- Kali linux on Gemini PDA : vim error when `apt-get upgrade`
- From unpacking to running NetHunter in 4 steps:
- 2. Run Magisk Manager to finish the rooting process
- 3. Install TWRP recovery
- 4. Install NetHunter
- Enjoy Kali NetHunter on the Gemini PDA
- Current status
- Thread: Gemini PDA Nethunter 2019.4 Install
- Gemini PDA Nethunter 2019.4 Install
- Kali Linux for the Gemini PDA
- Hardware Specs
- Operating Systems
- Kernel
- Desktop Environment
- Linux / Android integration
- Installation
- Support
- Wrapping Up
Kali linux on Gemini PDA : vim error when `apt-get upgrade`
I have installed Kali linux on my Gemini pda. It boot up fine and works without problems. I tried to run apt-get update and then apt-get upgrade , but the second command fail all the time. I get the the following packages have unmet dependencies for vim , vim-gtk and vim-tiny . I tried to run apt —fix-broken install but this won’t work, since I get the prompt if I want to fix vim and I get again the same unmet packages error, Tried as last resort to remove vim, but this won’t work either, I still get the error about dependencies. Tried to apt remove all the vim packages without any luck. also tried to run apt-get clean && apt-get purge but even this didn’t fix the problem. Not sure why is not possible to update at this point. This is what I get when I run apt-get upgrade
The following packages have unmet dependencies: vim: Depends: vim-runtime(= 2:8.1.0875-2) but 2:8.1.0875-1 is installed vim-gtk : Depends: vim-runtime (= 2:8.1.0875-2) but 2:8.1.0875-1 is installed vim-tiny: Depends: vim-common (= 2:8.1.0875-1) but 2:8.1.0875-2 is installed E: Unmet dependencies. Try `apt --fix-broken install` with no packages (or specify a solution).
EDIT: Seems that no matter what I try to install, or remove, that message continue to pop up. I did look into forcefully remove VIM, but it seems it is part of the Kali complete packaging set, so removing that may cause issues to other apps that rely on that package. Tried to force install, force uninstall, nothing did work. I may end up either going back to Debian, or re-installing again the distribution on the Gemini, and avoid to install VIM to start with (followed the instructions on the install page of the Gemini kali distro), by not installing all the other packages (the distro come with the top-10 packages I believe; not sure since this is the first time I use Kali, my usual distribution was Debian in the past).
From unpacking to running NetHunter in 4 steps:
The Gemini PDA ships with a non-rooted Android image which needs to be replaced. Either install the “Pentester Pro” image with rooted Android and Kali Linux partitions as detailed here: Kali Linux Gemini PDA
or create your own image if you prefer a different partition layout: support.planetcom.co.uk/index.php/Linux_Flashing_Guide Note: The official partition tool does not offer a rooted android image at the time of writing (26/02/2019). The image advertised as rooted is the same as the non-rooted version.
Reboot the newly imaged Gemini into Android and:
- Configure the keyboard
- Connect to wifi
- Open the “Play Store” app and sign in with your google account
- Update all apps
2. Run Magisk Manager to finish the rooting process
Sometimes the magisk version shipped with an android image is not compatible with the latest version of the magisk manager which will require a little workaround. If you are prompted with an error message that “Magisk Manager” is incompatible with the installed version of “Magisk”, downgrade the manager app, upgrade magisk via TWRP, and upgrade the manager app again like this:
- uninstall the existing Magisk Manager
- download Magisk Manager v6.1.0 from github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases
- goto “security” settings and turn on “allow installation of apps from unknown sources”
- install magisk manager apk from the download folder
- open Magisk Manager, say “no” to update
- disable “Check Updates” in “Settings”
- exit Magisk Manager
- Download the latest version of “Magisk” (not “Magisk Manager”) from github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases
- Continue with the installation of TWRP and install the new magisk version via TWRP when convenient. Once installed open the “Magisk Manager” app and follow the prompts to update the app Note: Newer versions of Magisk seem to be breaking auto rotation. Let’s stick with the previous version for now.
3. Install TWRP recovery
- install the “Official TWRP App” from Playstore
- open the “Official TWRP App”
- select your account
- tick “I agree”, “Run with root permissions”
- press “OK”
- press “TWRP Flash”
- press “ok when prompted for allowing root access
- If superuser permissions are not granted automatically, open Magisk Manager and enable TWRP manually
- Select device “Planet Gemini PDA – geminipda”
- select latest version
- download image
- go back
- select image
- Flash to recovery
4. Install NetHunter
- Download the NetHunter beta image from here: http.re4son-kernel.com/downloads/gemini-nethunter/
- connect the Gemini PDA to your computer
- transfer the NetHunter image to the Gemini PDA
- reboot the Gemini PDA into recovery via the “Official TWRP App” (TWRP Flash->Menu->Reboot-Reboot Recovery)
- press “Install”
- select the NetHunter image
- swipe to confirm flash
- reboot
- start the “NetHunter” app
- click “allow” seven times and allow root access
- let setup finish
- reboot
Enjoy Kali NetHunter on the Gemini PDA
Current status
- HID attacks are not yet supported. The drivers are still being worked on.
