Ubuntu for Android turns smartphones into fully-fledged computers

The new Linux Ubuntu operating system allows docked Android smartphones to function as computers. The operating system will run on TVs, computers and mobile phones.

The launch marks the first time that the most popular version of the open-source Linux operating system has been made available on smartphones, and intends to take advantage of new technology to turn a phone into a computing hub when connected to a keyboard and monitor.

Although previous devices, such as Motorola’s Atrix, have tried to turn mobile phones into computers with laptop docks, the Ubuntu launch is the first to offer a single operating system which can run across phone, computer and connected Television sets. It is expected to run on top of the range super phones, such as Google’s Nexus devices, as well as feature phones.

When docked, the phone will function in the same way that a conventional computer does, and allow standard Linux programmes to run.

The new OS also provides what makers Canonical call a “distinctive” smartphone interface that includes apps which are more fully integrated into the operating system. “Ubuntu uniquely gives handset [manufacturers] and mobile operators the capability to converge phone, PC and thin client into a single enterprise superphone,” the company added.

In an approach similar to that used by Google’s Android operating system, Ubuntu for Android is also easy for phone makers to adapt. It allows thumb gestures from all four corners of the screen to switch between apps and allow users to find content, a global search similar to that found on Windows 8 tablets, voice and text commands, compatibility with both native and web apps and personalized home screens.

The device targets users who want the latest devices, and – possibly more successfully - the “entry-level basic smartphones”. It intends to help “operators grow the use of data amongst consumers who generally use only the phone and messaging but who might start the use of internet and email on their phone”.

It could also be an attractive option to corporate clients who are turning away from BlackBerry but want secure, unified features across PCs and phones.

“We expect Ubuntu to be popular in the enterprise market, enabling customers to provision a single secure device for all PC, thin client and phone functions. Ubuntu is already the most widely used Linux enterprise desktop, with customers in a wide range of sectors focused on security, cost and manageability” 

Jane Silber, CEO of Canonical.

“We also see an opportunity in basic smartphones that are used for the phone, SMS, web and email, where Ubuntu outperforms thanks to its native core apps and stylish presentation.”

Jane Silber

“We are defining a new era of convergence in technology, with one unified operating system which underpins cloud computing, data centers, PCs and consumer electronics” 

Mark Shuttleworth, Founder of Ubuntu and VP Products at Canonical.

Over 20 million desktop computers currently run Ubuntu, and Canonical claims that close to 10 % of the world’s new desktops and laptops will ship with Ubuntu in 2014. The OS is most popular in servers, however, and the phone is likely to take some time before it is offered to consumers.