The Android Linux Terminal app is now widely available for Pixel users running the March 2025 update, allowing them to carry a Debian-based Linux instance with them.
With Developer mode enabled on your Pixel 8 Pro, you can proceed as follows:
- Navigate to Settings: Go to your device's Settings app.
- System Settings: Scroll down and tap on "System."
- Developer Options: Tap on "Developer options."
- Linux Development Environment: Look for the option to toggle on the "Linux development environment." Tap the switch to enable it.
- Linux Terminal App: Once the environment is enabled, you should see the Linux Terminal app icon appear on your home screen or in your app list.
- Allow Download: Tap the Linux Terminal app icon. You will be prompted to allow a 567MB download. Confirm the download.
After the download is complete, you should be able to open the terminal and start running basic commands.
Google is developing new capabilities for its AI assistant Gemini in Android 16, allowing it to perform actions within apps, similar to Apple's plans for iOS 18.
Google is developing new features for its AI assistant, Gemini, through an API called "app functions" in the Android 16 developer preview. This API allows app developers to expose specific functionalities to the system, enabling Gemini to perform actions within apps without needing to open them directly. For example, users could order food from a restaurant using Gemini without launching a food delivery app.
This development is similar to Apple's efforts in iOS 18, where Siri is gaining the ability to take actions in apps. While Apple's update is expected in spring 2025, Google's integration could provide users with a more integrated and useful AI assistant experience. Currently, Gemini can access information in some apps and Siri can handle more complex queries, but both assistants are yet to fully realize their potential to "do things for you."
The advancements hint at a significant evolution in how AI assistants function on smartphones in 2025.