- SearchSploit is not fully working yet.
Please help with the development by submitting issues and pull requests. We much appreciate it.
Updated on: 2023-Mar-06
Author: re4son
Thread: Gemini PDA Nethunter 2019.4 Install
Junior Member
Gemini PDA Nethunter 2019.4 Install
I’m sorry I realized my post from Kali Linux ARM forum belongs here now.
OK so I’m about ready to chuck this thing after two days of frustration. again. -(
What I can get to work — Planet partitioned with Android 7.1.1 rooted via Magisk and with TWRP that comes with it and can get the only old version of Nethunter I can find 2019.1 (beta) . pretty much following the step here -https://github.com/offensive-security/kali-nethunter/wiki/Installing-NetHunter-on-the-Gemini-PDA and the link to the image (thank you @Re4son for that!).
All works but then trying to Flash the 2019.4 Nethunter image from here over the existing working 2019.1 via TWRP causes the device to just hang on the Pengiun/Planets boot screen not moving with the blue light on. I can’t find a way working in the 2019.1 to upgrade to 2019.4 either 🙁
So I’m thinking the device must be on the Planet Oreo 8.1 image first? That’s why it says «Gemini PDA Oreo» on the 2019.4 download page?
My other conundrum is that I can get the Planet Android 8.1 (rooted) installed as well but as some may know the TWRP that comes with it does not mount Storage (/data/media) and is FUBAR.
I tried many ways of downgrading and replacing that TWRP with nothing succeeding.
Sorry for long winded. My main questions:
1. Has anyone successfully gotten Nethunter 2019.4 on a Gemini PDA (Wifi-only) and please how?
OR
2. Is there a way to keep it on the proven Android 7.1.1 and get a newer version than the 2019.1 that may allow a path to 2019.4? I scoured the net and can’t find any older versions anywhere that may work (2019.2-2019.3)
Help greatly appreciated and if I could buy you a beer I would 🙂
Kali Linux for the Gemini PDA
The Gemini PDA from Planet Computers is an ultra-thin, clamshell mobile device with a tactile keyboard. Sporting a 5.99″ screen, QWERTY keyboard, 4G & Wi-Fi, deca-core CPU, and an Open-source bootloader that supports multi-boot, it caught our attention straight away when it popped up on Indiegogo. It is a great little pocket rocket and having a landscape orientation and hardware keyboard, is well suited for a native Kali installation with a full LXQT desktop environment.
Hardware Specs
- MediaTek Deca Core Helio, with either X25 or X27 chipset
- CPU: 2x Cortex A72 @2.6GHz, 4x Cortex A53 @2.0GHz, 4x Cortex A53 @1.6GHz
- GPU: ARM Mali T880 MP4 @875MHz
- RAM: 4GB
- Flash: 64GB plus micro SD card support
Operating Systems
Multiboot any one, two, or three of the following five operating systems: Android, rooted Android, Sailfish, Debian, Kali Linux. The image we provide on our download page includes the following two partitions:
- Android (rooted), 16 GB. To boot Android, just press and hold the “On” (Esc) key until it vibrates
- Kali Linux, 40 GB. To boot Kali, press and hold the “On” (Esc) key until it vibrates and then quickly press the silver “Voice Assist” button on the right hand side of the device
Kernel
Our Gemini image contains a Kali Linux fork of the Gemini-Android kernel 3.18 with injection support for all your favourite Wi-Fi chips.
Desktop Environment
LXQT with SDDM is lightweight, provides great scaling for tiny screens, has good touch support, and a slick modern layout. Whilst using the tiny touchscreen looks a bit intimidating initially, it is surprisingly finger friendly. We don’t bother using a mouse anymore with this device.
Linux / Android integration
Being basically a pimped up cell phone requires a convergence of Linux (glibc) and Android (bionic) to drive the hardware not yet natively supported by GNU/Linux. We are using components from the Halium project to achieve that.
Bringing GNU/Linux to the Gemini PDA, or any other mobile platform, is in the very early stages and some of it still needs a bit of work, such as data and voice support, GPS, power management, etc. There is currently one known issue with the Gemini having occasional issues when shutting down. The community is currently working on it.
Overall, it’s a very stable experience thanks to the hard work of the Sailfish and Gemian communities, in particular TheKit and adam_b, who brought Gemian to the Gemini PDA and helped a lot with this project.
Installation
We have published a Gemini installation guide on our documentation site to get you up and running quickly.
Support
Linux on the Gemini PDA is very experimental with limited manufacturer support and some hardware is not natively supported by Linux, requiring some community hacks. OffSec does not provide technical support for the Gemini. Support for Kali on the Gemini can be obtained via various methods listed on the Kali Linux Community page.
Wrapping Up
The Gemini PDA is a nifty little powerhouse that combines the charm and handling of the good old Psion series with the power of a modern ARM64, making it the ideal mobile platform for a desktop version of Kali Linux with touch support.
With the community demand for Kali Linux on the Gemini and considering that the manufacturer has just launched a new crowd funding campaign for another device, having a Kali platform for this particular hardware segment is setting us up for exciting times ahead.