Linux is coming to Samsung DeX dock, Galaxy smartphones

In a cool move, Samsung has announced that it’s bringing Linux distributions to its high-end Galaxy smartphones and DeX dock.

“Although it’s in trial phase, Linux on Galaxy is our innovative solution to bring the Linux experience on PC to mobile, and then further onto a larger display with Samsung DeX. Now developers can code using their mobile on-the-go and seamlessly continue the task on a larger display with Samsung DeX,” read an excerpt from the official Samsung Mobile Press website.

But how will it work and what will it entail? The Korean company breaks it down for us…

“Installed as an app, Linux on Galaxy gives smartphones the capability to run multiple operating systems, enabling developers to work with their preferred Linux-based distributions on their mobile devices. Whenever they need to use a function that is not available on the smartphone OS, users can simply switch to the app and run any program they need to in a Linux OS environment.”

DeX might not be perfect, but the addition of Linux will be a great feather in Samsung’s cap

And yes, you can dock your phone and use it with a keyboard and mouse.

“Linux on Galaxy is made even more powerful because it is DeX-enabled, giving developers the ability to create content on a large screen, powered only by their mobile device,” Samsung explained.

The sign-up page also reveals that the Linux on Galaxy initiative will be “utilising the same Linux kernel that powers the Android OS to ensure the best possible performance”.

It’s unclear when the feature will be coming to Samsung smartphones, but users can sign up via the above-mentioned page to be notified.