Tag: VirtualBox

AndEX Oreo 8.1 (Android-x86_64) – Build 180614 – with Google Play Store (and everything else) working very well!

14
Jun
2018

NEWS 180614 about AndEX Oreo 8.1
My first build of AndEX Oreo 8.1 is from 180103. My second build is from 180202. My new build of Android x86_64 – andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launchers-1050mb-180614.iso can be installed (manually) to hard drive or on a USB stick. You can also run the system live. I.e. from a DVD or a USB stick. On some computers you’ll have to start up AndEX 8.1 in compatibility mode (VESA) though. NOTE: You can run AndEX Oreo Build 180614 on newer laptops and Desktop computers. The sound and the video performance is generally very very good.

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILD 180614
Google Play Store now works as intended. As an alternative you can use Aptoide App Manager. Aptoide is not pre-installed, but you can very easy install it. Two nice special window launchers are pre-installed: Microsoft Launcher and OO Launcher. (OO Launcher is an enhanced Android™ O Oreo™ style launcher, with many useful enhanced launcher features). I’ve discovered a new way to manually install AndEX Oreo to hard drive. Very simple! Read more below. You can now open up a terminal and become root with the command su root (which you couldn’t in previous versions of AndEX Oreo). Build 180614 uses kernel 4.9.95 with more support for various hardware.

Screenshot – AndEX Build 180614 – the Desktop with Win 10 Launcher for Android 8.1 Oreo – with several extra apps (games) – Koi Video Live Wallpaper, Air Fighters, Popcorn Time, Wild Hunt, Racing In Car 2, Drift Clash and Fishing Club 3D – not pre-installed.

MORE NEWS 180614: AndEX – Oreo 8.1 with kernel 4.9.95-exton-android-x86_64 and GAPPS
My new build of Android-x86_64 Oreo 8.1 have GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Play Games and YouTube. Also many other apps. For example: Spotify, ES File Explorer, Firefox, Root Explorer, Control Screen Orientation and Clash of Clans.

ABOUT AndEX Oreo
My compiled Android-x86_64 system (Oreo 8.1) can run and be installed on almost all newer laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. You can (of course) also run AndEX in VirtualBox and/or VMware. Unfortunately only live though. I can also mention that I could run my new Oreo version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500-317no Desktop Computer. You can only do a manual installation to hard drive. That can, however, even be done to a drive where you already have another Linux system (for example Ubuntu 18.04) installed. Read more below about how to do a very simple manual installation of AndEX Oreo 8.1.

Android Oreo 8.1 was released 171205.

About the Android-x86 project – my sources
All AndEX versions are dependent of the Android-x86 Project’s activity and development.

Clash of Clans (pre-installed) and other popular games
Clash of Clans (a very popular epic strategy game) works very very well. Perfect video quality and audio. If you have a touchscreen you can also (for example) run Wild Hunt, Flight Pilot, CSR Racing 2, Angry Birds, Bowmasters and Shooting King. Watch a screenshot of the desktop when I have installed the just mentioned game apps (in AndEX Nougat).

HOW TO do a simple manual installation (FRUGAL) of AndEX Oreo to hard drive
The system’s install function doesn’t work. I.e. everything seems alright during the install process, but the system won’t boot from hard drive. The system can therefore only be installed manually to hard drive. To be able to do that you must have at least one Linux system installed on your hard drive. You must also use Grub as bootloader. Follow these steps.
1. Use preferably Etcher to create a bootable USB stick from the ISO file andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launchers-1050mb-180614.iso.
2. Start up a Linux system (Ubuntu or…) on the computer where you want to have AndEX Oreo installed.
3. Create a special partition for AndEX Oreo or use the partition where you already have one Linux system installed. The one you just booted up or…
4. Create a folder called ANDEX-OREO-180614 (or…) in the root (/) of your new partition (formatted as ext4) or in the root of for example your Ubuntu system.
5. Create also the folder /ANDEX-OREO-180614/data. Very important! All your system changes will be saved to the folder data.
6. Now insert your USB stick with AndEX Oreo 8.1 and mount it (if not mounted automatically. You will see this.


As you can see there are 9 files on the USB stick. Transfer (copy) all of them to the folder ANDEX-OREO-180614. When you have done that the folder ANDEX-OREO-180614 will look like this.

You will now have 10 files in the folder ANDEX-OREO-180614 including the important folder data. As you can see I’ve presumed that you want to do a FRUGAL installation. I.e. have AndEX Oreo on the same partition you are running from. Now you must configure Grub to be able to boot up AndEX Oreo – see the example below.

About Grub and “dual-boot/multi-boot”
If you already have have one or more Linux systems installed on your hard drive (which you must have to be able to install AndEX Oreo Build 180614) you can see below how to use Grub2 (which Ubuntu and most other Linux systems use as boot loader). You should add these lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom – for example:
menuentry ‘AndEX 8.1 Oreo 180614 (sda8-FRUGAL)’ {
recordfail
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$grub_platform = xxen ]; then insmod xzio; insmod lzopio; fi
insmod part_gpt
insmod ext2
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 35527b5d-4652-4bcf-97b5-27ff3b1f267a
else
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 35527b5d-4652-4bcf-97b5-27ff3b1f267a
fi
linux /ANDEX-OREO-180614/kernel root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.selinux=permissive DPI=160 UVESA_MODE=1366×768 SRC=/ANDEX-OREO-180614
initrd /ANDEX-OREO-180614/initrd.img
}

NOTE 1: On some computers you may have to add nomodeset to the linux boot line. If so you may also have to remove DPI=160 and UVESA_MODE=1366×768 from the linux boot line. AndEX won’t start otherwise or you won’t have sound.

NOTE 2: The DPI=160 entry provides a hint about the display’s pixel density in dots per inch. This is an important setting — if the Android display’s icons and text look too small and crowded, increase this number. If things seem too big, make it smaller.

NOTE 3: The UVESA_MODE=1366×768 entry describes the display size. This is also an important setting. If you know your display’s actual dimensions, enter them here. But not all dimensions work – it sometimes happens that a display specification that’s possible in principle isn’t feasible in practice.

