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It seems relevant to me because its the only UI environment that runs in a relatively linux-compatible world that is modern, well-maintained, and performant. W

It seems relevant to me because its the only UI environment that runs in a relatively linux-compatible world that is modern, well-maintained, and performant. What else does Linux have? GTK+? Qt? A slew of also-ran desktop environments that have existed for years without gaining significant reaction in the marketplace? If we as Linux users want to make a world where there is a competitive, usable-dare I say, desirable-desktop environment for Linux, then Android wouldn't be a bad horse to hitch our wagon to. And quite frankly, I suspect there would be a lot of money in it. Were I not embarking on a we startup I consider very important, I'd have left my job to pursue this.

benatkin 14y ago
One thing that makes me think Android is something else is the lack FOSS apps to run on it. The distribution methods even seem a bit hostile to me. I wanted a code editor for my Nexus tablet, and the options in the Android Market were paid closed-source apps and free closed-source apps. I don't mind using the occasional proprietary app but what I and many others love about the Linux desktop is that that there is a nice FOSS app in almost every category.
- KirinDave 14y ago
  > I don't mind using the occasional proprietary app but what I and many others love about the Linux desktop is that that there is a nice FOSS app in almost every category. There is no reason that these cannot exist on the Android platform. Unlike the Apple App Store, which demands developers place additional restrictions on their devices, the Play store has gone out of its way to keep both passive (BSD, MIT, CC) and active (GPL & APL) licenses viable. You can even have your APK deliver your sources. The distribution methods are whatever you want them to be. Supporting the Play store is almost certainly a must, but there are multiple app marketplaces and you're free to mix and match those as you see fit.
  - benatkin 14y ago
    One issue I have with the Play Store is that AFAIK there is no way to make your Play Store .apk downloadable directly from the Play Store website without an android device. If I could download and inspect one at my leisure I might find it more comforting. I suppose this could be fixed without Google's help, if someone made a third-party site with a list of vetted open source android apps with an email warning mechanism in case an open source app becomes closed in a future update. I did think about it as I went about my day and I don't disagree with you about the potential for Android-based PCs that even a longtime Linux weenie could love. The OEMs tried hard to make Android NetBooks and tablets long before the platform was ready. I discounted them for reasons that were beyond their control. Now that the platform is getting ready I can see potential for that to happen. I'm doubtful as to whether it's going to happen, but I've bet against Android and been wrong before.

benatkin 14y ago

One thing that makes me think Android is something else is the lack FOSS apps to run on it. The distribution methods even seem a bit hostile to me. I wanted a code editor for my Nexus tablet, and the options in the Android Market were paid closed-source apps and free closed-source apps. I don't mind using the occasional proprietary app but what I and many others love about the Linux desktop is that that there is a nice FOSS app in almost every category.

KirinDave 14y ago
> I don't mind using the occasional proprietary app but what I and many others love about the Linux desktop is that that there is a nice FOSS app in almost every category. There is no reason that these cannot exist on the Android platform. Unlike the Apple App Store, which demands developers place additional restrictions on their devices, the Play store has gone out of its way to keep both passive (BSD, MIT, CC) and active (GPL & APL) licenses viable. You can even have your APK deliver your sources. The distribution methods are whatever you want them to be. Supporting the Play store is almost certainly a must, but there are multiple app marketplaces and you're free to mix and match those as you see fit.
- benatkin 14y ago
  One issue I have with the Play Store is that AFAIK there is no way to make your Play Store .apk downloadable directly from the Play Store website without an android device. If I could download and inspect one at my leisure I might find it more comforting. I suppose this could be fixed without Google's help, if someone made a third-party site with a list of vetted open source android apps with an email warning mechanism in case an open source app becomes closed in a future update. I did think about it as I went about my day and I don't disagree with you about the potential for Android-based PCs that even a longtime Linux weenie could love. The OEMs tried hard to make Android NetBooks and tablets long before the platform was ready. I discounted them for reasons that were beyond their control. Now that the platform is getting ready I can see potential for that to happen. I'm doubtful as to whether it's going to happen, but I've bet against Android and been wrong before.