Ubuntu Touch mobile OS due to launch in October
Canonical has revealed that its Ubuntu Touch mobile operating system should be ready for launch in October for supported Nexus smartphones and tablets
Canonical, the developer behind the open-source Ubuntu operating system, has announced a launch date for its upcoming Ubuntu Touch mobile OS. If you have a supported device, you’ll be able to install it on October the 17th.
Following the crowd-funding failure of its Ubuntu Edge smartphone, the handset we called “the best smartphone you’ll never own”, the company has shifted focus from hardware to software, gearing up to launch Ubuntu Touch for Google Nexus devices including the Nexus 4 smartphone, original Nexus 7 (not the 2013 refresh) and Nexus 10 tablets.
The announcement was posted by an Ubuntu developer to TheOrangeNotebook blog, revealing the currently available OS images are undergoing vigorous bug testing. Anyone willing to get their hands dirty with ROM flashing is encouraged to give the operating system a try, reporting bugs ready for the official release.
The Linux-based operating system will be heavily reliant on thumb-based swipe gestures from the edge of the screen, letting you switch between apps, search for content or open contextual menus. A dynamic home screen that changes based on frequently or recently used content, like contacts you speak to a lot or newly added music should put important apps and files in easy reach. Global search across apps and voice control is also promised, although it’s unclear if these features will all make it into version 1.0.
We’re still a long way off from Ubuntu Touch smartphones, which Canonical expects to appear in early 2014, but it won’t be long to wait until Android users get the option to run a second operating system on their smartphone or tablet.