If you use Grub Legacy (which is very unusual today) you should add these lines to /boot/grub/menu.lst
title AndEX Oreo 8.1 – 180614 (sda8)
root (hd0,7)
kernel /ANDEX-OREO-180614/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.selinux=permissive SRC=/ANDEX-OREO-180614
initrd /ANDEX-OREO-180614/initrd.img

Manual installation of AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and/or VMware
You can (of course) also do a manual (FRUGAL) installation – as described above – also in VirtualBox and/or VMware. After such an installation everything will work very good. Do it like this.
1. Install a Linux system on a virtual partition of at least 20 GB in for example VirtualBox. Use Grub2 as boot loader. In this example I use ExLight Build 180214.
2. Start up ExLight and download the ISO file andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launchers-1050mb-180614.iso to /root.
3. Create the folder mnt and mount the ISO file there – watch this screenshot.
4. Create the folder /ANDEX-OREO and /ANDEX-OREO/data.
5. Copy all files from the folder mnt to /ANDEX-OREO – watch this screenshot. Be sure to also copy the hidden folder mnt/.disk to /ANDEX-OREO.
6. Finally edit /boot/grub/grub.cfg as this screenshot shows. Your Grub menu will then look like this. I.e. add these start lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg:
menuentry ‘AndEX Oreo 8.1 (sda1/VirtualBox-FRUGAL)’ {
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$grub_platform = xxen ]; then insmod xzio; insmod lzopio; fi
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’hd0,msdos1′
linux /ANDEX-OREO/kernel root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.selinux=permissive SRC=/ANDEX-OREO
initrd /ANDEX-OREO/initrd.img
}

Language settings
You can (of course) run AndEX Nougat in any language. Just go to Settings and change to your preferred language. The changes will take immediate effect.

Wireless connections
Wifi works alright in AndEX Oreo. Just go to Settings and turn Wifi on.

Power off the system
Just press gently on your computer’s power button and you will get two alternatives. Power off or Restart.

Running AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and/or VMware
You can run AndEX Oreo Build 180614 (from the ISO file) very well live in VirtualBox and VMware. But you cannot install AndEX 8.1 to a virtual hard drive in VirtualBox and VMware. The install function doesn’t work. I.e. everything seems alright during the install process, but the system won’t boot from hard drive. You can, however, do a manual installation as describe above under Manual installation of AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and/or VMware. The install function in AndEX 7.1.2 Build 170619 and AndEX 7.0 Build 161107 work very well in VMware (and VirtualBox) though. Watch a slideshow, which shows all installation steps in VMware.

Becoming root is possible in AndEX Build 180614
You can become root by open up a terminal and su root. The app Root Explorer is also installed. Very useful I think. You can also become “Developer” by going to Settings >> About table >> and click several times on “Build number”. Watch this screenshot. As Developer you can do/test a lot of things. Watch this screenshot. In AndEX Marshmallow Build 170923 you can also su to become root. (Another good thing about that AndEX build is that Netflix works!).

What’s the point?
Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc. Also: In AndEX Oreo Build 180614 almost all apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store and via Aptoide App Manager. You can even install very big games (of 1GB or so), but unfortunately almost all such games need a touchscreen. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

NOTE1/WARNING1
You must use a fairly new/modern computer. Android-x86_64 Oreo won’t run (even start) on older computers. My other Android remaster KitKat 4.4.4 Build 180108 will run also on older computers.

NOTE2/WARNING2
Before you buy and download this version of AndEX Oreo you must be aware of that not all apps downloaded from Google Play Store or Aptoide App Manager can run in an Android-x86_64 system. Some very big (around 1GB) games for example won’t run. You must also be aware of that some (many) games need a touchscreen. Clash of Clans and Angry Birds work very well though.

KNOWN ISSUES
1. You can run AndEX Oreo live on many computers, but the install function doesn’t work. You’ll have to do a manual installation as described above.
2. You can’t install AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and VMware using the install function. You can run the system live very well though. You can also do a manual installation as describe above under Manual installation of AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox. After that everything will work very well while running AndEX Oreo from your virtual hard drive.
3. Bluetooth doesn’t work. (You can enable Bluetooth and see units though).
4. You can’t use Netflix. (You can install the Netflix app, but it won’t run).

And once again please note this
PREREQUISITE
The system can be installed manually to hard drive – see above. That’s sort of a FRUGAL installation used by Puppy Linux. To be able to do a frugal installation you must have at least one Linux system installed on your hard drive. You must also use Grub as bootloader. Running AndEX Oreo live: Use preferably Etcher or Rufus to create a bootable USB stick from the ISO file andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launchers-1050mb-180614.iso. Or burn the ISO file to a DVD and run the system from it.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Microsoft Launcher
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Microsoft Launcher – all apps
Screenshot 3 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 with Win 10 Launcher (not pre-installed)
Screenshot 4 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 running in VMware

DOWNLOAD
This version of AndEX Oreo 8.1 has been replaced by Build 180918…

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

6 Comments AndEXAndroidextonEXTON Linux systems

AndEX Oreo 8.1 (Android-x86_64) – Build 180202 – with Google Play Store working very well!

02
Feb
2018

NEWS 180202 about AndEX Oreo 8.1
My first build of AndEX Oreo 8.1 is from 180103. My new build of Android x86_64 – andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launchers-1060mb-180202.iso can be installed (manually) to hard drive or on a USB stick. You can also run the system live. I.e. from a DVD or a USB stick. On some computers you’ll have to start up AndEX 8.1 in compatibility mode (VESA) though. NOTE: You can run AndEX Oreo Build 180202 on newer laptops and Desktop computers. The sound and video performance is generally very very good.

MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILD 180202
Google Play Store now works as intended. As an alternative you can use Aptoide App Manager. Three nice special window launchers are pre-installed: Win 10 Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and OO Launcher. (OO Launcher is an enhanced Android™ O Oreo™ style launcher, with many useful enhanced launcher features). I’ve discovered a new way to manually install AndEX Oreo to hard drive. Very simple! Read more below.

Screenshot – AndEX Build 180202 – the Desktop with Win 10 Launcher for Android 8.1 Oreo – with several extra apps (games) – Koi Video Live Wallpaper, Air Fighters, Popcorn Time, Wild Hunt, Racing In Car 2, Drift Clash and Fishing Club 3D – not pre-installed.

MORE NEWS 180202: AndEX – Oreo 8.1 with kernel 4.9.54-exton-android-x86_64 and GAPPS
My new build of Android-x86_64 Oreo 8.1 have GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Play Games, Gmail and YouTube. Also many other apps. For example: Spotify, File Manager, Firefox, Root Explorer and Clash of Clans.

ABOUT AndEX Oreo
My compiled Android-x86_64 system (Oreo 8.1) can run and be installed on almost all newer laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. You can (of course) also run AndEX in VirtualBox and/or VMware. Unfortunately only live though. I can also mention that I could run my new Oreo version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500-317no Desktop Computer. You can only do a manual installation to hard drive. That can, however, even be done to a drive where you already have another Linux system (for example Ubuntu 17.10) installed. Read more below about how to do a very simple manual installation of AndEX Oreo 8.1.

Android Oreo 8.1 was released 171205.

About the Android-x86 project – my sources
All AndEX versions are dependent of the Android-x86 Project’s activity and development.

Clash of Clans (pre-installed) and other popular games
Clash of Clans (a very popular epic strategy game) works very very well. Perfect video quality and audio. If you have a touchscreen you can also (for example) run Wild Hunt, Flight Pilot, CSR Racing 2, Angry Birds, Bowmasters and Shooting King. Watch a screenshot of the desktop when I have installed the just mentioned game apps (in AndEX Nougat).

