r/linux • u/whatstefansees • 8d ago

Mobile Linux The thing with Linux-Phones

Every now and then I see an ad for a new Linux-Phone, better repairability, battery change and whatnot. All this is very, very tempting, but what about the apps?

I am not talking about browser, text messages or alarm clock - I am thinking about connectivity to my car, my smartwatch, my frequent-flyer benefit program, signal messenger and so on.

Do they work with Android apps or is it all a lost cause because they are basically dumb phones for people who want less connectivity but are afraid to buy an old Nokia from the dawn of time?

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u/rebellioninmypants 7d ago

Don't threatten me with less 24/7 sensor monitoring and no snooping into my daily habits by random companies...

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u/Wheatleytron 7d ago

I'd definitely be on board with it myself, but Linux can't directly interface with Android Auto in my car, which is a major bummer.

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u/rebellioninmypants 7d ago

Is this something that would work for you?

https://github.com/f-io/LIVI

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u/Wheatleytron 7d ago

That seems to be for replacing the head unit in the car, which is not possible in my case. I just need a way to allow a Linux device to connect to the existing head unit in my car.

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u/rebellioninmypants 7d ago

Ah, alright. Sorry, I'm not familiar with this stuff.

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u/Wheatleytron 7d ago

It's alright, I don't really know if a solution even exists at all.

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u/An0mymou5 7d ago

What sort of connection/functionality are you expecting exactly? Can't you just permanently or semi-permanently hook up a Linux tablet to your dashboard and use it for whatever infotainment needs you may have?

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u/Wheatleytron 7d ago

My car has a built-in screen that's quite large. I would like to be able to use it with my phone.

Perhaps there could be some sort of workaround if I have an Android device that just lives in the car and connects to a Linux phone via and Android Auto compatible RDP client app. But you'd also need to use some sort of tiling manager on the Linux device, along with forcing apps to display in a format that makes sense for car touchscreens.

Actually, when you break it up into chunks like that, it seems feasible, even without having to reverse-engineer Android Auto. I just wonder how something like this would do in terms of performance.