Linux is like a special type of computer software that makes a phone or tablet work. It's kind of like the operating system (OS) of your phone or tablet.
When people talk about Linux for mobile devices, they usually mean a special version of Linux that's meant for phones and tablets. This version is called a "mobile OS."
A mobile OS is special because it's made to work with smaller screens, less memory, and less powerful processors than a regular computer. It's also designed to be more battery-friendly, so your phone or tablet won't run out of juice too quickly.
There are a few different mobile OS options based on Linux. Some of the most popular ones include Android, Ubuntu Touch, and Sailfish OS.
Android is probably the most well-known Linux-based mobile OS. It's made by Google and is used on lots of different phones and tablets from different companies. Android is free and open-source, which means that anyone can use and modify it as they'd like.
Ubuntu Touch is a mobile OS made by Canonical, the same company that makes the popular Ubuntu desktop OS. Ubuntu Touch is meant to be a more “desktop-like” experience on a mobile device. It's still in development and isn't used on many phones yet.
Sailfish OS is a Linux-based mobile OS that's made by a Finnish company called Jolla. It's used on a few different phones and tablets, but it's not as popular as Android.
Overall, Linux for mobile devices is a way for people to use their phones and tablets with a different type of software. It's designed to work well on these smaller devices and help people get the most out of their tech.