HOW TO do a simple manual installation (FRUGAL) of AndEX Oreo to hard drive
The system’s install function doesn’t work. I.e. everything seems alright during the install process, but the system won’t boot from hard drive. The system can therefore only be installed manually to hard drive. To be able to do that you must have at least one Linux system installed on your hard drive. You must also use Grub as bootloader. Follow these steps.
1. Use preferably Rufus to create a bootable USB stick from the ISO file andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launchers-1060mb-180202.iso.
2. Start up a Linux system (Ubuntu or…) on the computer where you want to have AndEX Oreo installed.
3. Create a special partition for AndEX Oreo or use the partition where you already have one Linux system installed. The one you just booted up or…
4. Create a folder called ANDEX-OREO-180202 (or…) in the root (/) of your new partition (formatted as ext4) or in the root of for example your Ubuntu system.
5. Create also the folder /ANDEX-OREO-180202/data. Very important! All your system changes will be saved to the folder data.
6. Now insert your USB stick with AndEX Oreo 8.1 and mount it (if not mounted automatically. You will see this.

As you can see there are 10 files on the USB stick. Transfer (copy) all om them to the folder ANDEX-OREO-180202. When you have done that the folder ANDEX-OREO-180202 will look like this.

You will now have 11 files in the folder ANDEX-OREO-180202 including the important folder data. As you can see I’ve presumed that you want to do a FRUGAL installation. I.e. have AndEX Oreo on the same partition you are running from. Now you must configure Grub to be able to boot up AndEX Oreo – see the example below.

About Grub and “dual-boot/multi-boot”
If you already have have one or more Linux systems installed on your hard drive (which you must have to be able to install AndEX Oreo Build 180103) you can see below how to use Grub2 (which Ubuntu and most other Linux systems use as boot loader). You should add these lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom – for example:
menuentry ‘AndEX 8.1 Oreo 180202 (sda8-FRUGAL)’ {
recordfail
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$grub_platform = xxen ]; then insmod xzio; insmod lzopio; fi
insmod part_gpt
insmod ext2
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 35527b5d-4652-4bcf-97b5-27ff3b1f267a
else
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 35527b5d-4652-4bcf-97b5-27ff3b1f267a
fi
linux /ANDEX-OREO-180202/kernel root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.selinux=permissive DPI=160 UVESA_MODE=1366×768 SRC=/ANDEX-OREO-180202
initrd /ANDEX-OREO-180202/initrd.img
}

NOTE 1: On some computers you may have to add nomodeset to the linux boot line. If so you may also have to remove DPI=160 and UVESA_MODE=1366×768 from the linux boot line. AndEX won’t start otherwise or you won’t have sound.

NOTE 2: The DPI=160 entry provides a hint about the display’s pixel density in dots per inch. This is an important setting — if the Android display’s icons and text look too small and crowded, increase this number. If things seem too big, make it smaller.

NOTE 3: The UVESA_MODE=1366×768 entry describes the display size. This is also an important setting. If you know your display’s actual dimensions, enter them here. But not all dimensions work – it sometimes happens that a display specification that’s possible in principle isn’t feasible in practice.

If you use Grub Legacy (which is very unusual today) you should add these lines to /boot/grub/menu.lst
title AndEX Oreo 8.1 – 180202 (sda8)
root (hd0,7)
kernel /ANDEX-OREO-180202/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.selinux=permissive SRC=/ANDEX-OREO-180202
initrd /ANDEX-OREO-180202/initrd.img

Manual installation of AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and/or VMware
You can (of course) also do a manual (FRUGAL) installation – as described above – also in VirtualBox and/or VMware. After such an installation everything will work very good. Do it like this.
1. Install a Linux system on a virtual partition of at least 20 GB in for example VirtualBox. Use Grub2 as boot loader. In this example I use ExLight Build 180214.
2. Start up ExLight and download the ISO file andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launchers-1060mb-180202.iso to /root.
3. Create the folder mnt and mount the ISO file there – watch this screenshot.
4. Create the folder /ANDEX-OREO and /ANDEX-OREO/data.
5. Copy all files from the folder mnt to /ANDEX-OREO – watch this screenshot. Be sure to also copy the hidden folder mnt/.disk to /ANDEX-OREO.
6. Finally edit /boot/grub/grub.cfg as this screenshot shows. Your Grub menu will then look like this. I.e. add these start lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg:
menuentry ‘AndEX Oreo 8.1 (sda1/VirtualBox-FRUGAL)’ {
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$grub_platform = xxen ]; then insmod xzio; insmod lzopio; fi
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’hd0,msdos1′
linux /ANDEX-OREO/kernel root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.selinux=permissive SRC=/ANDEX-OREO
initrd /ANDEX-OREO/initrd.img
}

Language settings
You can (of course) run AndEX Nougat in any language. Just go to Settings and change to your preferred language. The changes will take immediate effect.

Wireless connections
Wifi works alright in AndEX Oreo. Just go to Settings and turn Wifi on.

Power off the system
Just press gently on your computer’s power button and you will get two alternatives. Power off or Restart.

Running AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and/or VMware
You can run AndEX Oreo Build 180202 (from the ISO file) very well live in VirtualBox and VMware. But you cannot install AndEX 8.1 to a virtual hard drive in VirtualBox and VMware. The install function doesn’t work. I.e. everything seems alright during the install process, but the system won’t boot from hard drive. You can, however, do a manual installation as describe above under Manual installation of AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and/or VMware. The install function in AndEX 7.1.2 Build 170619 and AndEX 7.0 Build 161107 work very well in VMware (and VirtualBox) though. Watch a slideshow, which shows all installation steps in VMware.

Becoming root
You can’t become root by open up a terminal and su root. The app Root Explorer is however installed. Very useful I think. You can also become “Developer” by going to Settings >> About table >> and click several times on “Build number”. Watch this screenshot. As Developer you can do/test a lot of things. Watch this screenshot. In AndEX Marshmallow Build 170923 you can su to become root. (Another good thing about that AndEX build is that Netflix works!).

What’s the point?
Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc. Also: In AndEX Oreo Build 180202 almost all apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store and via Aptoide App Manager. You can even install very big games (of 1GB or so), but unfortunately almost all such games need a touchscreen. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

NOTE1/WARNING1
You must use a fairly new/modern computer. Android-x86_64 Oreo won’t run (even start) on older computers. My other Android remaster KitKat 4.4.4 Build 180108 will run also on older computers.

NOTE2/WARNING2
Before you buy and download this version of AndEX Oreo you must be aware of that not all apps downloaded from Google Play Store or Aptoide App Manager can run in an Android-x86_64 system. Some very big (around 1GB) games for example won’t run. You must also be aware of that some (many) games need a touchscreen. Clash of Clans and Angry Birds work very good though.

