Ubuntu takes another step to becoming a smartphone OS

[Bateluer]

https://tbe.taleo.net/NA3/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=CANONICAL&cws=1&rid=425

Saw first at Engadget, could just be them looking for devs and engineers for Ubuntu for Android though

Canonical is seeking a business development lead to engage and develop strong relationships with industry partners in the run up to the launch of Ubuntu as a smartphone operating system.

The successful candidate will be an outstanding professional in the smartphone ecosystem with experience of engaging with both handset manufacturers and telco operators.

Job description sounds more like a full smart phone OS rather than just the 'dock' OS or dual boot.

Personally, sounds cool. But, while I'd love to see another player in the smartphone OS arena, there really isn't much room for a 3rd place. Android and iOS lock up most of the consumers and are both cannibalizing remaining RIM owners at an alarming rate. Microsoft has gained no traction with WP7, either with devs or with consumers.

Of course, with everybody and their uncle looking for a piece of the Android pie and filing frivolous lawsuits, an alternative thats built from the core to avoid those lawsuits might be just want the doctor ordered. Maybe I'm just jaded though, but I fully expect Microsoft and Apple to launch a round of suits the day an Ubuntu OS phone hits the market.

 

[RavenSEAL]

Honestly, I would not mind Ubuntu in a tablet...(Unlike windows, f'that)

 

[Jodell88]

Maybe I'm just jaded though, but I fully expect Microsoft and Apple to launch a round of suits the day an Ubuntu OS phone hits the market.

Not going to happen.

 

[Bateluer]

Not going to happen.

Whats not going to happen, a flurry of lawsuits or an Ubuntu based phone?

 

[Jodell88]

Whats not going to happen, a flurry of lawsuits or an Ubuntu based phone?

Maybe both. However, I don't think Canonical will get sued.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

ubuntu couldnt even create a complete stable desktop os. they basically have ruined their desktop distro marketshare.

 

[soccerballtux]

ubuntu couldnt even create a complete stable desktop os. they basically have ruined their desktop distro marketshare.

that's a good point.

Besides I'd rather have something ultra lightweight running fluxbox as a phone install, not the latest Gnome 6Unity or whatever

 

[Bateluer]

Maybe both. However, I don't think Canonical will get sued.

Canonical has already flatly stated they are making a mobile OS, and its going to start with the Ubuntu for Android.

Well, if they've got icons aligned on a grid on a rectangular screen, which is what Unity & Gnome look like, then can expect something from Apple. Especially if it gains any traction in the market.

ubuntu couldnt even create a complete stable desktop os. they basically have ruined their desktop distro marketshare.

You've experienced stability problems with Ubuntu? I wasn't a fan of Unity, but the OS has always been perfectly stable. Linux on the desktop never has had any discernible market share though, every distro has tried for years.

Edit - To clarify, I didn't like Unity, but Gnome 3 was also a train wreck. Mint forked Gnome 2 into a project called Cinnamon, I think, because Gnome 3 was so bad. THG has a write up on Fedora 16 that covered it quite a bit.

 

[Jodell88]

Canonical has already flatly stated they are making a mobile OS, and its going to start with the Ubuntu for Android.

Well, if they've got icons aligned on a grid on a rectangular screen, which is what Unity & Gnome look like, then can expect something from Apple. Especially if it gains any traction in the market.

We all know Apple is a spoiled child with an entitlement complex but I really don't believe Apple will sue.

 

[Jodell88]

ubuntu couldnt even create a complete stable desktop os. they basically have ruined their desktop distro marketshare.

While I'm not a fan of Unity or Ubuntu. I still think you have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[mammador]

There may to be too many entry barriers, given Android and iOS' brand, but anything is possible.

Where was Android 3 years ago? If there is a decent phone with Ubuntu made, then it could take off. That said, there are decent Win 7 phones out there, but look how well that OS is doing relative to Android and iOS.

 

[shortylickens]

Even if they get it out the door, they'll be playing a huge game of catchup.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

Canonical has already flatly stated they are making a mobile OS, and its going to start with the Ubuntu for Android.

