Exciting Update for the Linux Terminal App on Android
The Linux Terminal app on Android is often seen as an overlooked feature. Amid the dominance of gesture controls and increasingly abstract interfaces on modern smartphones, terminal interface usage seems to be fading from attention. However, for users brave enough to explore the Terminal app's capabilities, there is interesting news worth noting. In the latest update, Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5, the app receives several updates worth trying out.
Quality of Life Improvement: Adjustable Font Size
The first update that catches attention is the addition of an option to select a custom font size. Considering the Terminal app heavily relies on text display, this addition is a logical and beneficial step. Users can now find this new font size option within the app's theme settings. This will certainly make it easier for users to read and interact with text, especially for those who need larger or smaller font sizes for comfort.
New Console Options: TTYD vs. Virtio
The second, more technical change is the introduction of a new option allowing users to choose between the existing ttyd console and the virtio console. The virtio console is a high-speed interface for virtual machines, which theoretically can offer performance benefits compared to the older ttyd interface. However, users should be cautious, as selecting the virtio option means sacrificing some additional features offered by ttyd, such as support for multiple console tabs.
Unfortunately, we found that currently switching to the virtio console causes issues. Each time we try to switch, the app throws an error message and boot logs filled with corrupted text. While there seems to be a way to better utilize this feature, it requires a deeper Linux understanding than we currently possess.
Looking Forward to Future Updates
These two changes come in QPR1 Beta 5, and there is a strong possibility these features will be widely available in Google's feature update coming this September. With this update, Linux Terminal app users on Android are expected to enjoy a better and more functional experience.
Community Involvement and Expectations
We thank all users who have been part of this community. We strongly encourage you to stay engaged and share your experiences and opinions about this update. With user feedback, we hope the development of the Linux Terminal app will continue to improve and meet the needs of all its users.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/android-linux-terminal-console-3683412/
