DeX It's Samsung's solution So your phone can have the look and feel of a desktop operating system when connected to a monitor via HDMI cable or its own peripherals, and now the number of compatible devices has been updated. This platform transforms the interface of your Galaxy phone or tablet into a computer-like environment, complete with windows, a taskbar, and keyboard and mouse support, allowing you to work, study, or consume content on a large screen without needing a traditional PC.
Samsung launched this feature with the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Since then, only high-end phones like the Galaxy S8 and S8+, the Galaxy S9 and S9+, and the flagship Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy Note 9 could support it. But now, as expected, Support has been added for the new the Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e and S10 5GThe mobile phones that were presented at the end of February of this year already have support to be able to use them with DeX and more ranges and formats have been progressively added.
With the evolution of the Galaxy family, The list of models compatible with Samsung DeX It hasn't stopped growing. In addition to the initial flagship devices, various generations of the S and Note series, the foldable Galaxy Fold/Z Fold, and several productivity-oriented Galaxy Tab tablets have been added. This expanded support means that DeX is no longer exclusive to a few premium devices, but rather a key feature within the Galaxy ecosystem for working on the go.
But this is not only this, and it is that one of the most benefited parts has been Linux for DeXThe initiative brought a complete Linux environment to the desktop generated by the phone itself. Although initially launched with a highly experimental approach, this project demonstrated the potential of using a Galaxy mobile phone as a mini-computer for development, programming, or system administration tasks.
Now yes, more devices for Linux for DeX
Linux For DeX is an initiative that emerged in November of last year, so it is relatively new. And is that Samsung partnered with Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, to create a version for DeX, that's right, in case you don't know, if you had a Notes 9 Or with a Tab S4 you could have Linux running on top of your Android operating system by connecting it to DeXIt was an Ubuntu image optimized to run in a container on Android, with support for desktop applications and development tools.
Due to the amount of RAM, processor power, and storage, and how lightweight Linux is, it's possible to run it smoothly on a phone, although you won't get the performance of a high-end or upper mid-range computer, since a mobile phone running a desktop system doesn't perform the same as a desktop processor, but The performance is good for programming or browsing the internet.For profiles such as web developers, system administrators, or computer science students, it was more than enough for productivity tasks, lightweight coding, remote server management, or the use of multiple terminals.
But the important thing is that now The new S10 in all its variants will also be able to use Ubuntu with DeXFurthermore, we may soon see the Note 8 and new Samsung A-series phones, which, despite being mid-to-high-end, are already starting to have enough power to run a desktop system. This leap opens the door for more users to experience a Linux desktop directly from their mobile device, provided Samsung decides to maintain or evolve these types of projects geared towards advanced productivity.
How to use Samsung DeX on new Galaxy devices
In addition to support for Linux for DeX, the DeX experience itself has improved over time and become more accessible. Start DeX on a TV or monitor it's as simple as Connect your Galaxy to an external display via a DeX cable, an HDMI adapter, or, on compatible models, through a wireless connection using Miracast technology.
When you start DeX on your phone and connect it to a nearby TV, you can View the desktop interface on the big screenCreate a virtual classroom for the kids, give presentations, or simply enjoy your favorite entertainment apps. At the same time, you can continue working independently on your phone, for example, checking messages, using other apps, or even taking notes with the S Pen on devices that support it.
In many recent models, after connecting the HDMI cable or adapter to the USB-C port of the mobile phone or tablet and to the monitor, The external display can begin by mirroring the device's contents.From the notification panel, you can easily switch from mirror mode to DeX mode, which activates the full desktop. In the DeX interface, you have a touchpad icon to control the cursor using your phone's screen when you don't have a physical mouse.
Another key advantage is that, in the most modern Galaxy models, Wireless DeX lets you do away with cables and send the desktop signal via Wi-Fi to Miracast-compatible TVs and monitors. This makes it much easier to use in meeting rooms, classrooms, or simply at home, allowing you to watch YouTube or Netflix videos on your TV while simultaneously browsing or typing on your mobile device without interruption.
Beyond DeX: uses, compatibility, and alternatives
With Samsung DeX you can use your Galaxy in different ways. With an HDMI adapter or wirelessly, you can Connect your mobile phone to any Miracast-compatible monitor. and start enjoying your phone in a completely different way. Message your friends, watch a movie on the big screen, or prepare for important presentations with comprehensive multitasking. Plus, from your computer or Mac, you can download the DeX for PC app available on the official Samsung DeX website and work with your mobile apps on your computer screen.
Once you've connected your phone to your monitor, you can access all your apps from the big screen to Get the most out of your GalaxyPresentations, conferences, video calls, office editing and much more: Samsung DeX simplifies work and turns your smartphone into something very close to a lightweight laptop that you always carry in your pocket.
In the case of Galaxy tablets, you can choose the New DeX mode or Classic DeXWith New DeX mode, the tablet's user interface remains virtually unchanged, maintaining the familiar experience but with improvements for windows and productivity. If you choose Classic DeX mode, the tablet's interface transforms into a more traditional desktop environment, with a look and feel very similar to a computer. Switching between modes is done in Settings > Connected devices > Samsung DeX, by selecting your preferred option.
Regarding compatibility, there are specific series of Galaxy phones and tablets that support DeX, encompassing entire generations of the Galaxy S and Note families, foldable Galaxy Fold/Z Fold devices, and various productivity-focused Galaxy Tabs. Some specific mid-range models, such as certain Galaxy A series, have also been added, although Not all devices offer the same HDMI output options or wireless mode.and certain FE or Lite models may have limitations with wired output.
Other manufacturers have alternatives like Motorola's Ready For, But Very few ecosystems offer such deep integration between mobile, desktop, and apps like Samsung DeX. There are also solutions based on pure Linux or tools like Termux to emulate development environments, but these usually require more configuration and don't provide as user-friendly a desktop interface as DeX with a simple cable or Wi-Fi connection.
What do you think? Do you think it's useful?
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The evolution of Samsung DeX and projects like Linux for DeX demonstrates that high-end Galaxy phones and certain tablets already have sufficient power to handle computer tasks in everyday life, and the list of compatible devices keeps growing; if you're looking for an Android phone with a true desktop mode, DeX remains one of the most complete options on the market.
