Smartphones to Be Powered By UNIX Next?
If you are familiar with Ubuntu, you know that it’s an open source operating system that is based on UNIX. Recently, a South African open source champion and IT millionaire, Mark Shuttleworth, revealed that he was planning the release of an Ubuntu mobile operating system. This OS will be exclusively for smartphones and will give your smartphone near PC capabilities.
Linux Based Mobile OS
According to Shuttleworth’s announcement, this new mobile OS will be based on Linux, similar to Android. This will be the second open source mobile OS that is based on Linux, after Android. One of the interesting things about this OS is that it can give your smartphone the capabilities of an Ubuntu powered computer, quite literally. If you dock your smartphone that is running on Ubuntu to a monitor, mouse and a keyboard, you will get the PC version of Ubuntu, something that smartphones have not managed to achieve till date.
Also, another advantage of this Ubuntu mobile OS is that you can actually use it on your Android phones. Make no mistake; this is a totally new mobile operating system. But since this is also based on Linux, you can easily use this OS with almost all Android devices available today. You would also be aware of its subtle technicalities if you had, or you are, taking UNIX training classes.
Windows 8 like User Interface Design
Going by the initial reports on this new OS, it will have a user interface that is clear, simple and does not employ any permanent buttons for usage. On the contrary, the interface will be completely gesture based. You have to swipe the phone in different directions, top to bottom, left to right, etc. to access its different functions, something that we have seen on the Windows 8 phone.
Overall, the initial impression of the Mobile Ubuntu is excellent. The user experience seems very dynamic and different to what you get on Windows, iOS or Android. The usage will bank more on recently accessed content rather than static icons and applications.
Shuttleworth Plans to Target Emerging Markets
In his more recent address, Mr. Shuttleworth said that Ubuntu based phones will fight it out in the emerging markets to gain traction. He said that it will join the mobile battle in the low-end, less tech savvy sector and slowly move up the ranks. He rounded off by saying that this OS has the potential to take it to the top of the markets.
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Pablo says
Well this is certainly interesting, when smart phones start coming from other countries etc. is that going to drive the prices of the ones already here down? I am hoping so because I would love to have one but they are just to expensive right now for me. This was a great article and I am glad that they are bringing this up for topic.
Stanley says
While the Ununtu platform sounds intriguing – it especially must sound good to Linux students and seasoned developers – I do not agree that It is the first mobile platform that can be compatible with a PC’s Operating System. Case and point: the Windows mobile phone and how it is compatible with a PC’s Windows 8 OS. I happen to like Windows 8 and the Windows Cellphone that is now being heavily marketed.
Phillis says
Are these African smart phones supposed to be lower in price? I’m glad they use all the latest technology and the very popular Linux platform. That makes them very compatible with many Android apps. And that is a feature that is very appealing to every smart phone user.
Barbara says
I guess American companies are doing their share of business across the pond because Chinese telecoms giant Huawei has teamed up with Microsoft to launch an exclusive low-cost Windows 8 Smartphone across seven African markets. The Huawei 4Afrika smartphone is tipped to launch by the end of the first quarter and is expected to retail for around $150. It will be available in Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Angola, Morocco and South Africa.
Terry says
I am only hoping that by them doing this it will drive our companies to lower the prices or to offer more bells and whistles on our phones for no more money.
William says
Carol the only benefit I can think of is if they have something to offer that the companies here don’t yet and if by doing this it will drive the prices down that you have to pay not only for the phone but for the service as well. I appreciate them letting us know that they were thinking about doing this though before I did an upgrade.