KNOWN ISSUES
1. You can run AndEX Oreo live on many computers, but the install function doesn’t work. You’ll have to do a manual installation as described above.
2. You can’t install AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and VMware. You can run the system live very well though. You can also do a manual installation as describe above under Manual installation of AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox. After that everything will work very well while running AndEX Oreo from your virtual hard drive.
3. Bluetooth doesn’t work. (You can enable Bluetooth and see units though).
4. You can’t use Netflix. (You can install the Netflix app, but it won’t run).
5. You can use the YouTube app, but he sound is better when running YouTube in Firefox or Google Chrome.

And once again please note this
PREREQUISITE
The system can be installed manually to hard drive – see above. That’s sort of a FRUGAL installation used by Puppy Linux. To be able to do a frugal installation you must have at least one Linux system installed on your hard drive. You must also use Grub as bootloader. Running AndEX Oreo live: Use preferably Etcher or Rufus to create a bootable USB stick from the ISO file andex_x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-windows-launchers-1060mb-180202.iso. Or burn the ISO file to a DVD and run the system from it.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Win 10 Launcher 1
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Win 10 Launcher 2
Screenshot 3 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Microsoft Launcher
Screenshot 4 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with OO Launcher
Screenshot 5 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 running in VMware

DOWNLOAD
This build of AndEX Oreo has been replaced by Build 180614.

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

9 Comments AndEXAndroidextonEXTON Linux systems

AndEX Oreo 8.1 (Android-x86_64) – Build 180103 – with GAPPS, Aptoide App Manager and Win 10 Launcher

03
Jan
2018

NEWS 180103 about AndEX Oreo 8.1
My new build of Android x86_64 – andex-x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-aptoide-windows-1280mb-180103.iso can be installed to hard drive or on a USB stick. You can also run the system live. I.e. from a DVD or a USB stick. On some computers you’ll have to start up AndEX 8.1 in compatibility mode (VESA) though. NOTE: You can run AndEX Oreo Build 180103 on newer laptops and Desktop computers. The sound and video performance is generally very very good.

WARNING
Google Play Store doesn’t work in AndEX Oreo 8.1 because you can’t sign in to Google. Aptoide App Manager is a good replacement though, since Google Play Services work. I.e. you can install Google apps via Aptoide. Google Play Services are needed for YouTube (the app) and Clash of Clans to work.

Screenshot – AndEX Build 180103 – the Desktop with Win 10 Launcher for Android 8.1 Oreo

MORE NEWS 180103: AndEX – Oreo 8.1 with kernel 4.9.54-exton-android-x86_64 and GAPPS
My new build of Android-x86_64 Oreo 8.1 have GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store 8.5.39.W-all, Aptoide App Manager 8.6.02, Google Play Games, Gmail and YouTube 12.45.56. Also many other apps. For example: Spotify 8.4.31.723, File Manager 2.2.0.199, Firefox 57.0.1, Google Chrome 63.0.32, Clash of Clans 9.434.4 and Popcorn Time 2.8.0.2.

ABOUT AndEX Oreo
My compiled Android-x86_64 system (Oreo 8.1) can run and be installed on almost all newer laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. You can (of course) also run AndEX in VirtualBox and/or VMware. Unfortunately only live though. I can also mention that I could run my new Oreo version without problems on a HP Pavilion 500-317no Desktop Computer. You can only do a manual installation to hard drive. That can, however, even be done to a drive where you already have another Linux system (for example Ubuntu 17.10) installed. Read more below about how to do a manual installation of AndEX Oreo 8.1.

Android Oreo 8.1 was released 171205.

About the Android-x86 project – my sources
All AndEX versions are dependent of the Android-x86 Project’s activity and development.

Clash of Clans (pre-installed) and other popular games
Clash of Clans (a very popular epic strategy game) works very very well. Perfect video quality and audio. If you have a touchscreen you can also (for example) run Wild Hunt, Flight Pilot, CSR Racing 2, Angry Birds, Bowmasters and Shooting King. Watch a screenshot of the desktop when I have installed the just mentioned game apps (in AndEX Nougat).

HOW TO do a manual installation (FRUGAL) of AndEX Oreo to hard drive
The system’s install function doesn’t work. I.e. everything seems alright during the install process, but the system won’t boot from hard drive. The system can therefore only be installed manually to hard drive. To be able to do that you must have at least one Linux system installed on your hard drive. You must also use Grub as bootloader. Follow these steps.
1. Use preferably Rufus to create a bootable USB stick from the ISO file andex-x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-aptoide-windows-1280mb-180103.iso.
2. Start up a Linux system (Ubuntu or…) on the computer where you want to have AndEX Oreo installed.
3. Create a special partition for AndEX Oreo or use the partition where you already have one Linux system installed. The one you just booted up or…
4. Create a folder called ANDEX-OREO-180103 (or…) in the root (/) of your new partition (formatted as ext4) or in the root of for example your Ubuntu system.
5. Create also the folders ANDEX-OREO-180103/data and ANDEX-OREO-180103/system.
6. Now insert your USB stick with AndEX Oreo 8.1 and mount it. You will see that there are 16 files on the USB stick – screenshot. Copy three files – kernel, ramdisk.img and initrd.img to the folder ANDEX-OREO-180103. The folder ANDEX-OREO-180103 will now have five files – screenshot. Copy the file system.sfs to (for example) your home folder and open it with the command unsquashfs system.sfs. You will then get a system folder called squashfs-root.
7. Now you must run the very important command (as root): cp -av squashfs-root/* /ANDEX-OREO-180103/system – screenshot
As you can see I’ve presumed that you want to do a FRUGAL installation. I.e. have AndEX Oreo on the same partition you are running from. Now you must configure Grub to be able to boot up AndEX Oreo – see the example below.

About Grub and “dual-boot/multi-boot”
If you already have have one or more Linux systems installed on your hard drive (which you must have to be able to install AndEX Oreo Build 180103) you can see below how to use Grub2 (which Ubuntu and most other Linux systems use as boot loader). You should add these lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom – for example:
menuentry ‘AndEX 8.1 Oreo 180103 (sda8-FRUGAL)’ {
recordfail
load_video
insmod gzio
if [ x$grub_platform = xxen ]; then insmod xzio; insmod lzopio; fi
insmod part_gpt
insmod ext2
if [ x$feature_platform_search_hint = xy ]; then
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 35527b5d-4652-4bcf-97b5-27ff3b1f267a
else
search –no-floppy –fs-uuid –set=root 35527b5d-4652-4bcf-97b5-27ff3b1f267a
fi
linux /ANDEX-OREO-180103/kernel root=/dev/ram0 nomodeset androidboot.hardware=android_x86_64 androidboot.selinux=permissive DPI=160 UVESA_MODE=1366×768 SRC=/ANDEX-OREO-180103
initrd /ANDEX-OREO-180103/initrd.img
}

NOTE 1: On some computers you may have to add nomodeset to the linux boot line. If so you may also have to remove DPI=140 and UVESA_MODE=1920×1080 from the linux boot line. AndEX won’t start otherwise or you won’t have sound.

