It had been some time already talking about the fact that the distribution Canonical Ubuntu it would reach mobile devices. Well, it is already a reality and, the truth is that as you can see as soon as you see the first official screenshots, the essence of this operating system for desktops and laptops remains ... but adapted to the touch interface of a current phone .
One of the best details of Ubuntu for Phones, which is designed to offer multitasking, is the reduced requirements it has, which are divided into two versions: Entry (Entry Level) and Great performance (High-end). The big difference between both models is that the first can only be used on the phone, while the high-performance one can take advantage of one of the greatest novelties that this development offers the desktop dock. Otherwise, its operation according to Canonical is the same ... although its requirements are not.
As usual in the Android operating system, the hardware requirements are not particularly high, so it can be used with a mid-range terminal without problems. The basic option, of course. Basically, having a single core processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB is sufficient. In any case, to make it much clearer, we leave you a table that has been provided on the web with what is necessary to use each version:
As you can see, there are many terminals that are compatible and this is an excellent detail since the possible market share of this operating system is very wide. Without a doubt, an excellent development in this section is the one made by Canonical.
Interface and design, does not clash at all
This is a very important section in a mobile operating system, since it directly depends on whether the user experience is good or not. And, the truth is, the work is good again. The center of everything, according to Canonical, are the contents… These must always be available and accessible… which is a very good idea.
Using the touch interface of the screens and recognizing gestures, which is a very important detail since in this way operations are automated -such as going back from an application by scrolling on the screen-, it is possible to perform all actions quickly and intuitively. In addition, a side bar with the most used applications that, the truth, reminds the one that is included for MultiWindows on Samsung models with the Premium Suite pack (such as Galaxy Note 2).
Regarding the icons and screens of the system itself. Everything is placed in the usual way and the design is very reminiscent of the employee in the latest versions of Ubuntu, so there is a certain note of continuity that the followers of this Linux distribution will appreciate. Those who are not, will discover an attractive, functional and intuitive design.
Applications and Dock, the great novelty
An operating system oriented to mobility has one of its most important points in the applications, since if it does not have a large number and variety of them, it is very difficult for it to come to fruition.
Here Canonical has opted for two aspects, and the truth is that it is a smart move if it works: it is possible to use two types of programs in Ubuntu for phones, those created in HTML5, which is an excellent idea since some of the creations for browsers can be migrated almost automatically; and the native, which work in a similar way to those of other operating systems, such as Android or iOS.
The latter are those that allow a much more efficient execution and are based on QML, a language that allows you to easily migrate creations in C, C ++ and Java Script. But, perhaps the best thing is that it offers native support with OpenGL, so its compatibility with games is almost absolute.
As for HTML5 creations, they allow rapid adaptation and creation ... so here is what Canonical has released as the Ubuntu ecosystem. This is nothing other than different developments that can be executed both on the phone and on the computer ... which allows an excellent combination that is achieved thanks to the previously mentioned Dock (which, we remember, can only be used by the High-end version Ubuntu for phones).
This Dock, which is reminiscent of the launch Ubuntu for Android that was made some time ago by Canonical, it is a really striking and differential accessory. Connecting this to a monitor or television (Everything indicates that through an HDMI port) and placing the phone on the base, you can use the device as if it were a desktop computer is it. That is, a concept similar to the one Motorola used with WebTop in models like Atrix. When using the same HTML5 applications, no change is noticeable and, therefore, the use is excellent and very suitable for games or tools to work with.
What is not yet known about Ubuntu for phones
To begin with, the first thing that is unknown is the exact date of arrival on the market ... and this is curious since its global presentation has taken place. The normal thing is that it arrives in the course of the year 2013, but some sources indicate that 2014 is much more likely.
Another possible doubt, since nothing is known about it, is the performance and fluidity operating system, but the absence of Java is a good starting point to expect good performance. Also, nothing is known about application catalog With which neither the installation system will arrive, so there are quite a few unknowns.
Also, there is no section in which Talk about the price of, for example, the Dock. So it will be necessary to know how Canonical solves this, which, to date, has barely used a sales system in its products and, of course, this accessory will not be provided free of charge.
In short, the arrival of Ubuntu for phones is a reality, and what is known about it is good (although projects with good ideas have always existed) ... therefore, we will have to wait for more information real to give an option with more base, but it is true that the greater the variety, the better. Here is a video for you to know a little more about this operating system:
