Smartphones are now powerful than ever before. With multiple cores and more than adequate memory, they may probably be powerful than the PC or laptop sitting on your desk (i.e. if you do not replace your hardware or even entire machine frequently). You use your smartphone for checking emails, taking up notes and occasionally some gaming; they can be used for so much more than that. So why now use it to replace your old desktop or laptop? Here’s how you can use Android to replace PC.
Use Android to replace PC
There is a custom Android distro called Maru OS that has been optimized for desktop use. Before we get started with the tutorial, note that this only works on Google Nexus 5 (Hammerhead) and Nexus 7 (Flo) as Maru OS is currently available only for them. however, even if you do now have Nexus 5 or 7, we will provide some alternatives at the end of this tutorial. You can skip ahead if you do not own the device.
Let’s get started.
To use maru, you’ll need any of the two things – desktop installer or install attached update.zip. if your device already has a custom recovery installed, you can just flash the update.zip file.
Using Desktop Installer
The desktop installer is available for all major desktop operating systems – Windows, Mac, and Linux. After downloading the correct installer, connect your Android via USB. Make sure you have backed up all your data including your personal files as everything will be wiped past this stage. Using the following steps for the OS you’re currently using:
For Windows:
Step 1: Enable USB debugging on Android.
Step 2: Download and install Google USB Drivers and use the instructions provided by Google.
Step 3: Go to the folder with the zip file, unzip it and install.
For Linux:
Step 1: Enable USB debugging on Android.
Step 2: Unzip the installer.
Step 3: Open a Terminal in the unzipped file and run.
./install.sh
For MacOS:
Step 1: Enable USB debugging on Android.
Step 2: Unzip the installer.
Step 3: Install and open.
Step 4: Follow the onscreen instructions.
Using Custom Recovery
This is the easiest method to install MaruOS. You can begin by downloading the update.zip file and copying it to your device or just downloading it straight on your device. now, you can reboot into recovery and simply install the zip. Make sure to wipe Dalvik cache after. Reboot and you’re good to go.
Using MaruOS on PC
After your device finishes booting, connect to an HDMI dongle. Now, open Settings and tap on Dashboard on Desktop section. Switch it on. On your monitor or TV, you’ll see a version of Linux with you can now use with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
For those who do now own a Nexus 5, you can use any of the following alternatives: Leena Desktop UI or Sentio Desktop.
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Also Read:
- Enable Developer Options and USB debugging
- How to install TWRP recovery on Google Pixel?
- Super School – Android for Education
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