NOTE 2: The DPI=140 entry provides a hint about the display’s pixel density in dots per inch. This is an important setting — if the Android display’s icons and text look too small and crowded, increase this number. If things seem too big, make it smaller.

NOTE 3: The UVESA_MODE=1920×1080 entry describes the display size. This is also an important setting. If you know your display’s actual dimensions, enter them here. But not all dimensions work – it sometimes happens that a display specification that’s possible in principle isn’t feasible in practice.

If you use Grub Legacy (which is very unusual today) you should add these lines to /boot/grub/menu.lst
title AndEX Oreo 8.1 – 180103 (sda8)
root (hd0,7)
kernel /ANDEX-OREO-180103/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86_64 \
androidboot.selinux=permissive nomodeset SRC=/ANDEX-OREO-180103
initrd /ANDEX-OREO-180103/initrd.img

Language settings
You can (of course) run AndEX Nougat in any language. Just go to Settings and change to your preferred language. The changes will take immediate effect.

Wireless connections
Wifi works alright in AndEX Oreo. Just go to Settings and turn Wifi on.

Power off the system
Just press gently on your computer’s power button and you will get two alternatives. Power off or Restart.

Running AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and/or VMware
You can run AndEX Oreo Build 180103 (from the ISO file) very well live in VirtualBox and VMware. But you cannot install AndEX 8,1 to a virtual hard drive in VirtualBox and VMware. The install function doesn’t work. I.e. everything seems alright during the install process, but the system won’t boot from hard drive. AndEX 7.1.2 Build 170619 and AndEX 7.0 Build 161107 work very well in VMware (and VirtualBox) though. Watch a slideshow, which shows all installation steps in VMware.

What’s the point?
Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc. Also: In AndEX Oreo Build 180103 almost all apps and games can be installed NOT via Google Play Store, but via Aptoide App Manager. You can even install very big games (of 1GB or so), but unfortunately almost all such games need a touchscreen. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

NOTE1/WARNING1
Google Play Store doesn’t work because you can’t sign in to Google. Aptoide App Manager is a good replacement though, since Google Play Services work. I.e. you can install Google apps via Aptoide.

NOTE2/WARNING2
You must use a fairly new/modern computer. Android-x86_64 Oreo won’t run (even start) on older computers. My other Android remaster KitKat 4.4.4 Build 160214 will run also on older computers.

NOTE3/WARNING3
Before you buy and download this version of AndEX Oreo you must be aware of that not all apps downloaded from Aptoide App Manager can run in an Android-x86_64 system. Some very big (around 1GB) games for example won’t run. You must also be aware of that some (many) games need a touchscreen. Clash of Clans and Angry Birds work very good though.

KNOWN ISSUES
1. You can run AndEX Oreo live on many computers, but the install function doesn’t work. You’ll have to do a manual installation as described on my above.
2. You can’t install AndEX Oreo in VirtualBox and VMware. You can run the system live very well though.
3. Bluetooth doesn’t work. (You can enable Bluetooth and see units though).
4. You can’t use Netflix. (You can install the Netflix app, but it won’t run).
5. You can use the YouTube app, but he sound is better when running YouTube in Firefox or Google Chrome.

And once again please note this
PREREQUISITE
The system can be installed manually to hard drive – see above. That’s sort of a FRUGAL installation used by Puppy Linux. To be able to do a frugal installation you must have at least one Linux system installed on your hard drive. You must also use Grub as bootloader. Running AndEX Oreo live: Use preferably Rufus to create a bootable USB stick from the ISO andex-x86_64-oreo-8.1-gapps-aptoide-windows-1280mb-180103.iso. Or burn the ISO file to a DVD and run the system from it.

Screenshots
Screenshot 1 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Win 10 Launcher
Screenshot 2 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 Desktop with Microsoft Launcher
Screenshot 3 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – Aptoide App Manager running
Screenshot 4 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – Boot animation
Screenshot 5 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – Desktop with Win 10 Launcher
Screenshot 6 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – AndEX Oreo running Google Maps
Screenshot 7 – AndEX Oreo 8.1 – AndEX Oreo first screen after boot – choose launcher

DOWNLOAD
This build (180103) has been replaced by AndEX Oreo 8.1 Build 180202.

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

5 Comments AndEXAndroidEXTON Linux systems

AndEX (Android-x86) Marshmallow 6.0.1 – 64bit – with GAPPS and Netflix (!) working very well – Build 170923

23
Sep
2017

NEWS 170923 – AndEX 64bit – Marshmallow 6.0.1 with GAPPS and Netflix (!) working
My build of Android-x86_64 Marshmallow 6.0.1 has GAPPS pre-installed. I.e. Google Play Services 11.5.09, Google Play Store 8.1.29.S-all, Google Chrome 60.0.3112.116, Gmail 7.9.10 and more apps. For example: Netflix 4.16.1, Spotify 8.4.21.495, Firefox 55.0.2, Aptoide App Manager 8.4.1.2, Termux 0.53 and Clash of Clans 9.105.10. The ISO is called android_x86_64-marshmallow-6.0.1-gapps-netflix-970mb-170923.iso. AndEX Marshmallow 64bit Build 170923 is totally error-free (as far as I know). Everything just works! About Google Play Services – read below and see this slideshow.

Google Play Services
When you start up AndEX Marshmallow Build 170923 for the first time you will get an error message saying that “Google Play Services has stopped”. (As in my previous builds of AndEX). This is easily fixed by going to Settings – Apps – Google Play Services. Give Google Play Services ALL permissions. After that you won’t see any more error messages.

Based on the latest stable Android-x86_64 Marshmallow version
Android-x86 project’s Marshmallow stable version was released 160913. AndEX Marshmallow Build 170923 uses (of course) the Android-x86 project’s sources.

About
My compiled Android-x86_64 system (Marshmallow 6.0.1) can run live (from CD) or be installed on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. The Android system is distributed in the form of an ISO file as the rest of my Linux distributions. I.e. you must (as usual) burn the ISO file to a DVD if you want to run the system live on your computer or install it to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong.

More about AndEX Marshmallow 64 bit
Marshmallow 6.0.1 is the second latest version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. I call my remaster of it AndEX Marshmallow 64bit Live DVD. It uses “my” special kernel 4.4.20-exton-android-x86_64 with some extra features. I.e. extra drivers. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2016-02-14 will also cost you 9 $. I has one advantage over the Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop AndEX versions: The system can be used also on older laptops. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version 160214 or DOWNLOAD it instantly.

