Next Up: Ubuntu on Smartphones

Brad · January 02, 2013, 09:58:17 PM

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/01/02/canonical_announces_ubuntu_for_phones/

QuoteWhen an Ubuntu smartphone is docked with a keyboard and monitor, it becomes a general-purpose PC that can run the full range of desktop applications. A docked Ubuntu phone can even act as a thin client for Remote Desktop applications, allowing users to stream Windows apps from corporate data centers.

I like Ubuntu on my laptop. I would be willing to give it a try on a tablet or even a smartphone.

littleman · January 03, 2013, 01:28:59 AM

I think the concept is the future, rather than everything sitting in the cloud, having an extremely portable computer that can doc into a universal work station seems much more secure and efficient.

Drastic · January 03, 2013, 07:16:02 PM

>I think the concept is the future

Absolutely, but I didn't think it was this close.

Very interesting. How close is this to a full blown desktop distro?

Brad · January 04, 2013, 12:57:20 AM

They are talking about 2013.

The problem is it also needs to really work as a smartphone, and that means it needs to have a set of core apps before it is going to be useful as a smartphone and appealing to the public. Kindle and Nook apps come to mind. Email apps also need to be made.

bill · January 08, 2013, 02:43:56 AM

Quote from: Brad on January 04, 2013, 12:57:20 AM
They are talking about 2013.

I'm seeing 2014. That's an awful long way off for a phone. Reminds me of Microsoft pre-announcing their Nokia lineups. Look where that got them.

Brad · January 08, 2013, 01:06:36 PM

Bill, I see 2013 as a year for a sort of hobby release, where we can install it on our own unlocked Nexus phone and it will replace Android. That should prove the concept.

2014 is when they estimate a OEM will pick it up. Still someone needs to make critical apps.

If you really can run full fledged Linux once you dock your phone I can see this as being very powerful in the developing world, walking around with a full powered computer in your pocket.

Brad · February 07, 2013, 01:46:48 PM

Release will be in October 2013 in two regions, but they don't say which two regions.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/06/ubuntu-smartphones-october-launch/?m=false

bill · February 08, 2013, 03:58:38 AM

That's good news actually. I thought 2014 was a bit too far off.

This is yet another reason I won't be getting another iPhone at contract renewal time this year.

Brad · February 08, 2013, 12:57:36 PM

Bill, I have a feeling Asia is one of the two regions, but that is such a huge area it could be almost anywhere. China would be my guess.