Terminal applications only?
As a first step definitively, simply because such a feature needs to start somewhere and text mode is easier than writing a wrapper for graphics systems.
Or does that make me able to run LibreOffice, Kdenlive and whatever I like?
I’m thinking that this is the end goal. Google struggles to get desktop-like apps onto Android tablets. Many people use iPads as primary work computer these days. My employer is switching to them and we’re late to the party.
An audacious step for Google would be to distribute Flatpaks in the Play Store. That’s very unlikely but it’s technically a possibility.
Also, Steam integrating an x86 emulator for ARM devices makes even more sense now. I thought it’s mainly for ARM Chromebooks but Android tablets getting an “Install Steam” button and becoming more compatible to games than Windows on ARM would be so bonkers.
Desktop apps in a WebView using vnc on a VM on a tablet are a miserable experience that nobody wants to endure
I tried that, too. I already had a Debian VM on my phone years ago. Along with some VNC software and an android app to connect to the virtual desktop. It was really cumbersome to use. Especially keeping it open in the background and using it while doing other things was next to impossible.
Samsung ships a traditional desktop environment on their phones and tablets since years. Phones need to be pluggeg into a USB-C dock, tablets need a type cover. Others followed them with similar environments. Surely this is not meant for touch-only use.
Okay. I mean I already have Termux for that. And I don’t think a phone or tablet is a good device to operate the terminal or type in VI key bindings. They’re much more made for graphical applications and touching buttons and graphical elements. Let’s see where this is going. I still like using computers and having like 105 proper keys accessible for my fingers. Especially if my mode of interacting with the device is typing in text. And not clicking on things. But I get that nowadays lots of people use tablets and phones and stuff. And this certainly is a necessary first step.
