and mouse con a DeX adapter, or by connecting a keyboard and mouse to a tablet.
The environment is based on Ubuntu and is prepared jointly with Canonical. DeX technology is compatible with Galaxy S8 / S8 +, Note8, S9 / S9 +, Note9 and Tab S4 devices.
The main application of the Linux environment is the provision of a portable environment for application developers- The user has the opportunity to install a complete development environment on a smartphone, available anytime, anywhere.
While on the road, the developer will be able to start solving the task from a mobile device and then continue working by connecting the smartphone to a large monitor.
However, the environment can also be useful for other categories of users, andsince all Linux-based applications that run on Ubuntu and are designed for the ARM64 architecture are available for installation.
Samsung claims developers can use new Linux environment on DeX to program "on the fly" and, in the case of the Tab S4, bring a more complete environment.
"Linux on DeX can slow down or suddenly shut down in the event of a lack of memory," warned the Korean electronics giant.
Those interested in the beta version can register before the beta version begins.
A little bit about DeX
While DeX originally required a docking station, the latest Samsung devices only need a USB-C to HDMI cable.
The environment runs in a container that runs on the Linux kernel platform.
To download the Linux environment, You need to register on the Samsung website.
Installation of licensed images downloaded via Linux service is supported on DeX. This does not exclude the possibility of installing and mounting assemblies, but their correct operation is not guaranteed.
The proposed build is based on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and has so far been adapted only for use on Note9 and Tab S4 devices.
For Linux environment, 8GB of free storage space and use of devices with 4GB of RAM is recommended.
The graphical environment is operable only if you have a DeX adapter that provides USB-C, USB 2.0, Ethernet, and HDMI 2.0 ports.
The environment can be opened directly on the smartphone screen, but it will be limited to console mode. Tablets support launching the graphical environment without connecting an external monitor.
A beta program registrations are open!
It should be noted that several similar projects are already being delivered for Android device users that allow to start the desktop when connecting a monitor to a smartphone via HDMI or using technologies such as Miracast and WiFi Display: Maru OS, Debian noroot, GNURoot Debian , Complete Linux Installer and Linux Deploy.
The Korean firm sent an email to users who had previously registered their interest in Linux on DeX, notifying them of the launch of the beta program.
Once you have signed up via email (or the Linux website on DeX), Samsung will send users a confirmation email and follow-up message with instructions to download the Linux application on DeX.
The registration page is accessible through the following link.
In order to register if you are interested, You will need a Google account to register and a Samsung account to use the service.
Registration ends on December 14, 2018, so you still have a month to spare.
Finally, it only remains to hope what is going on with this program, because for a long time it was known about this initiative by Samsung and especially Canonical of wanting to implement a convergence after an abandoned attempt.