Well, if they've got icons aligned on a grid on a rectangular screen, which is what Unity & Gnome look like, then can expect something from Apple. Especially if it gains any traction in the market.




You've experienced stability problems with Ubuntu? I wasn't a fan of Unity, but the OS has always been perfectly stable. Linux on the desktop never has had any discernible market share though, every distro has tried for years.

Edit - To clarify, I didn't like Unity, but Gnome 3 was also a train wreck. Mint forked Gnome 2 into a project called Cinnamon, I think, because Gnome 3 was so bad. THG has a write up on Fedora 16 that covered it quite a bit.

ive had lockups with the os and instability with the browser even though parallel versions of mint didnt have those problems. mint seems to be much more stable than ubuntu, so i havent tried ubuntu recently

 

[OBLAMA2009]

this is a guaranteed failure, developers arent going to make apps for an obscure fourth os like ubuntu

 

[RavenSEAL]

this is a guaranteed failure, developers arent going to make apps for an obscure fourth os like ubuntu

It would be a direct port...not a separate entity. Meaning you WOULD be able to run anything that normally runs on Ubuntu, on a mobile device.

In other words, Ubuntu could be a feasible Tablet OS.

 

[Fox5]

this is a guaranteed failure, developers arent going to make apps for an obscure fourth os like ubuntu

Ubuntu demonstrated the ability to run android apps years ago...but they never released it due to some stability issues and such.

If they could perfect that, they could have a shot. They should probably partner with google or amazon to use their app stores though if they want success, which also kills the chance to monetize the project by using their own app store.

BTW, Firefox already has their own mobile phone in development with a real carrier signed on to use it.

 

[Jodell88]

this is a guaranteed failure, developers arent going to make apps for an obscure fourth os like ubuntu

You are underestimating the Ubuntu community.

 

[Mxster]

ive had lockups with the os and instability with the browser even though parallel versions of mint didnt have those problems. mint seems to be much more stable than ubuntu, so i havent tried ubuntu recently

This makes perfect sense, because Windows obviously has zero "lockups".

News flash: if an OS locks up, let's declare it unstable. Effin brilliant strategy, if you ask me.

 

[WelshBloke]

this is a guaranteed failure, developers arent going to make apps for an obscure fourth os like ubuntu

Isnt Android based on Linux?

If so wouldn't it be a not immense task to get existing Android apps running?

 

[OBLAMA2009]

Isnt Android based on Linux?

If so wouldn't it be a not immense task to get existing Android apps running?

but why would someone want to run androids apps that would be slower or more unstable on ubuntu, blackberry etc... why not just run android in the first place

 

[WelshBloke]

but why would someone want to run androids apps that would be slower or more unstable on ubuntu, blackberry etc... why not just run android in the first place

Ubuntu works on a desktop as well?

Plug your phone into a big monitor, connect a bluetooth mouse and keyboard and youve got a portable desktop.

Unplug everything and put it back in your pocket and youve got a smartphone again.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

Ubuntu could make a nice tablet os, it's lighter weight that Windows 8 and since many of the important linux apps are open source it should be easier to get them compiled for ARM. Ubuntu also already has a great package manager to distribute that software so they won't have to build a distribution system from the ground up.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

Ubuntu works on a desktop as well?

Plug your phone into a big monitor, connect a bluetooth mouse and keyboard and youve got a portable desktop.

Unplug everything and put it back in your pocket and youve got a smartphone again.

have you ever tried running ubuntu on arm? have you tried docked phones like photon or bionic? it really doesnt run very well at all.

 

[Mxster]

Ubuntu works on a desktop as well?

Plug your phone into a big monitor, connect a bluetooth mouse and keyboard and youve got a portable desktop.

Unplug everything and put it back in your pocket and youve got a smartphone again.

This would b immensely awesome.

 

[Bateluer]

have you ever tried running ubuntu on arm? have you tried docked phones like photon or bionic? it really doesnt run very well at all.

Ubuntu for Android isn't out yet. Videos of it running on Tegra 2s and OMAP4s are proof of concepts only, it'll be running on Tegra 4s, OMAP4s, and Snapdragon S4.5s and see substantial refinement before its actually available.