Wireless connections
Wifi works alright in AndEX Marshmallow. Just go to Settings and turn Wifi on. Unfortunately the support for Broadcom Wireless cards is not complete (in the Android-x86 project). I have experience from two different cards – BCM4311 and BCM43142. The first mentioned one works.

VirtualBox installation of AndEX Marshmallow
You can run AndEX Marshmallow live in VirtualBox. I.e. the system will start up properly, and you can even install new apps. While running for example YouTube and Spotify you will, however, notice that the sound is distorted. Once installed to hard drive (virtually) in VirtualBox the system works very well. Note: My Lollipop (160215) and KitKat (160214) versions can also run very well in VirtualBox. The Lollipop and KitKat AndEX systems can also run very well live in VirtualBox.

Running AndEX Marshmallow in VMware
AndEX Marshmallow Build 170923 works very well in VMware Workstation. You can for example run Netflix, YouTube and Spotify with excellent sound. The video performance is also very good. Watch a screenshot when Netflix is running.

About running Netflix
Before you start Netflix you should go to Settings >> Apps compatibility >> Enable native Bridge. Watch this screenshot. (I’m not sure if this is absolutely necessary, but…). When a movie in Netflix starts the audio will be in Spanish. Change it to English, French or German. Watch this screenshot. Note: When running AndEX Marshmallow live (i.e. from a DVD or USB stick or live in VirtualBox or VMware) it can happen that you get an error message when you try to start Netflix. Just try again and/or wait a few minutes. When running AndEX from hard drive Netflix starts immediately when you want. Note also: Whatever you do don’t try to upgrade Netflix. No other version than the one pre-installed will work.

Becoming root
You can su to become root. Watch this screenshot.

Running games
I knew from before that Clash of Clans (pre-installed) works very well. Just for fun I tried to install some very big games in AndEX Marshmallow. Some needed a touchscreen and others wouldn’t run. One very big game (about 300 MB in download size) called Sky Force Reloaded ran very well though.

What’s the point?
Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc. Also: In AndEX Marshmallow Build 170923 almost all apps and games can be installed via Google Play Store. Note also that Netflix works very well in this AndEX Build. Still not convinced? Then read my article about “How useful an Androx-x86 system can be for the average computer user“.

Installing new apps in AndEX Marshmallow 64 bit
Use Google Play Store or Aptoide App Manager, which are pre-installed. Just make your choices! See screenshots when I’m installing Spotify, Google Chrome and YouTube while running AndEX Marshmallow from hard drive.

Install the system to hard drive
Say for example that you have a laptop with Windows 10 installed as the only operating system. If you just create one extra partition of about 5 GB you can install Android Marshmallow on this extra partition and then “dual-boot”. I.e. you can turn on your computer (called “booting it up”) and decide whether you want to start Windows or Android Marshmallow. Grub will be installed as boot handler/loader during the installation of Android Marshmallow. Note: The installation will take only about one minute. And the installation to hard drive is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.

More about Grub and “dual-boot/multi-boot”
If you already have have one or more Linux systems installed on your computer you should skip installing Grub during the installation of AndEX. If you use Grub2 (which Ubuntu and most other Linux systems use as boot loader) you should instead add these lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom – for example:
menuentry ‘Android-x86_64 6.0.1 Marshmallow 170923 (sda8)’ {
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’hd0,msdos8′
linux /android-2016-09-22/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86_64 \
acpi_sleep=s3_bios,s3_mode SRC=/android-2016-09-22 DPI=140 \
UVESA_MODE=1920×1080
initrd /android-2016-09-22/initrd.img
}

NOTE 1: On some computers you may have to add nomodeset to the linux boot line. If so you may also have to remove DPI=140 and UVESA_MODE=1920×1080 from the linux boot line. (AndEX won’t start otherwise).

NOTE 2: The DPI=140 entry provides a hint about the display’s pixel density in dots per inch. This is an important setting – if the Android display’s icons and text look too small and crowded, increase this number. If things seem too big, make it smaller.

NOTE 3: The UVESA_MODE=1920×1080 entry describes the display size. This is also an important setting. If you know your display’s actual dimensions, enter them here. But not all dimensions work – it sometimes happens that a display specification that’s possible in principle isn’t feasible in practice.

If you use Grub Legacy (which is very unusual today even though Android Marshmallow uses it) you should add these lines to /boot/grub/menu.lst
title Android-x86_64 6.0.1 Nougat 170923 (sda8)
root (hd0,7)
kernel /android-2016-09-22/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86_64 \
SRC=/android-2016-09-22
initrd /android-2016-09-22/initrd.img

USB installation
Read my instruction.

REPLACEMENT
Version 170923 replaces version 160922.

Screenshots
AndEX Marshmallow’s Desktop with some extra apps (Kodi 17.4 and YouTube)
AndEX Marshmallow running Netflix in VMware
AndEX Marshmallow running Google Play Store
AndEX Marshmallow running Aptoide App Manager
AndEX Marshmallow running Kodi
AndEX root session
AndEX Marshmallow running the famous game Clash of Clans (pre-installed)
AndEX Marshmallow running Spotify

DOWNLOAD for 9 $ android_x86_64-marshmallow-6.0.1-gapps-netflix-970mb-170923.iso
md5sum

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

4 Comments AndEXAndroidextonEXTON Linux systems

Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build 6 with GAPPS, kernel 4.0.0-exton-android-x86 and Mesa 10.5.4

06
Jun
2015

kitkat-exton-v6-20150606-smallAndroid-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Exton build 150606, version 6, is a total rebuild.
I’ve added Mesa 10.5.4 for better Graphic performance. The system can run live (from CD or a USB stick) on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Ausus laptops. The Android system is distributed in the form of an ISO file as the rest of my Linux distributions. I.e. you must (as usual) burn the ISO file to a CD if you want to run the system live on your computer or install it to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong. You can easily install the system to your hard drive and install new apps. You can also install new apps while running the system live. Google Play Store is pre-installed so you can just make your choices…

Used kernel
4.0.0-exton-android-x86.

Replacement
This version (version 6) replaces all my previous (5) Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat builds. In version 6 I’ve added GAPPS. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Chrome, Maps, YouTube and more apps (for example OfficeSuite). Everything just works. It can happen that you get some error messages, but don’t worry. Just close the “error windows”. The installed apps will work.

Running Android-x86 Exton build version 6 with GAPPS
When you run the system for the first time from CD you’ll get the chance to update Google Play Services to the latest version. Watch this slideshow.

Wireless connections
When the system has booted up you will normally be asked to configure you wireless network. Unfortunately the Android-x86 project doesn’t support Broadcom wifi cards. Necessary Broadcom drivers can be installed in other Linux systems (for example in Ubuntu), but not (yet) in an Android-x86 system. So if you have a Broadcom wireless card and want to run AndEX you’ll have to use a wired connection.

