Ubuntu Smartphone

Canonical's smartphone-sized Ubuntu distribution hasn't had an official device to call home since release, but it won't have to live that nomadic existence for much longer. CEO Mark Shuttleworth tells CNET that his company has just signed its first Ubuntu handset deal; the Linux variant should ship with higher-end smartphones sometime in 2014, he says. While Shuttleworth isn't naming this initial customer, he adds that Canonical is negotiating phone deals with four "household brands." It's too soon to say whether or not Ubuntu will get enough support to compete against other mobile platforms, but the agreement suggests that the publicity from the ill-fated Ubuntu Edge campaign is paying off.

3 Reasons Why Ubuntu Smartphone Will Succeed

This year we should see the first Ubuntu smartphone launched with demo devices most likely being on display at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. As far as we know, China’s Meizu may be just one of the launch partners with more OEMs likely to join the party in no time at all. Here we want to explain why we think Ubuntu smartphone(s) will change the game for good.

1. One device to rule them all
Forget about your laptop. A high-end Ubuntu smartphone should be able to get you through the day. You will need a big screen when you want the desktop-like experience but that shouldn’t come as problem — you can get one of those pico projectors and have a full office in your pocket.
2. App support
While most nascent platforms struggle with app support, Ubuntu doesn’t have that problem. The popular Linux distribution already has a thriving eco-system and it’s just about optimizing these apps for a small screen experience. Many of the popular mobile apps have been already announced for Ubuntu Touch so we expect quite a few titles to choose from.
3. Great hardware
Ubuntu is a solid platform that requires solid hardware. If I had to bet, Ubuntu smartphones will all use quad-core chips to ensure great user experience. In its crowdfunding campaign, Canonical (the maker of Ubuntu) was trying to build a top-notch smartphone with best specs possible. The hope is they will require similar hardware from their OEM partners.