Ubuntu phone OS announced, first devices shipping in early 2014

[xxMATTGxx]

Ubuntu phone OS announced, first devices shipping in early 2014

As already teased and promised, today Canonical is taking the wraps off the mobile version of Ubuntu, which is built around the existing Android kernel and drivers, but doesn't use a Java Virtual Machine and promises to use "the full power of the phone." Supporting both ARM and x86 processors, the Ubuntu phone OS will be compatible enough to let Android phone makers run it on their devices with minimal adaptation.

Source: http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/2/382...s-announcement


Video Keynote:





Hand's On Video:




What do people think about this? Do you think it will have a chance of getting a lot of users?

[GoldenMerc]

It actually looks really good, I doubt il leave Android for it, if ever

[Chippiewill]

Announced? It's been in the works for a while. Certainly interesting but I don't see it taking off. The industry seems firmly set with Android and iOS, this doesn't bring all that much to the table.

[:Markster:]

Like Ross said, i don't really see leaving my android for this. I wonder if it has any additional functionality to it that the iOS and Android don't provide or is it just another Linux based OS like Android itself. Also will this be completely free, unlike Android which is open source but is not entirely free software, since it contains non-free "binary blobs".

[peteyt]

I heard this will be linked to Ubuntu desktop similar to the windows 8 idea. If so the phone may be popular with Ubuntu users who may want to do some work on the go without carrying a laptop around.

[Recursion]

lol, good luck to them. It's going to have a very 'Linuxy' feel to it, more so than Android, and I highly doubt that's gonne be popular amongst end users... maybe for the very few hardcore Ubuntu fans or whatever, but personally I don't see it taking off.

[GommeInc]

Not sure what to think. It looks nice, but to the common man it's just Android with a different name (looking at it superficially).

[Yupt]

Is it just me or is he pressing really hard against the screen.. maybe touch isn't that great?

[Catchy]

Update:

Canonical has formally confirmed that its Ubuntu for Phones operating system, designed to compete with the like of Google Android, will be available for users to try on their own phones in February this year - but there's a catch. It will only be available on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

Based on the same Linux core as Canonical's desktop, laptop and server oriented Ubuntu Linux operating system, Ubuntu for Phones promises much: as well as a modern, gesture-enabled user interface for smartphones, the system allows for connection to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse to convert the smartphone into a fully-working desktop computer with access to all the same software as users find on an Ubuntu desktop. Demonstrations of the software at the launch event revealed an impressive system, and one which Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth had claimed would be available for users to test "in the coming weeks."

That vague commitment to a public launch has been firmed up by the company, with Canonical's Alan Pope confirming to OMG Ubuntu that the software will be released for public download - free of charge - some time towards the end of February 2013 as the company looks to finalise its features and ensure it is as bug-free as possible.

For those who are eager to try something other than Android on their smartphones, there is one significant catch: currently, the software only supports the Samsung Galaxy Nexus handset - the same device Canonical has been using to demonstrate the software to press. Users who own a Samsung Galaxy Nexus will be able to download and install the Ubuntu for Phones software at launch, but those on other devices - including Google's popular and low-cost Nexus 4 - will have to wait for the software to be made compatible with their handsets before getting a chance to play.

With Google's Android enjoying a massive share of the smartphone market, and Apple's iOS tying up the premium end, Canonical is going to have an uphill battle ahead of it to convince users to adopt its as-yet unproven software instead.

source