Install to hard drive
Say for example that you have a laptop with Windows 8.1 installed as the only operating system. If you just create one extra partition of about 5 GB you can install Android KitKat on this extra partition and then “dual-boot”. I.e. you can turn on your computer (called “booting it up”) and decide whether you want to start Windows or Android KitKat. Grub will be installed as boot handler during the installation of Android KitKat.

More about Grub and “dual-boot/multi-boot”
If you already have have one or more Linux systems installed on your computer you should skip installing Grub during the installation of Android KitKat. If you use Grub2 (which Ubuntu and most other Linux systems use as boot loader) you should instead add these lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom:
(Example):
menuentry ‘Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat 150606 (sda8)’ {
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’hd0,msdos8′
linux /android-2015-05-04/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86 SRC=/android-2015-05-04
initrd /android-2015-05-04/initrd.img
}

If you use Grub Legacy (which is very unusual today even though Android KitKat uses it) you should add thease lines to /boot/grub/menu.lst
title Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat 150606 (sda8)
root (hd0,7)
kernel /android-2015-05-04/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86 SRC=/android-2015-05-04
initrd /android-2015-05-04/initrd.img

USB installation
Read my instruction. It is for AndEX (Android) Lollipop, but the same instruction works for my KitKat version. You can run Android-x86 from a USB stick with persistence. I.e. all system changes will be saved on the stick.

NOTE ABOUT BIOS CHANGES
You’ll have to make changes in BIOS (boot order) so that your computer will start up from the CD or USB stick before the hard drive. On a new computer you may also have to change from UEFI Boot to Legacy Boot.

Runs in VirtualBox
You can also run/test the system in VirtualBox. I.e. run it directly from the ISO file and even install it to a hard drive created in VirtualBox. Note: A Lollipop Android-x86 system can normally not run in VirtualBox.

Updates
If you install Andriod-x86 to hard drive or to a USB stick with persistence installed apps will be automatically updated/upgraded via Google Play Store. The system will check for updates all the time or after a reboot. It works in the same way as on your Android phone.

ATI Radeon compatibility
I can mention that this KitKat Build 6 works on my old Acer Aspire 5102WLMi AMD with ATI Radeon Xpress 1100. Many 3D games run just fine.

What’s the point?
Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc. Read my article About how useful an Android-x86 system can be for the average computer user.

Screenshots
The Galactic Core Live Desktop pic 1
The “Live fish” Desktop pic 2
The “Live tiger” Desktop pic 3
The “Live fish in the sea” Desktop pic 4
The “Live aquarium” Desktop pic 5

DOWNLOAD
This version (6) has been replaced by version 7 Build 150721

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

13 Comments AndEXAndroid

Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build 5 with kernel 4.0.0-exton-android-x86 and GAPPS

06
May
2015

android-x86-kitkat-exton-150504-desktop-smallAndroid-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Exton build version 5 is a total rebuild. The system can run live (from CD or a USB stick) on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Ausus laptops. The Android system is distributed in the form of an ISO file as the rest of my Linux distributions. I.e. you must (as usual) burn the ISO file to a CD if you want to run the system live on your computer or install it to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong. You can easily install the system to your hard drive and install new apps. You can also install new apps while running the system live. Google Play Store and is pre-installed so you can just make your choices…

Used kernel
4.0.0-exton-android-x86. Kernel 4.0.0 is the second latest kernel as of 150504.

Replacement
This version (version 5) replaces all my previous (4) Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat builds. In version 5 I’ve added GAPPS. I.e. Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google+, Maps, YouTube and more apps. Everything just works. It can happen that you get some error messages, but don’t worry. Just close the “error windows”. The installed apps will work.

Running Android-x86 Exton build version 5 with GAPPS
When you run the system for the first time from CD you’ll get the chance to update Google Play Services to the latest version. Watch this slideshow.

Wireless connections
When the system has booted up you will normally be asked to configure you wireless network. Unfortunately the Android-x86 project doesn’t support Broadcom wifi cards. Necessary Broadcom drivers can be installed in other Linux systems (for example in Ubuntu), but not (yet) in an Android-x86 system. So if you have a Broadcom wireless card and want to run AndEX you’ll have to use a wired connection.

Install to hard drive
Say for example that you have a laptop with Windows 8.1 installed as the only operating system. If you just create one extra partition of about 5 GB you can install Android KitKat on this extra partition and then “dual-boot”. I.e. you can turn on your computer (called “booting it up”) and decide whether you want to start Windows or Android KitKat. Grub will be installed as boot handler during the installation of Android KitKat.

More about Grub and “dual-boot/multi-boot”
If you already have have one or more Linux systems installed on your computer you should skip installing Grub during the installation of Android KitKat. If you use Grub2 (which Ubuntu and most other Linux systems use as boot loader) you should instead add these lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom:
(Example):
menuentry ‘Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat 150504 (sda8)’ {
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’hd0,msdos8′
linux /android-2015-05-04/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86 SRC=/android-2015-05-04
initrd /android-2015-05-04/initrd.img
}

If you use Grub Legacy (which is very unusual today even though Android KitKat uses it) you should add thease lines to /boot/grub/menu.lst
title Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat 150504 (sda8)
root (hd0,7)
kernel /android-2015-05-04/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86 SRC=/android-2015-05-04
initrd /android-2015-05-04/initrd.img

USB installation
Read my instruction. It is for AndEX (Android) Lollipop, but the same instruction works for my KitKat version. You can run Android-x86 from a USB stick with persistence. I.e. all system changes will be saved on the stick.

NOTE ABOUT BIOS CHANGES
You’ll have to make changes in BIOS (boot order) so that your computer will start up from the CD or USB stick before the hard drive. On a new computer you may also have to change from UEFI Boot to Legacy Boot.

Runs in VirtualBox
You can also run/test the system in VirtualBox. I.e. run it directly from the ISO file and even install it to a hard drive created in VirtualBox. Note: A Lollipop Android-x86 system can normally not run in VirtualBox.

Updates
If you install Andriod-x86 to hard drive or to a USB stick with persistence installed apps will be automatically updated/upgraded via Google Play Store. The system will check for updates all the time or after a reboot. It works in the same way as on your Android phone.

What’s the point?
Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc. Read my article About how useful an Android-x86 system can be for the average computer user.

Screenshots
The “live fish” Desktop pic 1
The “live tiger” Desktop pic 2
The “live fish in the sea” Desktop pic 3
The “live aqarium” Desktop pic 4

This version (build 5) has been replaced by build 6 released 150606.

