Linux arrives on Samsung DeX, it can be installed on Galaxy Note 9 and Tab S4: here’s how.
After a year of work, Samsung has managed to bring Linux to Samsung DeX, but for the moment, it is still a beta version available for Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S4.
Already from Galaxy S8, Samsung has brought an alternative way to use your device in a professional manner recreating a desktop environment through Android. The project still has the purpose to use our smartphone as if it were a notebook, recreating, through a dock, the desktop environment through the Samsung DeX.
In recent months, thanks to the USB-C 3.1 of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, the dock has gone into the background because you can directly connect the smartphone to a monitor to activate the Samsung DeX mode.
Although DeX is ideal for multitasking while browsing the web, viewing and creating documents, it still lacks a lot. After all, in the finalized version, DeX is still based on Android, so all DeX-optimized apps, for the most part, will not compete with a true desktop operating system.
Samsung has thus led after an intense year of working Linux on Samsung DeX, although it is still available in the form of beta. This project was presented last year at the Samsung Developer Conference, and is now available in beta for the latest Samsung devices: Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Tab S4.
Linux on DeX brings a modified version of Ubuntu 16.04; although access to a Linux-based OS opens up greater access to desktop-class apps, it should be noted that Linux apps need to be compiled in order for the 64-bit ARM processors to function properly. Support for a Linux environment on Samsung DeX should do much to make the desktop experience better and will be a great way to increase productivity through the Galaxy Tab S4 and Galaxy Note 9.
At the moment, the requirements to use this feature are: device with Samsung Experience 9.5 based on Android Pie, at least 8 GB of remaining space and access to peripherals to enjoy a satisfactory quality experience.
Linux on Samsung DeX is available for Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Tab S4 as a beta closed since 12 November. If you are interested in trying Linux on Samsung DeX, and you have a suitable device (Galaxy Note 9 or Galaxy Tab S4), you can register now for the private beta here.
