You can do a lot of things on smartphones these days, but there are some things that are easier to do on a device with a big display and a full-sized keyboard. So most of us probably use multiple devices including phones, laptops, and maybe desktops or tablets.

In recent years there have been a number of attempts to offer what the folks behind Ubuntu Linux call “convergence,” or the ability to use a single device (like a phone) in multiple scenarios (by connecting an external display). Canonical may have scrapped plans to build its own Ubuntu Edge smartphone and Ubuntu Touch operating system, but third-party developers are keeping the dream alive. Samsung offers its DeX software. And back in 2016, developer Preetam D’Souza introduced Maru OS.

It’s a custom ROM that lets you run Android on a phone, but switch to a desktop GNU/Linux environment when you connect a display.

Today the team has released Maru 0.6 “Okinawa” with major updates to its Android and Linux software, support for more devices, and support for wireless display streaming.

Here are a few of the key changes in the latest version of Maru OS:

  1. The Android ROM has been updated from Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow to Android 8.1 Oreo.
  2. The GNU/Linux software has been updated from Debian 8 Jessie to Debian 9 Stretch.
  3. Chromecast support allows you to connect an external display wirelessly (although you can still use HDMI if you have a device that supports SlimPort or MHL). Miracast adapters may also work, although their not officially supported yet.
  4. Android is now based on LineageOS rather than AOSP.

Numbers three and four pave the way for porting Maru OS to run on a wider range of devices.

Previously the Google Nexus 5 was the only officially supported device. Now there’s also a download image for the Nexus 5X, making it the first supported smartphone that doesn’t have hardware support for HDMI output.

In the future we could see Maru ported to non-Google phones. LineagOS currently supports dozens of different devices, and developers have already begun working on bringing Maru to the Samsung Galaxy S9.

Maru 0.6 also includes improved support for keyboards and mice. In addition to Bluetooth peripherals, you can now connect USB input devices. And keyboards and mice should automatically switch between providing input for Android or Linux when you connect an external display.

D’Souza says a bug that prevented the operating system from making use of every CPU core has also been fixed, which should lead to performance enhancements.

 

 

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7 replies on “Maru OS lets you use Android 8.1 on a phone, Debian 9 when you plug in display”

  2. How exactly does it switch between Linux and Android? does it run debian on top of linux or merely bundle the two together and pass off to a different kernel? these are important details.

    1. I think its using the same Linux kernel for Android and Debian.

      While there are cooler projects than this, and yes products that are already available (Samsung Dex)… you can’t deny this project is pretty cool for the fact that; it works, its much more feasible than other projects; and it can provide a Desktop Experience for many customised/open-source phones.

      For some reason, I feel like an Android device that can support Linux (Maru/Dex) is much more useful than a Light/Web-based OS Device that can support Android (Chromebooks).

  3. “Canonical may have scrapped plans to build its own Ubuntu Edge smartphone and Ubuntu Touch operating system, but third-party developers are keeping the dream alive. Samsung offers its DeX software. And back in 2016, developer Preetam D’Souza introduced Maru OS.”

    And while we’re at it, why not mention OIX who are converging Android with Windows apps on bigger screens specifically for the Planet Computing Gemini PDA and Cosmo Communicator? It’s an even cooler project then the ones mentioned as you can use your phone while using apps on a big screen, so you don’t have to sacrifice your phone for the big screen experience.

    1. “And while we’re at it, why not mention OIX who are converging Android with Windows apps on bigger screens specifically for the Planet Computing Gemini PDA and Cosmo Communicator?”

      Are you sure what do you mean is called OIX? As I searched for it, your post was the first coming up. Any other tips to locate it? )

  4. Still waiting for a mainstream Linux smartphone.
    A guy can dream, can’t he?

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