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

47 Comments AndEXAndroid

About how useful an Android-x86 system can be for the average computer user

05
May
2015

kitkat-desktop-small-waterfall-wpA great discovery
This morning I discovered (once again) how useful an Android-x86 system can be. As a matter of fact it can do everything the average computer user needs to do! I.e. you can browse the Internet with different browsers (for example Google Chrome), easily check your mail with the app Gmail or other apps, watch YouTube movies with the YouTube app, handle Facebook with the Facebook app, edit your photos with PicsArt Photo Studio and manage all kinds of documents with QuickOffice or WPS Office. You’ll have to have Google Play Store installed though. And as an extra “App Finder” Aptoide App Manager (when you can’t find the app you want on Google Play Store).

Replacement for Windows, Mac or even Linux Desktop systems?
Some belive what I just said. The Android-x86 Project (Run Android on your PC) is about porting the Android Open Source Project to x86 platform. My Android-x86 version 5 of May 4, 2015 has just about everything the average computer user can wish for pre-installed.

Pre-installed apps and prerequisites
Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Exton build version 5 can run live (from CD) on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Asus laptops. The Android system is distributed in the form of an ISO file as the rest of my Linux distributions. I.e. you must (as usual) burn the ISO file to a CD if you want to run the system live on your computer or install it to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong. You can also very easy install the system to your hard drive and install new apps. You can also install new apps while running the system live. Google Play Store and Aptoide App Manager are pre-installed so you can just make your choice. My Android-x86 version 5 replaces version 1 and version 2 of my Android-x86 KitKat builds. In version 5 I’ve added the following apps: Google Play Store (quite difficult to install) Aptoide App Manager, YouTube, Nature Live Wallpapers, Rotation Control Lite, Facebook, WPS Office, QuickOffice, QuickPic and PicsArt Photo Studio.

Running Android-x86 Exton build version 5
When you run the system for the first time from CD, a USB stick or hard drive you can install Google Maps and Google+. You’ll also get the chance to update Google Play Services to the latest version. Watch this slideshow.

Install Android-x86 Exton build version 5 to hard drive
That can be done virtually in VirtualBox if you don’t want to touch your hard drive.. I.e. run it directly from the ISO file and install it to a hard drive created in VirtualBox. You can of course also make a “real” hard drive installation – see my instructions. Be sure to create a install partition of about 5 GB in advance with the filesystem ext4 if you already use Grub as boot manager or the filesystem ext3 if you want to install Grub during the installation of Android-x86.

USB installation
Also a very smart way ro run an Android-x86 system if you don’t want to touch your hard drive. Installing Android-x86 to a “good” USB pen drive is almost as useful as having the system on a hard drive. I.e. if you install my Android-x86 version 5 on (for example) a SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 stick the system will run very fast. And you can enjoy persistence of you follow my instructions under A). It is for AndEX (Android) Lollipop, but the same instruction works for my KitKat version.

Screenshots
The “live fish” Desktop pic 1
The “live tiger” Desktop pic 2
The “live fish in the sea” Desktop pic 3
The “live aqarium” Desktop pic 4

DOWNLOAD android-x86-4.4.4-kitkat-kernel4-exton-GAPPS-500mb-150504.iso for 9 $


md5sum

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

4 Comments AndEXAndroid

Android KitKat 4.4.4 x86 – Exton build – for laptops

07
Mar
2015

Android logoI have compiled an Android x86 system (KitKat 4.4.4), which can run live (from CD) or be installed on almost all laptops (and some Desktop computers). For example Acer (Aspire), HP, Samsung, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Thinkpad, Fujitsu, Panasonic and Ausus laptops. The Android system is distributed in the form of an ISO file as the rest of my Linux distributions. I.e. you must (as usual) burn the ISO file to a CD if you want to run the system live on your computer or install it to hard drive. Read about how to burn ISO files. Or skip that. Just use ImgBurn. Nothing can go wrong.

Replacement for Windows, Mac or even Linux Desktop systems?
Some belive what I just said. The Android-x86 Project (Run Android on your PC) is about porting the Android Open Source Project to x86 platform. The Android-x86 Project’s latest release is Android-x86 4.4-r2 from 2015-01-01. The ISO file can be downloaded for free from SourceForge.net or Softpedia. My Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 build from 2015-03-01 will cost you 7 $. It has three advantages over the my free Lollipop 5.0.2 version: Google Play Store is pre-installed, a newer kernel (3.18.2) is used and you can run the system in VirtualBox. Read more about the KitKat 4.4.4 version or DOWNLOAD it instantly…

Boot screen

Kernel
Kernel 3.18.2-android-x86+ is used.

Installing new apps
Google Play Store is pre-installed (among many other apps) so you can just go ahead and make your choices…

Install the system to hard drive
Say for example that you have a laptop with Windows 8.1 installed as the only operating system. If you just create one extra partition of about 5 GB you can install Android KitKat on this extra partition and then “dual-boot”. I.e. you can turn on your computer (called “booting it up”) and decide whether you want to start Windows or Android KitKat. Grub will be installed as boot handler/loader during the installation of Android KitKat. Note: The installation will take only about one minute. And the installation to hard drive is so simple that a 10 year old child can do it.

More about Grub and “dual-boot/multi-boot”
If you already have have one or more Linux systems installed on your computer you should skip installing Grub during the installation of Android KitKat. If you use Grub2 (which Ubuntu and most other Linux systems use as boot loader) you should instead add these lines to /boot/grub/grub.cfg or /etc/grub.d/40_custom
menuentry ‘Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat 150301 (sda8)’ {
insmod gzio
insmod part_msdos
insmod ext2
set root=’hd0,msdos8′
linux /android-2015-03-01/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86 SRC=/android-2015-03-01
initrd /android-2015-03-01/initrd.img
}

If you use Grub Legacy (which is very unusual today even though Android KitKat uses it) you should add thease lines to /boot/grub/menu.lst
title Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat 150301 (sda8)
root (hd0,7)
kernel /android-2015-03-01/kernel quiet root=/dev/ram0 androidboot.hardware=android_x86 SRC=/android-2015-03-01
initrd /android-2015-03-01/initrd.img

USB installation
Read my instruction. It is for AndEX (Android) Lollipop, but the same instruction works for my KitKat version.

NOTE ABOUT BIOS CHANGES
You’ll have to make changes in BIOS (boot order) so that your computer will start up from the CD or USB stick before the hard drive. On a new computer you may also have to change from UEFI Boot to Legacy Boot. On my new HP Pavilion Desktop computer it looks like this.
bios-hp-pavilion

VirtualBox
You can also (of course) run/test the system in VirtualBox. I.e. run it directly from the ISO file and even install it to a hard drive created in VirtualBox.

What’s the point?
Well, if you like your Android phone and all the apps you have installed on it I’m sure you will also like to run apps from your laptop. Bigger screen and better sound etc.

Screenshots
The boot screen
The welcome screen
The Desktop (after I have added a few apps)
All apps (after I have added a few)
Google Play Store is used
The file manager is used
Poweroff

NOTE
This version has been replaced by version 5 150504 with kernel 4.0.0-exton-android-x86 and GAPPS

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

4 Comments AndEXAndroid