Samsung DeX gets support for running Linux OS through Linux On Galaxy app

Samsung made a valiant effort to bring a desktop-like experience to its users through DeX earlier this year. Today, at its developer conference, the Korean giant has announced that it is launching a new app called Linux on Galaxy, using which developers can run the Linux operating system on their phone and view everything on a large screen thanks to DeX.

Samsung is hoping Linux on Galaxy will enable developers to code on the go, and it’s certainly an interesting direction the company is taking for DeX. Samsung says Linux on Galaxy will allow developers to use their “preferred Linux-based distributions”, although it’s unclear just how many distributions of the OS it will run. Still, it is likely the major distributions will work, allowing developers to build DeX support into their apps at the same time that they’re using it.

DeX also gets more officially supported games

In addition to announcing Linux on Galaxy, Samsung has also revealed a list of gaming titles that now support DeX. Most of these games use the new Vulkan API, and some of the titles on offer include Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition, Super Evil Megacorp’s Vainglory, and Lingeage 2 Revolution. For those unaware, official support for DeX in games is an important feature, as many titles do not play well with a keyboard and mouse until specifically coded to.

If you haven’t yet, do check out our review of Samsung DeX. The dock supports the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8.