Here's what happens when you blend Debian and Android

by
in linux on (#3RH)
Yes, Android is based on the Linux kernel, but until the Linux and Android platforms and application ecosystems have been separate things. MicroXwin hopes to change that with a new Linux distro called VolksPC that runs both Debian and Android apps in fully native mode.
"We created a unified distribution that allows both Android and Debian LXDE/XFCE applications to run simultaneously at native speeds. On ARM, our distribution is based on a modified ARMHF Debian Wheezy rootfs", the developers write. As Phoronix reports, the developers claim that apps under both environments run "at native speeds"; the only changes to Android are in startup scripts, providing full compatibility with existing applications; and MicroXwin provides a high-speed X-Windows framework for the system.
The distro hopes to provide the best of both worlds, and a Linux desktop environment with full support for the entire Debian app repository while providing Android's simplicity and ease of use where things like HD video are concerned.
Reply 2 comments

closed or open ecosystems (Score: 1)

by rocks@pipedot.org on 2014-07-22 22:27 (#2MG)

The promise of a computer is that it is a device to do anything you want (with a certain amount of effort). The promise of applications is they do specific things you want done (with minimal effort). Basically, we all want a computer that can run all old, current, and new applications as they are developed. What contiually amazes me is how fragmented the computing landscape is and continues to be given these basic wants that seem pretty obvious. I applaud the MicroXWin project for merging Debian and Android, but I suspect it is almost like p***ing into the wind in the combat against fragmentation. At the moment, I figure I need access to about 5 or 10 computers/tablets/phones just to be able to use all of the different applications I find rewarding. Pretty crazy really.

Not worth it (Score: 2, Informative)

by bryan@pipedot.org on 2014-07-23 00:26 (#2MK)

MicroXwin is a non-free kernel module. Here is the LICENSE file:
Following files :
libX11.so.6.3.0
libXcursor.so.1.0.2
libXext.so.6.4.0
libXrender.so.1.3.0
x11.ko
are the intellectual property of VolksPC LLC, CA, USA (http://www.volkspc.org).
These are made available for evaluation purpose or non-commercial use.
For commercial use please contact info@volkspc.org.