Chromebooks Get Closer to Linux with New Terminal Feature for Graphical Apps.

Key Takeaway.

• Google is testing a new glaunch command that lets Chromebook users start graphical Linux apps directly from the Terminal.
• This feature simplifies the Linux app experience on ChromeOS and could become a game-changer for developers and power users.

Google is quietly testing a powerful update for ChromeOS that could reshape how developers and Linux enthusiasts use Chromebooks. A new terminal command, glaunch, is being introduced to let users run graphical Linux applications directly from the Linux Terminal, marking a big step forward for Crostini, the built-in Linux environment on ChromeOS.

What’s New with glaunch?

Until now, using Linux apps on ChromeOS required navigating through app drawers or setting up complex launch commands. With glaunch, users can start Linux-based graphical apps like GIMP or Inkscape directly from the Terminal, making the experience faster and more intuitive.

For example, typing glaunch gimp in the Terminal would launch GIMP with its full graphical user interface, just as if you opened it from the system menu. This is especially useful for developers, creators, and power users who rely heavily on Terminal workflows.

How to Use It (Step-by-Step Guide)

Here’s how to test the new feature if you’re on a supported Chromebook:

Step 1: Enable the Linux Environment

• Go to Settings > Developers > Turn on Linux development environment.
• Follow the prompts to install Crostini.

Step 2: Install a Graphical Linux App

Open Terminal and update packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install a GUI app like GIMP:

sudo apt install gimp

Step 3: Launch the App Using glaunch.

glaunch gimp

If your app supports a GUI and you have the right permissions, the application should open immediately.

This feature is particularly valuable for developers who often test open-source Linux apps, educators using scientific software, and students learning code or design. It lowers the entry barrier for using full-fledged Linux programs within the lightweight Chromebook ecosystem.

Currently, glaunch is only available in the Canary channel of ChromeOS, which is reserved for experimental features. There’s no official timeline for its stable release, but its appearance suggests it may soon be part of ChromeOS’s mainstream Linux experience.