Ubuntu Smartphones Launching in October

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App developers can work with OS on Samsung's Galaxy Nexus.

Ubuntu's open-source mobile operating system has been confirmed for a launch on smartphones during October 2013.

Mark Shuttleworth, the founder and CEO of Canonical, the company behind the OS, said the first Ubuntu OS smartphones will be available in October, while app developers will receive access to the platform later this month.

The smartphones that will run Ubuntu's OS have yet to be revealed, but app developers can work on the platform via Samsung's Galaxy Nexus. Shuttleworth said the upcoming mobile operating system will be available in two large geographic markets in October, but he failed to specify which ones. He did, however, state that North America is "absolutely a key market for Ubuntu."

The platform itself has apparently received interest from carriers, but Shuttleworth declined to reveal carrier or handset partners for Ubuntu.

Ubuntu for smartphones will utilize native apps, consequently allowing developers to create a single app for both the desktop and the PC, which will allow users to easily switch between devices. For more on the platform, head on over to our hands-on CES 2013 impressions.

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14 Comments Comment from the forums
  • wannabepro
    I would definitely be interested if it has a good app selection, low power usage, and speedy boot.
    Android has to be rooted and becomes fragmented very quickly..
    Reply
  • CaptainTom
    Wait. Could this run STEAM for linux?! Left For Dead 2 on the go!!!!
    Reply
  • susyque747
    Sweet
    Reply
  • the_crippler
    CaptainTomWait. Could this run STEAM for linux?! Left For Dead 2 on the go!!!!
    My god, man - that's so crazy it just might work.
    Reply
  • wannabepro
    CaptainTomWait. Could this run STEAM for linux?! Left For Dead 2 on the go!!!!That would be awesome!
    You could probably install it on tablets, etc.
    Reply
  • CaptainTomWait. Could this run STEAM for linux?! Left For Dead 2 on the go!!!!
    except L4D2 has been made to run on x86 Linux, not ARM, would require a lot more work
    Reply
  • CaptainTom
    10433929 said:
    except L4D2 has been made to run on x86 Linux, not ARM, would require a lot more work

    Well that's the thing though. My question is if this is 100% compatible with standard linux or if it is like lame mobile windows 8?

    Again, imagine if the next version of mobile windows was 100% compatible with standard programs. You could use a mini hdmi to plug your phone into a tv and then play your PC games ANYWHERE. I would love this...
    Reply
  • tntom
    developers to create a single app for both the desktop and the PC

    Not sure how these two are different or what they have to do with a smartphone?

    Will it run Android apps? Will it have an emulator for Android apps? How will they get developers? I really dislike Ubuntu's desktop. Xubuntu or Xfce is much better. I do like Unity's task bar (very Win7 like) but the lack of traditional start menu makes it useless for me.

    Funny how Ubuntu is doing what I hoped MS would do with Win8 and WP8 but instead we end up with three distinct OS's.
    Reply
  • house70
    IF this will be able to run Android apps natively, they won't even need to make their own apps.
    Reply
  • TheBigTroll
    actually like this OS from the looks of it more than android. much simplier and is basically linux ported onto a phone.
    Reply