Ubuntu for Mobile
Ubuntu may be a familiar name in Linux-loving desktop software circles, but it’s an unknown in
the mobile world. This hasn’t stopped Canonical from giving it a go anyway. Later this year or
early next, we’ll be able to buy a smartphone running Ubuntu for Mobile.
the mobile world. This hasn’t stopped Canonical from giving it a go anyway. Later this year or
early next, we’ll be able to buy a smartphone running Ubuntu for Mobile.
Ubuntu is based on Linux like Android, uses the same drivers, and will operate on devices
using ARM or Intel processors. Unfortunately, it doesn’t use Oracle’s Java Virtual Machine and
won’t run any Android applications. This clean slate, plus a consistent framework hidden under
a customizable skin, is supposed to avoid the fragmentation issues from which Android suffers.
It’s a good idea, and no doubt Canonical sees Android’s success as a driver for its own
mobile endeavors, but to start afresh is a huge undertaking – as is convincing non-techy users
it’s a viable alternative at all. Ubuntu for Mobile does have a secret weapon though: it can be
installed on existing Android hardware. The already strong Ubuntu community will also rush to
embrace it, particularly because it offers a true desktop experience when docked with a
keyboard and monitor.
using ARM or Intel processors. Unfortunately, it doesn’t use Oracle’s Java Virtual Machine and
won’t run any Android applications. This clean slate, plus a consistent framework hidden under
a customizable skin, is supposed to avoid the fragmentation issues from which Android suffers.
It’s a good idea, and no doubt Canonical sees Android’s success as a driver for its own
mobile endeavors, but to start afresh is a huge undertaking – as is convincing non-techy users
it’s a viable alternative at all. Ubuntu for Mobile does have a secret weapon though: it can be
installed on existing Android hardware. The already strong Ubuntu community will also rush to
embrace it, particularly because it offers a true desktop experience when docked with a
keyboard and monitor.
From what we’ve seen of the user interface, it’s based around gestures and doesn’t require any
hardware buttons. Swipes reveal menus and open apps. It’s difficult to judge it at the moment,
as the early build displays some lag; however, a version suitable for the Galaxy Nexus will be
released later this year, which should help speed development along. Canonical will be
showing off Ubuntu for Mobile during CES, where an early version of the OS will be seen
running on test devices.
hardware buttons. Swipes reveal menus and open apps. It’s difficult to judge it at the moment,
as the early build displays some lag; however, a version suitable for the Galaxy Nexus will be
released later this year, which should help speed development along. Canonical will be
showing off Ubuntu for Mobile during CES, where an early version of the OS will be seen
running on test devices.
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