Running Slime OS on Old Android Devices via FreeRDP

One of the more underappreciated use cases for Slime OS is old Android devices. Smartphones from 2017–2020 are often locked out of newer Android versions, leaving them in a security no-man’s-land. They’re powerful enough to run a full cloud desktop — they just need the right client.

Why Android

Most thin-client approaches to cloud computing focus on x86_64 hardware. But there’s a massive installed base of ARM Android devices that have enough processing power, decent displays, and cellular connectivity already built in. Running Slime OS on these devices turns them into portable cloud terminals.

The Approach

Unlike the desktop client (which performs a full-disk wipe), our Android approach is intentionally non-destructive:

• Ships as a standard APK launcher/overlay
• Runs on top of AOSP or LineageOS
• No bootloader flash required
• Retains 100% hardware driver compatibility — cameras, cellular modems, sensors all work

The launcher intercepts the home screen and replaces it with the Slime OS session manager. Launch the FreeRDP stream, and the user is connected to their cloud desktop.

Current Status

The Android client is in early development. We’re targeting devices with Android 8.0+ (Oreo) or any LineageOS build. The APK will be available alongside the desktop ISO once we hit our initial release milestone.

Sign up for early access if you have old Android hardware you’d like to test with.