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It’s been awhile since we last heard from Canonical after officially announcing Ubuntu Touch back in January, a mobile version of their Linux-based software made specifically to run on touch-based devices (and Android ones at that). Initially built for the Galaxy Nexus and later the Nexus 4, we saw Android’s biggest competition since Firefox OS reach (limited) compatibility on more than 20 Android devices. Since then, we’ve seen that number grow to over 40 devices, with more than 20 — including the HTC One — on the way (work in progress).
Digging through some trademark filings this afternoon, we came across an interesting filing from Canonical Ltd for a device they’re calling Ubuntu Edge. Filed on July 10th, 2013, it appears we may have the official name for the official Ubuntu phone, the first of which were said to arrive by October of this year. The filing goes on to describe computer hardware and software, along with mobile telephone services, and the like. Call me crazy, but that sounds like a smartphone if I ever heard one.
Of course, nothing is set in stone and it’s entirely possible Ubuntu is trying to call “tap-tap, my smartphone name” with the Edge. Anyone out there still interested in Ubutuntu’s mobile OS, or have you already invested too much into Android to turn back now? Ubuntu Touch for smartphones refresher below.
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*patiently waiting* I would love to do this. I actually hook up my phone to my TV and use it like it’s a computer to do my online work. All I need now is a ROM that will allow me to put Chrome in Tablet mode. That way I can have the tabs at top. LoL!!
I don’t want to use a Stock Android ROM right now since I’m loving my Zoe, but I know that’s the only way I’d be able to do that. =.S
Where’s that MoDa.Co.SWITCH at? LoL!! That is EXACTLY what I need right now. =.P
*patiently waiting*
This has absolutely nothing to do with Android.
Ubuntu touch uses some android components.
Yeah but that’s just for the developer builds by the time they are done the similarity’s in components should end with the kernal.
James has a point.
Well so far the OS runs on “Android” phone hardware so it has a little to do with Android. Plus the OS is so similar to Android in many ways.
Yeah I’m not going to complain anymore never seen this website until Ubuntu showed up on it.
It is not similar to Android at all.
does it not run android apps?
No, not even close.
For anyone who writes apps in C/C++ or HTML then it will be easy to port. Canonical doesn’t want Java on Ubuntu so that cuts out most of the Android apps.
Well they were talking with Verizon now Verizon is about to have an announcement well if that happens it will be Linux locked down like apple.
I feel like that would be a challenge for a phone that’s based off a community of programing nerds.
I don’t know if I’d say I’m too heavily involved in android, but I’m definitely too involved in Google services to switch.
you can add Google web account in Ubuntu and you have: contacts, calendar and mail integrated natively in Ubuntu Touch. It’s an opensource OS and anyone has interested to lock up with some proprietary services (look at MSFT and Apple)
Add support for android apps including gmail, drive, g+, maps, google now, google search and I’ll definitely try it. Actually, what they need to do is make this the private cloud services smartphone. Do wireless sync with all my files, contacts, calendar, etc with cloud-like services running on an ubuntu pc/server in my home. Actually make the whole platform based on this premise so all apps have to sync with a desktop ubuntu app. More along the lines of a peer to peer type network versus a centralized client server model. Outside of email, facebook, and search you could have a private non spied on smartphone.
Why would you need / want to switch? It’s Linux. I do “all things Google” on my desktop and laptop Ubuntu machines now, don’t know why that would change with the addition of an Ubuntu smartphone and tablet. In fact, it should enrich my experience by allowing me to continue to use all my Google stuff while at the same time having access to Ubuntu — exactly what I do now, only mobile. Can hardly wait.
It’s a nice OS but overall doesn’t give me much reason to switch. Most of the features that make it special can be rooted on to an android with the capable hardware.
I know that the scalability between phone and computer is not planed for right away but I don’t know any androids that can do that..
Uh, if you think people in the mass consumer market are into rooting phones, you have missed the whole point of Ubuntu Linux to begin with.
Maybe this will help and there is more, try this one now> http://mybroadband.co.za/news/software/81713-5-pillars-of-ubuntu-touch-success.html
I’ll try any is that isn’t an iPhone. I ordered my xperia z for T-Mobile today but I’ll give Ubuntu phone a try as well. Ubuntu touch worked well on my transformer infinity.
I’m continually convinced that Nvidia needs to sign a deal with someone like Amazon, Canonical, or Blackberry if they hope to complete with Qualcomm. Same goes for Intel, but at least they’ve got money to burn. Nvidia doesn’t have the same cash reserves, so they need to land a big deal.
I’m thinking that Nvidia is that secret chip manufacturer that they had to announce few months ago.
Though I’m quite fond of Android, I’ll definitely give Ubuntu a try for a couple of reasons – it’s use of Qt, one of the best mobile frameworks IMHO, and its scalability to true desktop capabilities. As a long-time contract-free T-Mobile subscriber, I hope the first device is compatible with them, though Verizon has also joined Canonical’s advisory council. Waiting impatiently…
I hope they have better MTP integration on their mobile o/s than they do on their desktop.
Meh. I don’t like what Canonical has been doing for the last 3 years. They aren’t even the most popular desktop Linux distro anymore. Mint ate their lunch after Ubuntu came out with their “We’re not a democracy” crap and they forced changes the community didn’t want.
There are more Android devices out there today than Windows PCs. If you’re expecting the 2nd most popular Linux distro maker to make a dent in the market… I say again… meh.
Ubuntu is the absolutely most popular Linux distribution. Probably it have more installs than the other distros together. Not counting server installations…
this should be a text book example of an unfounded statement
For anyone wondering, that lie about Linux Mint comes from Distro Watch which counts the number of people from certain distros that visit the site. Seriously. That’s just hilariously unreliable. Distro Watch is good for seeing new distros, but that’s it.
It should also be noted that the iPhone was once so popular that people thought no one could cut into Apple’s marketshare. The deals Google made with carriers made it possible for Android to cut into the market quite easily and rise really fast.
It should also be noted that the people in these forums are in the minority and the majority of Ubuntu users don’t pay attention to this drama.
You nailed it Cary! Love Ubuntu for over 4 years now!
DistroWatch only counts page rankings. That doesn’t say for the actual installs, but if we was to say that I’m willing to be that Ubuntu is still the most popular.
Looks like Linux has its Luddites, too.
the ubuntu homepage got something interesting on at the moment…… Any idea?
http://www.ubuntu.com/
The only apps I regularly use on my Android phone are the browser, music player and notepad; and I find Android’s UI lag really offputting, even on the Galaxy S3. If Ubuntu Phone is more like iOS in terms of responsiveness then I can see myself switching as soon as it becomes stable and featured enough for day-to-day use.
Definitely interested. I see the Ubuntu approach as the “correction” to what Windows 8 could / should have been, and something that nobody else but Microsoft is attempting to do (integrated devices). Call me crazy, but I still think that Apple is not a major player long-term. Too little integration, always too much cost. Firefox OS does not offer “real” apps like MS Office, LibreOffice, Google Apps, so it has limited functionality for most serious desktop users. I see Ubuntu’s offering as my “they finally got it all right!” solution. Chomping at the bit to get my hands on the new device.
I found photographs in the files of ubuntu.com
I have created a post a Google+ : https://plus.google.com/u/0/110242157373721495014/posts/itWo8CoDAc9
Canonical is quickly realized, and access was restricted.
So I saved pictures and I hosted them here : http://imgur.com/a/h22Fi