Phones running the Ubuntu operating system will hit "two large markets" this coming fall, software-company Canonical Ltd. confirmed. No hardware partners have been announced so far, but Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth says it would be easy for Android device-makers to convert to the Ubuntu platform. Announced in January, the mobile version of the popular open-source OS sports a gesture-heavy interface and lets users enjoy the same Linux experience across several devices. Developers can start testing their apps for Ubuntu in late February.
What Else You Need To Know
- Handsets load with Ubuntu will be running a full-fledged desktop version of the OS, enabling users to easily plug a monitor, keyboard and other accessories.
- Ubuntu first showed an early version of the mobile OS running on the Galaxy Nexus at the CES 2013 expo in Las Vegas in January.
- The top mobile platforms in the market today are Google's Android and Apple's iOS, with BlackBerry and Microsoft's Windows Phone battling for third.
Other sources
While gesture based interfaces are not ubiquitous, the learning curve is usually very short and those gestures develop quickly into muscle memory.- Maxwell R., Phone Arena
Open-source fans will appreciate Ubuntu as platform that runs their smartphones (and possibly their computers), but does this group of people represent a big enough market for successful mobile product(s) is a whole different matter.- Dusan Belic, Into Mobile
- Other
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Ubuntu phones coming in October, promising 'a leap' ahead of current interfaces
We don't know who will be making Ubuntu devices, but Canonical says that it will be easy for Android phone manufacturers to convert to its platform.
- LaptopMag
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Ubuntu PC-Phone Hybrids to Arrive This October
Unlike other smartphone operating systems, handsets loaded with Ubuntu will be running a full-fledged desktop version of the OS. This means that you can plug a monitor, mouse and keyboard into it and use it as you would a desktop PC.
- Engadget
- Ubuntu smartphones set for October launch in two markets
- Mobile Tech News
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Ubuntu Smartphone Shipping in October
Application developers will have access to the smaartphone operating system, which is optimized for the Galaxy Nexus handset manufactured by Samsung Electronics Co., in late February.
- Phone Arena
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Expect Ubuntu smartphone to ship to customers in October 2013
Ubuntu will be a wholly gesture based experience, no lock screen, no home button, meaning a completely new user experience is in store for us. Think of the content being the interface. The experience is inspired by some basic tenants of Japanese architecture where a balance between space and objects is strived for.
- Geeky Gadgets
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Ubuntu phone to launch in early October 2013
The first Ubuntu phone builds for the Galaxy Nexus will be available later this month, but the most of those who will have access to it will be app developers.
- Digital Trends
- Ubuntu for Mobile hardware given tentative October 2013 release date
- Electronista
- First Ubuntu mobile OS-powered smartphones due October
- Fone Arena
- Ubuntu Smartphone Devices to Ship Starting October 2013
- Geek.com
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The first Ubuntu smartphones will be available in October
Getting businesses to embrace yet another mobile OS is going to be tough, but the idea that you only need a smartphone to act as both a mobile device and a desktop PC replacement may prove too tempting to ignore.
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