Samsung’s Linux on DeX

If you hapapen to own a Samsung phone, you’re in luck.

In addition to the above options, you have an additional one that’s not only compatible with your device and not just supported, but developed by the manufacturer themselves.

That’s precisely what Samsung’s (www.linuxondex.com) Linux on DeX is. Still in beta at the time of writing, this application enables you to install Linux to be used in ‘DeX mode’.

What is this, you might ask? Well, Samsung offers this feature on newer phone models that enable users to plug them into a monitor – and, by extension, a keyboard and mouse. When it’s connected this way, the phone’s UI switches over to something that more closely resembles a traditional desktop. There’s a taskbar, movable windows and so on – but all the applications are still the Android versions we know and love. Disconnect your phone and it exits DeX mode, going back to the standard Android UI.

Linux for DeX takes this one step further by launching a Linux distro when switching to DeX mode. By installing the Linux on DeX app from Samsung’s Galaxy Store, you have the option for Linux to take over when connecting your phone to a display. Even better, if you’re using a tablet you can launch it directly.