Canonical Announces Ubuntu For Phones
Canonical announces a smartphone interface for the Ubuntu operating system.
With the new interface, Ubuntu is targeting entry-level smartphones as well as high-end “superphones” that can be docked to become full PCs.
“We are defining a new era of convergence in technology, with one unified operating system that underpins cloud computing, data centers, PCs and consumer electronics,” said Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu and VP Products at Canonical.
The Ubuntu smartphone interface features simple swiping gestures from the edges of the screen that let users access content and switch between apps. For example, swiping from the right-hand edge takes the user to the previously used app, while swiping up from the bottom edge reveals app controls. The handset interface for Ubuntu also includes: Supported swiping gestures from all four edges, disappearing controls, global search for apps, content, and products, voice and text commands in any application, native and web or HTML5 apps, and personalization of the welcome screen. Native apps include: telephony and voicemail, SMS and MMS, email, web browsing, photography, music, and video.
The system requirements for an entry-level Ubuntu smartphone are a 1Ghz Cortex A9 processor and 512MB-1GB of memory. A high-end superphone will require a quad-core A9 or Intel Atom processor and at least 1GB RAM. No phone carriers or manufacturers were named in the announcement.
Issue 256/2022
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Ubuntu Budgie Sets its Sights on Gamers
The upcoming release of Ubuntu Budgie includes a few nifty features that should make the lives of gamers a bit easier.
-
Linux Mint Edge Is Ready for the Newest Hardware
With the release of Linux Mint 20.03 comes a new version geared for newer hardware.
-
Linux Mint 20.3 Now Available
That latest release of Linux Mint is now available for general use and offers a polished, but less Mint-y theme.
-
Linux is Getting an Exciting New Firmware Feature
Intel is bringing a new driver to the 5.17 kernel that will make it possible to update firmware without a reboot.
-
Elementary OS 6.1 Has Been Released
The .1 version of the sixth iteration of elementary OS (named Odin) is now available for download and takes the distribution to new heights of refinement.
-
Linux Mint 20.3 Beta is Now Available
The developers of Linux Mint have made the beta of their latest release available for download and installation.
-
EndeavorOS 21.4 Has Arrived
Arch-based EndeavorOS 21.4 is finally available for download with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
NixOS 21.11 Now Available for Download
NixOS “Porcupine” has been made available for installation and includes numerous improvements.
-
KDE Plasma Developers Introduce a GNOME-Like Overview
A new overview effect makes it easier for users to interact with both Plasma Activities and Virtual Desktops.
-
Rocky Linux 8.5 Now Available with Secure Boot Support
The latest iteration of CentOS alternative, Rocky Linux has arrived and includes numerous updates as well as support for Secure Boot.