Tag: LinuxOnDex

NEWS:Linux on Dex Coming to More Devices

LoD

Samsung has announced that Linux on Dex is coming to more devices. Previously it was only available on non-LTE models of the Galaxy Tab S4 and on the Galaxy Note 9. Per an email that Samsung sent on Monday support is coming to the Android Pie builds of the  S9, S9+, S10e, S10+, Tab S4, and Tab S5e.

Based on interaction with others (and also being my own personal story) there are owners of the TAB S4 that haven’t yet received Linux on Dex support that wait with anticipation for support to come. I’ve not been able to confirm compatibility yet as the Pie build of Android isn’t yet available for my device. The Linux on Dex page had previously stated that none of the LTE Tab S4 models were supported. The page now only states that the Verizon LTE tablets are not supported.  I hope that this means that support for my device is coming. For now the only option is to wait.

Update (2019-April 30): Today I received the Android Pie update for the Galaxy Tab S4. It does indeed have support for Linux on Dex (finally!).

Linux On Dex: Works on WiFi Tab S4 Models Only

Update 2018-Dec-11: I’ve spoken to a LoD team member and to jump straight to the point of you have a LTE Tab S4 then simply put the required update isn’t available at this time and there is no information on when it will be available.

Some people trying to install Linux on Dex are running into an obstacle. After installing he app and trying to run it they get the following error message.

Linux on Dex requires your device to have the latest software o support some features.

After this message is acknowledge the application closes. If someone with this error checks for updates in the app store or for updates to the operating system they get notification that everything is up to date. What’s going on? I contacted LoD support about this and got back the following response.

Currently, the Linux on DeX(beta) requires latest SW for Galaxy Note9 and Galaxy Tab S4. SW update schedule may vary depends on the region and carrier.

Currently, the Linux on DeX(beta) requires latest SW for Galaxy Note9 and Galaxy Tab S4.
SW update schedule may vary depends on the region and carrier.

What does this mean? It means that your device doesn’t have a update that is required for DeX and that your carrier might not have released it.  Devices sold through a carrier can be a bit slower in receiving their updates. Samsung hasn’t been specific on the updated needed.  I’ve communicated with someone on the Linux on Dex team and was told that LTE tablets in general do not have the update that is required for Linux on Dex. Additionally the person told me that there is no information available on when particular updates will work their way through certain carriers.

BTW: Unlocking your device and installing a SIM from another carrier will not change this; this behaviour is dependent on the carrier for which the device was made, not on the SIM that happens to be in the device at the time.